1,2,4-trichlorobenzene (1,2,4-TCB) is used as a dye carrier, an intermediate in the syn[hesis of herbicides, aflame retardant, and for other purpose. After a single oral administration of 1,2,4-TCB (200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg) in rats, toxic effects were studied by means of serum biochemical and hematological analysis, and liver calcium concentration. Administration of 1,2,4-TCB resulted in dose-dependent manner liver and kidney damage being suggested by increased serum alanine aminbtransferase (ALT) activities, liver calcium concentration and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Pretreatment with DL-buthionine sulfoximine (BSO, 2 mmol/kg, i.p.) considerably decreased liver glatathione concentration, which was accompanied by markedly elevated serum ALT activites. It is well-known that toxicity of halogenated benzene such as bromobenzene, 1,4-dichlorobenzene is increased by pretreatment of phenobarbital, and protected by pretreatment of cytochrorn P450 inhibitor including metyrapone. However, there were no obvious alterations in toxicity of 1,2,4-TCB by pretreatment of phenobarbital or metyrapone. In comparison with control group, treatment groups exhibited significant changes in some parameters of hematological analysis but all hematological values remained within normal ranges.