Teratogenicity of Hexachlorophene in Rats

A suspension of 45%, 12%, or 3% hexachlorophene (HCP) was introduced into the vagina of pregnant rats on days 7 through 10 of gestation. The highest concentration produced a significant number of malformed offspring, 12% HCP was slightly teratogenic, but 3% had no effect. Pregnant animals from the two highest dosage groups developed moderate to severe toxicity during treatment. Uptake of HCP labeled with radioactive carbon (14C) was significant after vaginal or oral treatment and resulted in plasma concentrations six to ten times higher than did dermal application of the same dose. Concentrations of HCP were highest in vagina and liver after vaginal treatment, but extremely low in maternal brain and embryos, suggesting a transport barrier against HCP to these tissues. One third of the administered radioactivity was excreted in feces and 3% in urine within six days after a single vaginal treatment.