The cytotoxicity of 2-bromoethanol towards hepatocytes isolated from rats was concentration-dependent (EC(50)100 mu M, 2 hr). Bromoacetaldehyde was more toxic (EC(50)60 mu M, 2 hr) and bromoacetic acid was less toxic (EC(50)150 mu M, 2 hr). Glutathione (GSH) depletion occurred before cytotoxicity