Oral (drinking water) two-generation reproductive toxicity study of dibromoacetic acid (DBA) in rats.

In a two-generation study of dibromoacetic acid (DBA), Crl SD rats (30 rats/sex/group/generation) were provided DBA in drinking water at 0 (reverse osmosis-deionized water), 50, 250, and 650 ppm (0, 4.4 to 11.6, 22.4 to 55.6, and 52.4 to 132.0 mg/kg/day, respectively; human intake approximates 0.1 microg/kg/day [0.0001 mg/kg/day]). Observations included viability, clinical signs, water and feed consumption, body and organ weights, histopathology, and reproductive parameters (mating, fertility, abortions, premature deliveries, durations of gestation, litter sizes, sex ratios and viabilities, maternal behaviors, reproductive organ weights, sperm parameters and implantation sites, sexual maturation). Histopathological evaluations were performed on at least 10 P and F1 rats/sex at 0 and 650 ppm (gross lesions, testes, intact epididymis; 10 F1 dams at 0, 250, and 650 ppm for primordial follicles). Developmental observations included implantations, pup numbers, sexes, viabilities, body weights, morphology, and reproductive performance. At 50 ppm and higher, both sexes and generations had increased absolute and relative liver and kidneys weights, and female rats in both generations had reduced absolute and relative adrenal weights; adrenal changes were probably associated with physiological changes in water balance. The livers and kidneys (10/sex/group/generation) had no histopathological changes. Other minimal effects at 50 ppm were reduced water consumption and a transient reduction in body weight. At 250 and 650 ppm, DBA reduced parental water consumption, body weight gains, body weights, feed consumption, and pup body weights. P and F1 generation male rats at 250 and 650 ppm had altered sperm production (retained step 19 spermatids in stages IX and X tubules sometimes associated with residual bodies) and some epididymal tubule changes (increased amounts of exfoliated spermatogenic cells/residual bodies in epididymal tubules, atrophy, and hypospermia), although inconsistently and at much lower incidences. Unilateral abnormalities of the epididymis (small or absent epididymis) at 650 ppm in four F1 generation male rats were considered reproductive tract malformations. The no-observable-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) and reproductive and developmental NOAELs for DBA were at least 50 ppm (4.5 to 11.6 mg/kg/day), 45,000 to 116,000 times the human adult exposure level. Reproductive and developmental effects did not occur in female rats exposed to DBA concentrations as high as 650 ppm. Based on the high multiples of human exposure required to produce effects in male rats, DBA should not be identified as a human reproductive or developmental risk.

Oral (drinking water) two-generation reproductive toxicity study of bromodichloromethane (BDCM) in rats.

Bromodichloromethane (BDCM) was tested for reproductive toxicity in a two-generation study in CRL SD rats. Thirty rats/sex/ group/generation were continuously provided BDCM in drinking water at 0 (control carrier, reverse osmosis membrane-processed water), 50,150, and 450 ppm (0, 4.1 to 12.6, 11.6 to 40.2, and 29.5 to 109.0 mg/kg/day, respectively). Adult human intake approximates 0.8 microg/kg/day (0.0008 mg/kg/day). P and F1 rats were observed for general toxicity (viability, clinical signs, water and feed consumption, body weights, organ weights [also three weanling Fl and F2 pups/sex/litter], histopathology [10/sex, 0- and 450-ppm exposure groups]) and reproduction (mating, fertility, abortions, premature deliveries, durations of gestation, litter sizes, sex ratios, viabilities, maternal behaviors, reproductive organ weights [also three weanling Fl and F2 pups/sex/ litter], sperm parameters, and implantations. F1 rats were evaluated for age at vaginal patency or preputial separation. Ten P and F1 rats/sex from the 0- and 450-ppm exposure groups and rats at 50 and 150 ppm with reduced fertility were evaluated for histopathology (gross lesions, testes, intact epididymis, all F1 dams for number of primordial follicles). Developmental parameters in offspring included implantation and pup numbers, sexes, viabilities, body weights, gross external alterations, and reproductive parameters (Fl adults). Toxicologically important, statistically significant effects at 150 and/or 450 ppm included mortality and clinical signs associated with reduced absolute and relative water consumption, reduced body weights and weight gains, and reduced absolute and relative feed consumption (P and F1 rats). Significantly reduced body weights at 150 and 450 ppm were associated with reduced organ weights and increased organ weight ratios (% body and/or brain weight). Histopathology did not identify abnormalities. Small delays in sexual maturation (preputial separation, vaginal patency) and more Fl rats with prolonged diestrus were also attributable to severely reduced pup body weights. Mating, fertility, sperm parameters, and primordial ovarian follicular counts were unaffected. The no-observable-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) and the reproductive and developmental NOAELs for BDCM were at least 50 ppm (4.1 to 12.6 mg/kg/day), 5125 to 15,750 times the human adult exposure level, if delayed sexual maturational associated with severely reduced body weights is considered reproductive toxicity. If considered general toxicity, reproductive and developmental NOAELs for BDCM are greater than 450 ppm (29.5 to 109.0 mg/kg/day), or 36,875 to 136,250 times the human adult exposure level. Regardless, these data indicate that BDCM should not be identified as a risk to human reproductive performance or development of human conceptuses.

Two-generation reproduction study of ammonium perchlorate in drinking water in rats evaluates thyroid toxicity.

Perchlorate is an inorganic ion that has recently been detected in drinking water supplies throughout the country, but little is known about its effects on reproductive function. This two-generation reproductive study examines the effects of ammonium perchlorate on the male and female reproductive systems in rats, and on the growth and development of offspring. Adult Sprague-Dawley rats (30/sex/group) were given continuous access to ammonium perchlorate in their drinking water at doses of 0, 0.3, 3.0, and 30.0 mg/kg-day. F1 generation rats were given the same ammonium perchlorate doses as their respective P1 generation sires and dams beginning at weaning and continuing through the day of sacrifice. Standard reproductive parameters were evaluated; blood was collected for determination of serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) levels. Histopathological examination was conducted on major tissues, including the thyroid. No significant changes in developmental parameters were observed. In the F1 generation adult rats, relative thyroid weights were significantly increased in all dose groups for female rats and in the 3.0 and 30.0 mg/kg-day dose groups for male rats. Histopathologic changes in the thyroid consisted of hypertrophy and hyperplasia that increased in incidence and severity in a dose-related manner. Dose-related, statistically significant changes in TSH and T4 or T3 occurred at doses higher than those that resulted in changes in thyroid weight and thyroid histopathology, 30 mg/kg-day. Thus, perchlorate is not a reproductive toxicant in rats when administered in the drinking water at doses up to 30 mg/kg-day, but it can affect the thyroid at doses > or =3 mg/kg-day. Based on these findings, 0.3 mg/kg-day is identified to be the no-observable-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for this study.

Oral (drinking water) developmental toxicity study of ammonium perchlorate in New Zealand White rabbits.

This developmental toxicity study was conducted to evaluate the embryo-fetal toxicity and teratogenic potential of ammonium perchlorate in New Zealand White [Hra:(NZW)SPF] rabbits. Pregnant rabbits were given continual access to ammonium perchlorate in drinking water at target doses of 0, 0.1, 1.0, 10.0, 30.0, and 100.0 mg/kg-day on gestation days 6 through 28. The actual consumed doses in the study were 0, 0.1, 0.9, 10.4, 30.3, and 102.3 mg/kg-day. The rabbits were sacrificed on gestation day 29, and fetuses were examined for developmental alterations. In addition, blood was collected from does for determination of serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) levels and the thyroid was subjected to histopathologic examination. No maternal deaths were attributed to perchlorate exposure. Ammonium perchlorate as high as 100.0 mg/kg-day did not affect caesarean sectioning or litter parameters studied, and all values were found to be within the historical ranges of the laboratory. The litter averages for corpora lutea, implantations, litter sizes, live and dead fetuses, percent dead or resorbed conceptuses, and fetal body weights were comparable and also did not differ significantly in the six dose groups. All placentae appeared normal and no dam had a litter consisting of only resorbed conceptuses. The maternal thyroid was the target organ for ammonium perchlorate in this study. Increased incidence of thyroid follicular hypertrophy was observed in does treated with > or =10 mg/kg-day perchlorate and significantly decreased T4 was observed in does treated with > or =30 mg/kg-day. Based on these data, the maternal no-observable-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for ammonium perchlorate was 1.0 mg/kg-day. The developmental NOAEL for ammonium perchlorate was found to be 100.0 mg/kg-day for rabbits.

Oral (drinking water) developmental toxicity studies of bromodichloromethane (BDCM) in rats and rabbits.

Crl:CD(SD)IGS BR VAF/Plus (Crl SD) rats and Hra(NZW) SPF rabbits were tested for potential developmental toxicity from bromodichloromethane (BDCM) provided continuously in the drinking water during gestation (gestation days [GDs] 6 to 21 in rats and GDs 6 to 29 in rabbits). Concentrations of 0, 50, 150, 450, or 900 ppm of BDCM were used for rats; 0, 15, 150, 450, or 900 ppm were used for rabbits (in dose range-finding studies, 1350 ppm was excessively maternotoxic to both species). Investigated maternal parameters included viability, clinical signs, water and feed consumption, and body weights. Maternal gross lesions, gravid uterine weights, abnormal placentas, and numbers of corpora lutea, implantation sites, live and dead fetuses, and early and late resorptions were observed at time of Caesarean sectioning (GD 21 in rats; GD 29 in rabbits). Body weights, sex ratios, and morphological abnormalities (external, soft tissue, and skeletal) were noted in the fetuses. Mean consumed doses of BDCM were calculated to be 0, 2.2, 18.4, 45.0, or 82.0 mg/kg/day for the rats, and 0, 1.4, 13.4, 35.6, or 55.3 mg/kg/day for the rabbits (approximate human intake is 0.8 microg/kg/day [0.0008 mg/kg/day] in adults). In pregnant rats, toxicologically important, statistically significant effects included reduced absolute (g/day) and relative (g/kg/day) water consumption values at > or =50 ppm (2.2 mg/kg/day) and reduced body weight gains (also when corrected for gravid uterine weight) and absolute (g/day) and relative (g/kg/day) feed consumption values at >450 ppm (45.0 mg/kg/day). These parameters were also significantly reduced at > or =450 ppm (35.6 mg/kg/day) in pregnant rabbits (significant weight loss occurred in the rabbits at 900 ppm, i.e., 55.3 mg/kg/day). Thus, the maternal no-observable-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for BDCM was 150 ppm, i.e., 18.4 and 13.4 mg/kg/day in rats and rabbits, respectively. No adverse effects on embryofetal viability, growth, sex ratio, gross external, soft tissue, or skeletal morphology occurred at 900 ppm in rats or rabbits. Minimal delays in the ossification of forepaw phalanges and hindpaw metatarsals and phalanges occurred in rat fetuses at 900 ppm; delays were considered marginal, reversible, and associated with severely reduced maternal weight gain. Therefore, the developmental NOAEL for rats was 450 ppm (45.0 mg/kg/day), whereas in rabbits it was 900 ppm (55.3 mg/kg/day). These NOAELs are 56,250 and 69,120 times the human adult exposure level of 0.0008 mg/kg/day, respectively. Based on the results of these studies, BDCM should not be identified as a risk to development of human conceptuses.

Biodisposition of dibromoacetic acid (DBA) and bromodichloromethane (BDCM) administered to rats and rabbits in drinking water during range-finding reproduction and developmental toxicity studies.

Dibromoacetic acid (DBA) and bromodichloromethane (BDCM), by-products of chlorine disinfection of water, were provided in drinking water in range-finding reproductive/developmental toxicity studies (rats) and a developmental toxicity study (BDCM) in rabbits. Studies included absorption and biodisposition of DBA and BDCM, including passage into placentas, amniotic fluid, fetuses (rats and rabbits), or milk (rats). The DBA and BDCM range-finding reproductive/developmental toxicity studies each included 50 Sprague-Dawley rats/sex/group. DBA (0, 125, 250, 500, or 1000 ppm) or BDCM (0, 50, 150, 450, or 1350 ppm) was provided in drinking water 14 days premating through gestation and lactation (63 to 70 days). The developmental toxicity range-finding study included 25 time-mated New Zealand white rabbits/group given 0, 50, 150, 450, or 1350 ppm BDCM in drinking water on gestation days (GDs) 6 through 29. Satellite groups (6 male, 17 female rats/group/study and 4 rabbits/group) were used for bioanalytical sampling. Rats and rabbits had exposure-related reduced water consumption caused by apparent taste aversion to DBA or BDCM, especially in the parental animals at the two highest exposure levels (500 and 1000 ppm DBA; 450 and 1350 ppm BDCM). Female rats consumed slightly higher mg/kg/day doses of DBA than male rats, especially during gestation and lactation; weanling rats consumed the highest mg/kg/day doses. DBA produced detectable and quantifiable concentrations in plasma, placentas, amniotic fluid, and milk. Plasma samples confirmed that rats drink predominately during the dark; this drinking pattern, not accumulation, produced detectable plasma concentrations for 18 to 24 hours/day. No quantifiable concentrations of BDCM occurred in plasma, placentas, amniotic fluid, or milk, suggesting that BDCM is rapidly degraded or metabolized in vivo. DBA (500 and 1000 ppm, rats) and BDCM (450 and 1350 ppm, rats and rabbits) produced secondary toxicity in the parental generation by reducing water consumption, which caused severe exposure-related apparent dehydration, reduced feed intake and weight gain. Reproductive and developmental parameters were essentially unaffected (mating possibly reduced [DBA at 1000 ppm]; exposure-related decreases in body weights of pups secondary to reduced water and feed consumption [DBA at 250, 500, and 1000 ppm; BDCM at 150, 450, and 1350 ppm]). No effects on development of rabbit fetuses occurred at BDCM concentrations as high as 1350 ppm. Results from these preliminary studies, in which DBA and BDCM were provided in the drinking water at concentrations thousands of times higher than those to which humans are exposed, suggest that neither DBA nor BDCM are reproductive/developmental risks for humans.

Rat and rabbit oral developmental toxicology studies with two perfluorinated compounds.

Developmental toxicology (teratology) studies were done on two perfluorinated compounds-perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and 2-(N-ethylperfluorooctanesulfonamido)ethyl alcohol (N-EtFOSE) in rats and rabbits. Dose selection for these oral developmental toxicity studies were based upon dose-range study results. Dose levels of 0, 1, 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg/day were used for the rat N-EtFOSE study, and dose levels of 0, 0.1, 1.0, 2.5, and 3.75 mg/kg/day were used for both the PFOS and the N-EtFOSE rabbit studies. Although no compound-related deaths occurred in the dosed pregnant females on the developmental toxicity studies, maternal toxicity (reduced body weight gain and feed consumption) was present at higher dose levels in all three studies. At high maternally toxic doses, associated effects occurred in the conceptuses--increased abortions in PFOS and N-EtFOSE rabbits, reduced fetal weights in N-EtFOSE rats and PFOS rabbits, and increased late resorptions in N-EtFOSE rabbits. Detailed external gross, soft tissue, and skeletal fetal examinations failed to reveal any compound-related malformations in either species. Similar results, that is, only effects associated with maternal toxicity, had been found in previously conducted PFOS rat developmental toxicity studies. It was concluded that these perfluorinated compounds were not selective developmental toxicants in either rats or rabbits.

Lack of effects of nose-only inhalation exposure on testicular toxicity in male rats.

Reductions in testicular mass, sperm motility, and mating frequency have been attributed to the stresses caused by confinement of Sprague-Dawley male rats in nose-only inhalation exposure tubes. Testicular changes, including an increase in testicular atrophy, have been detected at an increased incidence in male rats used in inhalation studies as compared with rats of the same age and strain used in oral toxicity studies. This study was designed to determine whether nose-only exposure of male rats caused testicular toxicity under conditions of cooling of the exposure room and appropriate acclimation to the exposure tubes. In order to acclimate the rats to the nose-only inhalation exposure apparatus, all male rats were placed in the exposure tubes for at least four successively increasing time intervals (15, 30, 45, and 60 min) on 4 separate days, with a rest period of approximately 48 h between the first and second acclimation. Twenty male rats were exposed nose-only to filtered air for approximately 2 h per day for 28 days before cohabitation and continuing throughout a 14-day cohabitation period. To reduce thermal stress, the exposure room temperature was maintained at 64 to 70 degrees F. Twenty control rats were housed in the same room as the exposed rats but were not placed in exposure tubes. End points monitored were body weight, testicular weight, sperm count, sperm motility, and histopathology of the testes, epididymides, prostate, and seminal vesicles. The control rats gained weight more rapidly than the exposed rats. All the rats in both groups mated successfully, and testicular weights, normalized to body weight, were similar for both groups. More importantly, there were no microscopic changes that could be considered an adverse effect on the reproductive tissues in the male rats placed in exposure tubes. Thus, nose-only exposure for up to 2 h per day for a total of 42 days did not cause adverse effects on the reproductive organs, fertility, or reproductive performance of male rats under the conditions of this study.

Terminology of developmental abnormalities in common laboratory mammals (version 1).

This paper presents the first version of an internationally-developed glossary of terms for structural developmental abnormalities in common laboratory animals. The glossary is put forward by the International Federation of Teratology Societies (IFTS) Committee on International Harmonization of Nomenclature in Developmental Toxicology, and represents considerable progress toward harmonization of terminology in this area. The purpose of this effort is to provide a common vocabulary that will reduce confusion and ambiguity in the description of developmental effects, particularly in submissions to regulatory agencies worldwide. The glossary contains a primary term or phrase, a definition of the abnormality, and notes, where appropriate. Selected synonyms or related terms, which reflect a similar or closely related concept, are noted. Nonpreferred terms are indicated where their usage may be incorrect. Modifying terms used repeatedly in the glossary (e.g., absent, branched) are listed and defined separately, instead of repeating their definitions for each observation. Syndrome names are generally excluded from the glossary, but are listed separately in an appendix. The glossary is organized into broad sections for external, visceral, and skeletal observations, then subdivided into regions, structures, or organs in a general overall head to tail sequence. Numbering is sequential, and not in any regional or hierarchical order. Uses and misuses of the glossary are discussed. Comments, questions, suggestions, and additions from practitioners in the field of developmental toxicology are welcomed on the organization of the glossary as well as on the specific terms and definitions. Updates of the glossary are planned based on the comments received.

[Reproductive and developmental toxicity studies of (+/-)-4-diethylamino-1,1-dimethylbut-2-yn-1-yl 2-cyclohexyl-2-hydroxy-2-phenylacetate monohydrochloride monohydrate(NS-21), a novel drug for urinary frequency and incontinence (1). Fertility study in rats by oral administration].

Fertility and developmental toxicity study of (+/-)-4-diethylamino-1,1-dimethylbut-2-yn-1-yl 2-cyclohexyl-2-hydroxy-2-phenylacetate monohydrochloride monohydrate (NS-21), a new drug for the treatment of urinary frequency and incontinence, was conducted in Crl:CD rats. Male rats were given NS-21 orally from 60 days before mating to the day of necropsy, and female rats were given NS-21 orally from 14 days before mating to day 7 of pregnancy. The dose levels for both males and females were 0 (control), 2, 30 and 500 mg/kg. On day 20 of pregnancy, the females were sacrificed and their fetuses examined. At the 500 mg/kg dosage level, one male and one female died. Salivation and dilated pupils occurred at the 30 and 500 mg/kg dosage levels, and rales occurred at 500 mg/kg. Body weights and food consumption were decreased, and water consumption was increased in both males and females at the 500 mg/kg dosage level. Decreases in the numbers of corpora lutea and implantations per litter and a lower number of live fetuses per litter were found at the 500 mg/kg dosage level. However, the incidence and number of postimplantation loss per litter were comparable among the treatment and control groups. These results demonstrate that the NOAEL (no observed adverse effect level) of NS-21 is 2 mg/kg for general toxicity in parental animals, and 30 mg/kg for reproductive function of the parent animals and for embryo-fetal development.

[Reproductive and developmental toxicity studies of (+/-)-4-diethylamino-1,1-dimethylbut-2-yn-1-yl 2-cyclohexyl-2-hydroxy-2-phenylacetate monohydrochloride monohydrate(NS-21), a novel drug for urinary frequency and incontinence (2). Teratogenicity study in rats by oral administration].

A study of teratogenicity and developmental toxicity of (+/-)-4-diethylamino-1,1-dimethylbut-2-yn-1-yl 2-cyclohexyl-2-hydroxy-2-phenylacetate monohydrochloride monohydrate (NS-21), a new drug for the treatment of urinary frequency and incontinence, was conducted in Crl:CD rats. Female rats were given NS-21 orally at dose levels of 0 (control), 2, 25 and 300 mg/kg from day 7 to day 17 of pregnancy. Twenty-two female rats per dose level were sacrificed on day 20 of pregnancy for examination of their fetuses, and the remaining pregnant rats (twenty-three per dose level) were allowed to deliver naturally for postnatal examination of their offspring. At the 300 mg/kg dosage level, rales, partially closed eyes and reduced activity were observed in pregnant rats. Decreases in body weight gain, food consumption and water consumption were observed in the dams at the 300 mg/kg dosage level. Fetal body weights were decreased at the 300 mg/kg dosage level. The drug never altered the numbers of corpora lutea and implantations, fetal mortality, the number of live fetuses, sex ratio, placental weight, and external, visceral and skeletal development of fetuses. NS-21 did not affect the delivery of dams, the number of live newborns, birth index, body weight or survival index. Nor did NS-21 have any adverse effect on the postnatal development of the offspring, including physical and functional development, emotionality, motor activity, learning ability and reproductive performance. These results demonstrate that the NOAEL (no observed adverse effect level) of NS-21 is 25 mg/kg for general toxicity in mother animals. 300 mg/kg for reproductive function in mother animal and 25 mg/kg for developmental toxicity.

[Reproductive and developmental toxicity studies of (+/-)-4-diethylamino-1,1-dimethylbut-2-yn-1-yl 2-cyclohexyl-2-hydroxy-2-phenylacetate monohydrochloride monohydrate(NS-21), a novel drug for urinary frequency and incontinence (3). Teratogenicity study in rabbits by oral administration].

A study of the effect of (+/-)-4-diethylamino-1,1-dimethylbut-2-yn-1-yl 2-cyclohexyl-2-hydroxy-2-phenylacetate monohydrochloride monohydrate (NS-21), a new drug for the treatment of urinary frequency and incontinence, was conducted in New Zealand White rabbits during the period of fetal organogenesis. Female rabbits were given NS-21 orally at dose levels of 0 (control), 2, 10 and 50 mg/kg from day 6 to day 18 of pregnancy. Female rabbits were sacrificed on day 29 of pregnancy for examination of their fetuses. Five does in the 10 mg/kg dosage group and one doe in the 50 mg/kg dosage group died or were sacrificed in moribund condition. Two does in the control group died. Lacrimation and convulsion were observed in the 10 and 50 mg/kg groups, and no or soft stool was observed in the 50 mg/kg dosage group. Body weight gain, food and water consumptions were decreased in the 50 mg/kg dosage group. There were no effects of NS-21 in necropsy findings at cesarean sections in does at any dosage level. Developmental toxicity of fetuses was not apparent at any dosage level. These results demonstrate that the NOAEL (no observed adverse effect level) of NS-21 is 2 mg/kg for maternal toxicity and 50 mg/kg for fetal toxicity.

[Reproductive and developmental toxicity studies of (+/-)-4-diethylamino-1,1-dimethylbut-2-yn-1-yl 2-cyclohexyl-2-hydroxy-2-phenylacetate monohydrochloride monohydrate(NS-21), a novel drug for urinary frequency and incontinence (4). Perinatal and postnatal study in rats by oral administration].

A study of the effect of (+/-)-4-diethylamino-1,1-dimethylbut-2-yn-1-yl 2-cyclohexyl-2-hydroxy-2-phenylacetate monohydrochloride monohydrate (NS-21), a new drug for the treatment of urinary frequency and incontinence, was conducted in Crl:CD rats during the perinatal and lactational periods. Female rats(thirty-three per dose level) were given NS-21 orally at dose levels of 0 (control), 2, 25 and 300 mg/kg from day 17 of pregnancy to day 21 after delivery. All pregnant rats were allowed to deliver naturally for postnatal examination of their offspring. At the 300 mg/kg dosage level, reduced activity, salivation and rales were observed in dams, and five dams died. Decreases in body weight gain, food consumption and water consumption were also observed in the dams at the 300 mg/kg. The number of remaining implantation sites was increased at 300 mg/kg, indicating fetal mortality. The number of live newborns, birth index and survival index at the birth were decreased at the 300 mg/kg dosage level. Reduced activity, paleness in color and/or discoloration were observed for many pups at the 300 mg/kg on lactation day 0. Body weights of male and female offspring at the birth were also decreased at the 300 mg/kg dosage group. Survival index at the 4 days was decreased at the 300 mg/kg dosage level. Body weight gains of male and female offspring were decreased at the 300 mg/kg during the lactational period and after weaning. NS-21 did not affect the postnatal development of the offspring, including physical and functional development, motor activity, emotionality, learning ability and reproductive performance. These results demonstrate that the NOAEL (no observed adverse effect level) of NS-21 is 25 mg/kg for general toxicity and reproductive function in mother rats and 25 mg/kg for developmental toxicity of their offspring.

Maternal reproductive effects of oral salicylic acid in Sprague-Dawley rats.

Clinical and experimental evidence indicates that exposure to relative ly large doses of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) prolongs parturition. However, little is known about the dose-response relationship for salicylate-related effects on labor and gestation. As well, the relative potency of salicylic acid (SA) as compared with ASA for these reproductive effects has not been well investigated. This study was designed to define a dose-response relationship for salicylic acid (SA) effects on labor and gestation times in Sprague-Dawley rats. Pregnant females received oral doses of 20,80, or 200 mg/kg/day sodium salicylate, or 260 mg/kg/day acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), as a positive control, on days 15 through 21 of gestation (sperm positive = day 0). Onset of labor was followed in each animal beginning on day 21 of gestation. The data failed to demonstrate a substantial potency difference between ASA and SA but some differences in toxicity were observed. Relative to controls, gestation times were unaffected by SA. SA treatment resulted in a dose-related trend towards increased duration of labor which was statistically significant at 200 mg/kg/day of SA. ASA treatment of pregnant females resulted in both prolonged labor and gestation times. Both the highest administered dose of SA and ASA treatment contributed to increased maternal peripartum death. Overall, the study confirms a dose-response relationship for SA-induced maternal reproductive effects and supports a no observable effect level (NOEL) for this compound of 80 mg/kg/day for adverse effects on parturition.

Intravenous reproductive and developmental toxicity studies of cimadronate (YM175), a novel bisphosphonate, in rats and rabbits.

Cimadronate (YM175) is a novel bisphosphonate with potent inhibitory activity on bone resorption under development for the treatment of tumor-induced hypercalcemia, metastatic bone disease and osteoporosis. We conducted intravenous reproductive toxicity and teratology studies (Segment I, II and III) of this compound in rats and teratology study in rabbits. The test compound was dissolved in physiological saline, which was also given as the vehicle control. Rats were administered at a dosage of 0.06, 0.16 and 0.62 mg/kg/day in the male Segment I study. Dose levels in the other studies in rats including the female Segment I were 0.16, 0.31 and 0.62 mg/kg/day. In the Segment I study, no treatment-related abnormalities were observed in reproductive parameters or fetuses. In the Segment II study, slightly retarded fetal ossification was noted at 0.31 mg/kg/day or more, but the incidence of malformation did not increase. In the Segment III study, death of the dams and abnormal tooth growth of offspring were observed at 0.16 mg/kg/day or more. Further Segment III study showed that the no toxic effect level was 0.003 mg/kg/day. In the rabbit teratology study, dose levels were 0.01, 0.025 or 0.05 mg/kg/day. No toxic effects on pregnant females or their litters were observed at up to 0.05 mg/kg/day.

Ten and ninety-day toxicity studies of 1,2-dichloroethane in Sprague-Dawley rats.

Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats received 1,2-dichloroethane in corn oil by gavage for 10 or 90 consecutive days. The doses for the 10-day study were 10, 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg; the 90-day study doses were 37.5, 75, and 150 mg/kg. There were ten animals per sex per dose group. In the 10-day study, all female animals died in the high dose group and only 2 of 10 males survived. Final body weights and weight gain along with hematology and clinical chemistry findings were not different from controls. The only relative organ weight which was significantly different was the liver in males exposed to 100 mg/kg. The main histopathological lesion exhibited was multifocal to diffuse inflammation of the mucosal and submucosal layers of the forestomach in the 100 mg/kg dose group. This change was minimal in both males and females. In the 90-day study there were no treatment-related effects pertaining to clinical observations. Body weight gain and total food consumption were significantly decreased in high dose males. There were slight but significant differences in hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cell count, platelets, albumin, and alkaline phosphatase values in the 75 and/or 150 mg/kg groups in one or both sexes. In males, relative brain, kidney, and liver weights were significantly increased at 75 and 150 mg/kg. There were also differences in spleen, adrenal, and testes weights (absolute and/or relative). In females, absolute and/or relative kidney and liver weights were significantly increased at 150 mg/kg (liver) and at 75 and 150 mg/kg (kidney). There were no apparent treatment-related effects pertaining to mortality, ophthalmology, gross pathology, or histopathology.

Quaternary silsesquioxane: a developmental toxicity study in rats.

The developmental toxicity of an antimicrobial organosilicon quaternary ammonium chloride (Quaternary Silsesquioxane) was evaluated in rats. Groups of 25 pregnant CD rats were administered 100, 300, or 1000 mg/kg/day of test material by gavage as a single daily dose on Days 6 through 15 of gestation at a volume of 10 ml/kg. The control group received only corn oil as the vehicle. Cesarean examinations were performed on all females on Gestation Day 20 followed by evaluation of the fetuses for teratogenicity. Maternal effects included a slight but statistically significant increase in relative liver weights at the 1000 mg/kg/day dose level. Using these hepatic changes as an adverse effect, the maternal no observable adverse effect level for this study was identified at 300 mg/kg/day. The number of corpora lutea, implantation sites, viable fetuses, and early and late resorptions, the fetal body weights, the crown-rump length, and the gravid uterine and corrected body weights were not affected by the administration of Quat-Silsesquioxane. The occurrence of external and internal soft tissue malformations and variations and the incidences of skeletal malformations and variations in the treated groups were not significantly different from those in the control group. These results demonstrated that oral administration of Quat-Silsesquioxane as high as 1000 mg/kg/day did not produce teratogenicity or other indications of developmental toxicity in the rat conceptus.

Ten and ninety-day toxicity studies of 2,4-dimethylphenol in Sprague-Dawley rats.

Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats received 2,4-dimethylphenol daily by gavage for 10 or 90 consecutive days. The 10-day acute study doses were 0, 60, 120, 600 and 1200 mg/kg; the 90-day subchronic study doses were 0, 60, 180 and 540 mg/kg. Corn oil was used as the vehicle. In the 10-day study, all the high dose animals died. At 600 mg/kg there was a significant increase in relative liver weight in females and several significant alterations in hematologic and clinical chemistry values in both sexes. Histopathological examination revealed changes associated with the forestomach in all dose groups. The 90-day study had numerous compound-related deaths at the 540 mg/kg level. In addition, the final body weight in high dose males and females was significantly less while absolute lung weights and relative liver weights in females, and relative brain, kidney and testes weights in males were also altered. Significant clinical chemistry findings in high dose animals (540 mg/kg) included reduced creatinine and increased cholesterol in both sexes, with increased triglycerides and decreased AST in males only. Histopathologic evaluation revealed hyperkeratosis and epithelial hyperplasia of the forestomach in males and females in the middle and high-dose groups.

Ten and ninety-day toxicity studies of 2-chlorophenol in Sprague-Dawley rats.

Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats received 2-chlorophenol in corn oil daily by gavage for 10 or 90 consecutive days. The 10-day study doses were 13, 64, 129 and 257 mg/kg while the 90-day subchronic study doses were 17, 50 and 150 mg/kg. In the 10-day study, hematologic and clinical chemistry, food and water consumption, absolute and relative organ weights, and histopathological findings revealed no compound or sex-related effects. In the 90-day study there were no significant gross or histopathological findings that were treatment-related in either sex. There were statistically significant differences between control and treated groups associated with hematology, clinical chemistry and organ weights; however, none of the differences were considered to be biologically meaningful.

Developmental toxicity evaluation of inhaled citral in Sprague-Dawley rats.

Citral is a commonly used fragrance and flavour ingredient that has demonstrated a potential for teratogenicity in chick embryo screening studies. To investigate potential mammalian developmental toxicity, pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to citral by inhalation for 6 hr/day on gestation days 6-15 at mean concentrations of 0, 10 or 34 ppm as vapour, or 68 ppm as an aerosol/vapour mixture. Dams were killed on gestation day 20 and the foetuses were removed and evaluated for gross, visceral and skeletal malformations. Exposure to 68 ppm was maternally toxic, with reduced body-weight gains, ocular opacity, breathing difficulty, nasal discharge and salivation noted in the dams. No maternal toxicity was seen at the lower vapour exposure levels. The number of corpora lutea, implantations, resorptions, foetal viability, litter size, and sex ratio were not adversely affected by citral at any exposure level tested, and no exposure-related malformations were observed. At a maternally toxic exposure level, a slight reduction in mean foetal body weight and a slight increase in the incidence of hypoplastic bones were noted. Results of this study indicate that citral does not produce developmental toxicity in the rat when administered by inhalation at concentrations up to a maternally toxic exposure level.