Spinosad, an insecticide derived from a naturally occurring bacterium via fermentation, represents a new class of insecticides acting by a novel mode of action. A dietary study was conducted in Sprague-Dawley rats in which groups of 30 rats/sex/dosage level were given diets that provided 0, 3, 10, or 100 mg spinosad/kg body weight/day, 7 days/week, for 2 successive generations. Following 10 weeks of dietary exposure, the P1 generation was mated twice to produce F1a and F1b litters. After weaning, groups of 30 rats/sex/dosage level were selected from the F1a litters, given diets containing spinosad for 12 weeks, and mated to produce the F2 generation. Dietary administration of spinosad to rats at a dosage of 100 mg/kg/day over 2 generations produced parental toxicity and effects on the offspring. Among adult males, body weights and weight gains were decreased 2-9% relative to controls, with P1 males more affected than P2. Absolute and relative liver, kidney, heart, spleen, and thyroid weights were increased by from 12% to as much as 240% of control values. Histologic changes consistent with cationic amphiphilic compounds were noted in the kidneys, lungs, mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen, and thyroid of P1 and P2 males and females. In females given 100 mg/kg/day, though premating body weights were not affected, weight gains during the F1a and F1b gestation periods were depressed 15-16%. Increased incidences of dystocia, and vaginal bleeding and mortality occurred during parturition and lactation at 100 mg/kg/day. Effects on the offspring (decreased litter size and survival through day 4 of lactation) were limited to the high-dosage group. Signs indicative of poor maternal care noted in the pups (stomachs void of milk, cold, thin, etc.) were observed at 100 mg/kg/day. Early postnatal effects on the offspring were considered likely secondary to the effects in maternal animals around the time of parturition. At 100 mg/kg/day, weight gain in pups was depressed throughout lactation, with statistically significantly decreased weights noted toward the latter half of the lactation period. There were no treatment-related effects on adults or their offspring at 3 or 10 mg/kg/day in either generation. Based on these results, spinosad is not considered a selective reproductive toxicant, (i.e., no effects on reproductive parameters were noted below a level that produced toxicity in the adults) and the no observed effect level (NOEL) for both parental and reproductive/perinatal toxicity was 10 mg/kg/day.

3,5,6-Trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCP), the primary metabolite of chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos-methyl, was evaluated for potential developmental toxicity. Groups of 32-34 bred female Fischer 344 rats were given 0, 50, 100, or 150 mg TCP/kg/day by gavage on gestation days 6-15; the fetuses were evaluated on gestation day 21. Similarly, groups of 16 inseminated female New Zealand White rabbits were given 0, 25, 100, or 250 mg TCP/kg/day by gavage on gestation days 7-19, and fetuses were evaluated on gestation day 28. No clinical signs of toxicity attributed to TCP were noted in either species. In rats, at 150 mg/kg/day, maternal effects included slight decreases in feed consumption, significantly depressed body weight gain (25% relative to controls) resulting in significantly lower maternal terminal body weights, and increased relative liver weight. At 100 mg/kg/day, maternal body weight gain in rats was depressed approximately 22%. Among rabbits, maternal effects were limited to the group given 250 mg/kg/day, which lost an average of approximately 70 g during the treatment period (vs. 140 g in the controls). There were no effects on fetal weight or viability, nor were there significant increases in any fetal alteration in either species. A slightly higher (not statistically significant) than usual incidence of central nervous system anomalies occurred in rabbits, but these anomalies were found in both treated and control groups in this study as well as contemporaneous studies of unrelated compounds. This, and the fact that these anomalies were not seen with the parent compound, chlorpyrifos, suggest that their origin was spontaneous. Thus, TCP was not considered fetotoxic or teratogenic in either rats or rabbits, even at dose levels that produced maternal toxicity.

1,2-Dichloropropane (PDC) was evaluated for its potential to cause embryonal/fetal toxicity and teratogenicity in pregnant rats and rabbits. PDC was administered via oral gavage at dose levels of 0, 10, 30, or 125 mg/kg/day on Days 6 through 15 of gestation (rats) or 0, 15, 50, or 150 mg/kg/day on gestation Days 7 through 19 (rabbits). Fetuses were examined on Gestation Day 20 (rats) or Day 28 (rabbits). Maternal toxicity was observed in both rats and rabbits at the high dose levels. Rats given 125 mg/kg/day of PDC showed clinical signs of toxicity and decreased body weight and body weight gain. Rabbits given 150 mg/kg/day PDC showed changes in hematologic parameters and decreased body weight gain. Although maternal toxicity was apparent, no indication of teratogenicity was observed in rat or rabbit fetuses at any dose level. Significant increases in the incidence of delayed ossification of skull bones, considered secondary to decreased maternal body weight gain, were observed in rats given 125 mg/kg/day and in rabbits given 150 mg/kg/day. No maternal or developmental effects were observed in rats given 10 or 30 mg/kg/day or in rabbits given 15 or 50 mg/kg/day of PDC. Based on the results of these studies the maternal and developmental NOELs in rats and rabbits were 30 and 50 mg/kg/day, respectively.

Sulfuryl fluoride is a fumigant insecticide used for soils and permanent structures. Pregnant Fischer 344 rats and New Zealand White rabbits were exposed to 0,25, 75, or 225 ppm of sulfuryl fluoride vapor via inhalation for 6 hr/day on Days 6–15 and 6–18 of gestation, respectively. Among rats, maternal water consumption was increased in the 225 ppm exposure group, but there were no indications of embryotoxicity, fetotoxicity, or teratogenicity in any of the exposed groups. Among rabbits, maternal weight loss during the exposure period (Days 6–18) was observed in the 225 ppm group. Decreased fetal body weights, considered secondary to maternal weight loss, were also observed at 225 ppm. However, no evidence of embryotoxicity or teratogenicity was observed among rabbits in any exposure group. Thus, inhalation exposure to sulfuryl fluoride was not teratogenic in either rats or rabbits exposed to levels of up to 225 ppm, and fetotoxic effects (reduced body weights) were observed among fetal rabbits only at an exposure level that produced maternal weight loss.

Ethylene carbonate (EC) has a toxicity profile which resembles that of ethylene glycol (EG). To determine whether the toxicity of EC could be explained on the basis of its metabolism to EG, male Fischer 344 rats were given 200 mg/kg of uniformly labeled [14C]EC in water by gavage and the disposition of the radiolabel was then followed for 72 hr. EC was rapidly metabolized, with approximately 57 and 27% of the administered dose eliminated in the expired air as 14CO2 and in the urine, respectively; the remainder was found in the carcass. Separation of the urinary metabolites using liquid chromatography revealed a single radioactive peak. This metabolite was unequivocally identified as ethylene glycol via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with the aid of 13C enrichment of the EC dose. Measurement of whole blood levels of EC and EG in rats given 200 mg/kg of EC by gavage revealed blood levels of EG approximately 100-fold higher than the levels of EC in these same animals, with a half-life of EG in blood of 2 hr, indicating rapid conversion of EC to EG. In a separate group of animals administered an equimolar dose of [14C]EG (141 mg/kg), approximately 37% of the dose was expired as 14CO2 and 42% was excreted in the urine as parent compound. When expressed on the basis of the ethanediol moiety, the disposition of EC was identical to that of EG. In view of the rapid and extensive biotransformation of EC to EG and the similarity of the existing (though limited) toxicity data base of EC compared to EG, utilization of the extensive EG systemic toxicity data base for assessing the safety of EC appears justified.

Pregnant Fischer 344 rats and New Zealand White rabbits were orally administered 0, 5, 15, or 50 mg nitrapyrin/kg/day on Gestation Days 6 through 15 (rats) or 0, 3, 10, or 30 mg/kg/day on Gestation Days 6 through 18 (rabbits). In rats, 50 mg/kg/day produced slight histopathologic changes in the livers of pregnant females. Fetal examination revealed no evidence of fetotoxicity or teratogenicity among rats at dose levels up to 50 mg/kg/day. Among rabbits, a significant depression in maternal weight gain and increased absolute and relative liver weights were observed at 30 mg/kg/day. An increased incidence of crooked hyoid bone among fetal rabbits in the 30 mg/kg/day dose group was considered indicative of fetotoxicity but not teratogenicity. Thus, administration of nitrapyrin was not teratogenic at dose levels up to 50 mg/kg/day in rats and 30 mg/kg/day in rabbits.

1,3-Dichloropropene (DCP), which has found widespread use as a soil fumigant, was evaluated for its potential effects on embryonal and fetal development in rats and rabbits. Pregnant Fischer 344 rats and New Zealand White rabbits were exposed to 0, 20, 60, or 120 ppm of 1,3-dichloropropene for 6 hr/day during gestation Days 6–15 (rats) or 6–18 (rabbits). Exposure-related decreases in maternal weight gain and feed consumption were observed in rats at all treatment levels. Decreased weight gain was also observed among rabbits at 60 and 120 ppm. A slight, but statistically significant, increase in the incidence of delayed ossification of the vertebral centra in rats exposed in utero to 120 ppm of DCP was considered of little toxicologic significance in light of the maternal toxicity observed at this exposure concentration. No evidence of a teratogenic or embryotoxic response was observed in either species at any exposure level tested. Thus, it was concluded that DCP was not teratogenic at exposure levels up to 120 ppm in either rats or rabbits.

Tridiphane [2-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-2-(2,2,2-trichloroethyl)oxirane], a broad-leaf herbicide, was evaluated for its potential effects on mouse and rat embryonal and fetal development. Pregnant CF-1 mice were given 0, 25, 75, or 250 mg tridiphane/kg/day on Days 6 through 15 of gestation. Significant maternal toxicity was observed in both the 75- and 250-mg/kg/day dose groups. An increased percentage of females given 250 mg/kg/day showed implantation sites only after staining of the uterus, suggesting a toxic effect on the embryo during the early stages of development, possibly secondary to maternal toxicity. Increases in some skeletal variants were noted at the 75-mg/kg dose level; however, a teratogenic effect was not observed. An additional group of mice was given 250 mg/kg/day on Days 8 through 15 of gestation. Maternal toxicity was also observed among these mice as manifested by significantly elevated (+50%) liver weight; however, there was a substantial increase in the number of females with full-term litters following this shorter dosing period. An increase in the occurrence of cleft palate in these offspring associated with low fetal body weights was also observed. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were given 0, 30, 100, or 200 mg/kg/day of tridiphane on Days 6 through 15 of gestation. Maternal toxicity was observed among rats given 200 mg/kg. Increased incidences of two minor skeletal variants, lumbar spurs and extra ribs, were observed in the 200-mg/kg/day dose group, and an increase in lumbar spurs was observed at 100 mg/kg/day. Thus, tridiphane was embryotoxic and induced cleft palate in mice only at the maternally toxic dose level of 250 mg/kg/day.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Orthodichlorobenzene (ODCB) and paradichlorobenzene (PDCB) were evaluated for teratogenic potential in rats (ODCB only) and rabbits. Groups of bred rats and inseminated rabbits were exposed to 0, 100, 200, or 400 ppm of ODCB; groups of inseminated rabbits were exposed to 0, 100, 300, or 800 ppm of PDCB. Animals were exposed for 6 hr/day on Days 6 through 15 (rats) or 6 through 18 (rabbits) of gestation. Maternal toxicity, as evidenced by a significant decrease in body weight gain, was observed in all groups of ODCB-exposed rats and liver weight was significantly increased in the 400-ppm ODCB-exposed group. Slight maternal toxicity was observed in groups of rabbits exposed to 400 ppm ODCB or 800 ppm PDCB as indicated by significantly decreased body weight gain during the first 3 days of exposure. Inhalation of up to 400 ppm of ODCB was not teratogenic or fetotoxic in rats, and neither ODCB nor PDCB was teratogenic or fetotoxic in rabbits at exposure levels up to 400 or 800 ppm, respectively.

Dams nursing litters of Fischer 344 rats were allowed access to feed containing nonabsorbable 141Ce-labeled NEN-TRAC microspheres for 24-hr intervals during the later half of a 28-day nursing period. Neonatal solid feed consumption began during the third week of nursing and rose to peak amounts as high as 2.1 times normal adult levels on a gram consumed per kilogram body weight per day basis at 28 days of age, with an average daily feed consumption (g kg-1 day-1) of approximately 1.5 times that normally eaten by adults. Feed consumption in lactating females peaked at concentrations as high as 3.2 times and averaged approximately 2.5 times the amount normally consumed by nonpregnant adult females of comparable age. These results should be considered when interpreting the results observed in reproduction studies when exposure is via feed. Effects which could be attributed to "enhanced neonatal sensitivity" may, in fact, merely reflect the toxicity resulting from increased chemical exposure. It is thus clear that, if reproduction studies are to be conducted at or near the MTD, adjustment of dietary concentration of test agents during lactation is necessary to maintain target dose levels and to prevent overexposure.

The embryotoxic and teratogenic potential of inhaled monochlorobenzene (MCB) was evaluated in rats and rabbits. Bred Fischer 344 rats and inseminated New Zealand White rabbits were exposed to 0, 75, 210, or 590 ppm of MCB via inhalation for 6 hr/day during the period of major organogenesis. Exposure to 590 ppm caused elevated liver weights in both species and decreased body weight gain and feed consumption in rats. Inhalation of MCB vapors during gestation was not embryotoxic or teratogenic in rats. In rabbits, a few MCB-exposed fetuses exhibited visceral malformations which were not observed among concurrent controls, though no dose-related increase in malformations occurred. To further evaluate the effects of MCB in rabbits, additional groups were exposed to 0, 10, 30, 75, or 590 ppm. This subsequent study did not result in any increase in malformations in the MCB-exposed groups. Fetal effects were limited to a slight delay in skeletal development which occurred only in rats exposed to 590 ppm, a maternally toxic concentration.

Studies to assess the effects of inhaled ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (EGME) on embryonal and fetal development were conducted on groups of Fischer 344 rats, CF-1 mice, and New Zealand White rabbits. Rabbits and rats were exposed to vapor concentrations of 0, 3, 10, or 50 ppm for 6 hr/day on Days 6 through 18, or Days 6 through 15 of gestation, respectively; mice were exposed to 0, 10, or 50 ppm on Days 6 through 15 of gestation. Exposure of pregnant rabbits to 50 ppm produced significant increases in the incidence of malformations, minor variations, and resorptions, as well as a decrease in fetal body weight. Rats and mice exposed to 50 ppm showed no evidence of a teratogenic effect, although indications of slight fetotoxicity were observed in both species. Transient decreases in maternal body weight gain among rats, mice, and rabbits exposed to 50 ppm were the only consistent signs of maternal effects. No significant treatment-related effects on fetal development were observed in any of the species tested at 10 ppm of EGME or below.

Triclopyr (3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridyloxyacetic acid), being developed as a new herbicide for use on brush and weeds, was evaluated for its potential effects on reproduction, and embryonal and fetal development. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were given doses of 0, 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg/day by gavage on Days 6 through 15 of gestation. Dose-related signs of maternal toxicity were observed during the treatment period. No teratogenic effects were observed at any dose level, though slight fetotoxicity, possibly secondary to maternal toxicity, occurred at the high dose level (200 mg/kg/day). Pregnant New Zealand White rabbits were given doses of 0, 10, or 25 mg/kg/day by gavage on Days 6 through 18 of gestation which produced transient, dose-related decreases in maternal body weight gain. However, there were no indications of any treatment-related effects on fetal growth and development among rabbits. Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats maintained on diets supplying 0, 3, 10, or 30 mg/kg/day over three generations exhibited no consistent treatment-related effects on reproductive performance, pregnancy, parturition, or neonatal survival. These data indicated that triclopyr had little or no potential for teratogenic or reproductive toxicity even when the level of exposure approached that which elicited maternal toxicity.

Pregnant Fischer 344 rats and New Zealand White rabbits were exposed via inhalation to 0, 500, 1500, or 3000 ppm of propylene glycol monomethyl ether (PGME) for 6 hr/day on Days 6 through 15 (rats) or 6 through 18 (rabbits) of gestation. Initial exposure to 3000 ppm of PGME produced signs of mild central nervous system depression which were more pronounced and of a longer duration in rats than in rabbits. Postexposure recovery was rapid and accomodation to the test atmosphere developed following subsequent exposures. Rats and rabbits exposed to 3000 ppm had decreased weight gains over the exposure period and rats had decreased food consumption during the first 3 days of exposure. Fetal examination revealed no embryotoxic or teratogenic effects among rats or rabbits in any exposure group. Slight fetotoxicity among rats, in the form of delayed sternebral ossification, was observed at 3000 ppm. Thus, it was concluded that PGME was not teratogenic at exposure levels up to 3000 ppm.

A combined dominant lethal-fertility study was conducted in which male and female Sprague-Dawley (CD) rats were exposed to 0, 30, 100 or 300 ppm of ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (EGME) vapor for 6 hr/day, 5 days/week for 13 weeks and then mated to untreated counterparts. Among males, fertility was completely suppressed after exposure to 300 ppm. A partial restoration of reproductive function was evident following 13 weeks of recovery. No treatment-related reproductive effects were observed among males exposed subchronically to 100 ppm, or among females exposed to 300 ppm or below of EGME. Studies to assess the effects of inhaled EGME on embryonal and fetal development were also conducted in Fischer 344 rats, CF-1 mice, and New Zealand White rabbits. Rats and rabbits were exposed to concentrations of 0, 3, 10 or 50 ppm for 6 hr/day on days 6-15 or 6-18 of gestation, respectively. Exposure of rabbits to 50 ppm resulted in significant teratologic effects, an increased resorption rate, and decreased fetal body weight. Slight fetotoxicity in the form of skeletal variations were observed among rats exposed to 50 ppm. Exposure of pregnant mice to 0, 10, or 50 ppm for 6 hr/day on days 6-15 of gestation resulted in slight fetotoxicity at 50 ppm. No significant treatment-related effects were observed at 10 ppm of EGME or below in any of the species tested. Separate groups of pregnant rats and rabbits were exposed to 0, 500, 1500 or 3000 ppm of propylene glycol monomethyl ether (PGME) during organogenesis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Groups of male and female Sprague-Dawley (CD) rats were exposed to 0, 30, 100, or 300 ppm ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (EGME) vapor 6 hours/day, 5 days/week for 13 weeks. The 0 and 30 ppm groups each contained 30 rats/sex and the 100 and 300 ppm groups each had 20 rats/sex. Following the exposure period, males were bred to unexposed females to evaluate reproductive capability and dominant lethality. Additional matings of control and 300 ppm exposed males were performed during the post-exposure period in order to evaluate the recovery of fertility. Exposed females were bred with unexposed males to assess reproductive parameters. Results of the present study indicate a potential for inhaled EGME to completely suppress fertility in male rats at the 300 ppm level. Fertility of these rats was partially restored at 13 weeks post-exposure. Body weights of animals in the 300 ppm group were reduced as a result of the exposures. No dominant lethal effect or impaired fertility was observed in male rats exposed to 30 or 100 ppm EGME. Treatment-related pathologic alterations were observed only in male rats at the 300 ppm level and induced decreased testicular size and atrophic seminiferous tubules. Female rats tolerated up to 300 ppm EGME without any adverse reproductive effects. Based on these results, it was concluded that the no-adverse effect level of EGME for fertility and reproduction was 100 ppm in rats.

Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats and New Zealand white rabbits were exposed to vapors of epichlorohydrin (ECH) at concentrations of 0, 2.5 or 25 ppm or to allyl chloride (AC) at concentrations of 0, 30, or 300 ppm. Exposures were for 7 hr/day on days 6 through 15 (rats) or 6 through 18 (rabbits) of gestation. Maternal effects including decreased body weight and food consumption were observed among rats inhaling 25 ppm of ECH. No evidence of an adverse effect to the embryo or fetus was observed among rats or rabbits following exposure to ECH. In the AC study maternal toxicity occurred in both rats and rabbits treated at 300 ppm. These consisted of depressed weight gain during gestation and increases in liver weight (both species) and kidney weights (rats only). Fetuses from rats exposed to 300 ppm of AC had a slight delay in skeletal development but there were no other signs of embryotoxicity. Thus, ECH and AC were not teratogenic or embryolethal in rats or rabbits following inhalation exposure to concentrations which induced effects in the maternal animals.

Prior to employing the Fischer 344 rat in teratology studies, it was considered necessary to establish the responsiveness of this strain to teratogenic agents. Bred Fischer 344 rats were administered 0, 3.2, 32, or 128 mg/kg/day (approximately 1,000, 10,000, or 40,000 USP units per animal) of vitamin A palmitate by gavage on days 6 through 15 of gestation. Maternal toxicity, as evidenced by decreased body weight gain, and decreased food and water consumption, was observed at the 128 mg/kg/day dose level. This dosage level was embryolethal and teratogenic in the Fischer 344 rat. The incidence of fetal resorptions was statistically significantly increased as compared to controls. Among the surviving fetuses, malformations observed included cleft palate, exencephaly, microphthalmia, anophthalmia, hydronephrosis, brachygnathia, pinna anomalies, and great vessel and heart anomalies. Based on these findings, it is concluded that the Fischer 344 rat responded to a known teratogenic agent and hence is appropriate for use in studies designed to evaluate the teratogenic potential of test agents.

Male Fischer 344 rats were administered triethylenemelamine orally at dose levels of 0, 0.5 or 1.0 mg TEM/kg/day, five days per week for four weeks. A separate group of males was administered TEM as a single intraperitoneal injection of 0.3 mg/kg. Following treatment, males were mated with two groups of untreated females for a period of one week each. The uterine contents of untreated females were examined for evidence of a dominant lethal effect as manifested in an increase in the average resorption rate. Significant increases in the resorption rate were seen at 0.5 mg/kg/day for the second breeding period, and at 1.0 mg/kg/day for both breeding periods following oral administration. Significant decreases in the number of implantations, and increases in. the average pre-implantation loss and resorption rate were observed following intraperitoneal administration. These effects seen in Fischer 344 rats were comparable to results obtained with other strains following a similar treatment regimen.

Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats (33 per group) were exposed to 0, 50, or 150 ppm of ethyl acrylate for 6 hr/day during Days 6 through 15 of gestation (the period of major organogenesis). Maternal toxicity as evidenced by decreased body weight gain, decreased food consumption, and increased water consumption was noted among rats exposed to 150 ppm of ethyl acrylate. In the presence of maternal toxicity at 150 ppm, a slight but not statistically significant increase in malformed fetuses was observed. At 50 ppm, there was neither maternal toxicity nor an adverse effect on the developing embryo or fetus in rats. Based on these data, inhalation of the ethyl acrylate vapors by rats at a concentration of 50 or 150 ppm during major organogenesis was not considered to be teratogenic.