Establishment and characterization of the follicular thyroid carcinoma cell line ML-1.

The present study focuses on the establishment and characterization of a new follicular thyroid carcinoma cell line. The human cell line ML-1 was derived from a dedifferentiated follicular thyroid carcinoma relapse, which progressed despite preceding surgery followed by two radioiodine therapies. More than 90% of the cells of this line express thyroglobulin, chondroitin sulfate, and vimentin antigens, but only about 70% show cytokeratin filaments and a negative surface charge density such as human erythrocytes. More importantly, cells of this line are able to take up iodine and/or glucose both in vitro and in vivo and to secrete thyroglobulin, chondroitin sulfate, and fibronectin into the interstitial space. In addition, triiodothyronine is released constitutively into culture supernatants. Moreover, it is also suitable for xenotransplantation studies because it is tumorigenic in NMRI nude mice in vivo. The cell line forms tumors with follicular structures when transplanted to nude mice. Due to these unique features the ML-1 cell line can be considered as a very suitable test model for pharmacological and cell biological studies. Since chemicals may interfere with the production of thyroid hormones, this cell line represents also a tool for toxicological investigations.

Relationships between fetal body weight of Wistar rats at term and the extent of skeletal ossification.

We investigated the relationship between fetal body weight at term (pregnancy day 21) and the extent of ossification of sternum, metacarpus, metatarsus, phalanges (proximal, medial and distal) of fore- and hindlimbs and cervical and coccygeal vertebrae in Wistar rats. The relationships between fetal body weight and sex, intrauterine position, uterine horn, horn size, and litter size were determined using historical control data (7594 fetuses; 769 litters) of untreated rats. Relationships between body weight and degree of ossification were examined in a subset of 1484 historical control fetuses (154 litters) which were subsequently cleared and stained with alizarin red S. Fetal weight was independent of horn size, uterine horn side (left or right) or intrauterine position. Males were heavier than females and fetal weight decreased with increasing litter size. Evaluation of the skeleton showed that ossification of sternum, metacarpus and metatarsus was extensively complete and independent of fetal weight on pregnancy day 21. In contrast, the extent of ossification of fore- and hindlimb phalanges and of cervical and sacrococcygeal vertebrae was dependent on fetal body weight. The strongest correlation between body weight and degree of ossification was found for hindlimb, medial and proximal phalanges. Our data therefore suggest that, in full-term rat fetuses (day 21), reduced ossification of sternum, metacarpus and metatarsus results from a localized impairment of bone calcification (i.e., a malformation or variation) rather than from general growth retardation and that ossification of hindlimb (medial and proximal) phalanges is a good indicator of treatment-induced fetal growth retardation.

Postnatal investigation of prenatally induced effects on the vertebral column of rats reduces the uncertainty of classification of anomalies.

Classification of substances as teratogenic is based on the observation of external, visceral and skeletal anomalies. Characterization of anomalies as variation or malformation is contingent upon their postnatal persistence and adversity to health. Lack of information thereof may result in inconsistent or incorrect classification. The aim of this work is the examination of vertebral skeletal anomalies regarding their postnatal fate on PNDs 7 and 21. The anomalies unossified, asymmetric ossification, bipartite ossification, hemicentric, as well as misshapen, did not persist up to PND21 and should be classified as a variation. The finding, cervical vertebra centrum dumbbell-shaped, should be categorized as a malformation due to its continued presence on PND 21. Lumbar centrum supernumerary sinister/dexter/sinister+dexter should also be classified as a malformation. This study demonstrates that postnatal examination is useful and substantially improves the ability to perform a scientifically sound classification of an anomaly compared to investigations terminated on GD 21.

Synaptobrevin is essential for secretion but not for the development of synaptic processes.

The formation of small synaptic vesicles represents a hallmark during synaptogenesis. The small synaptic vesicle protein synaptophysin is considered as a marker protein for synapses during neuronal development. Another small synaptic vesicle protein, synaptobrevin, is now well accepted to play an important role for the function of synapses in being a key component of exocytosis. Its role during synaptogenesis is not known. Tetanus toxin which exclusively proteolysis synaptobrevin thereby inhibiting secretion from all types of neurons was used to investigate consequences of inactivating synaptobrevin for the formation of small synaptic vesicles and synaptic contacts. In primary cultures of mouse hypothalamic and cerebellar neurons cultivated for 3 to 4 days, synaptobrevin appears earlier on small synaptic vesicles and in synaptic contacts than synaptophysin. Upon longer cultivation up to 12 to 14 days in vitro both proteins associated equally with small synaptic vesicles. Interestingly, GABA secretion stimulated by 50 mM potassium or 500 PM alpha-latrotoxin, did not vary during cultivation time. Tetanus toxin added to neuronal cultures at day 2 in vitro cleaved synaptobrevin and inhibited regulated GABA secretion during the whole cultivation time. Despite the impaired function of synaptobrevin other synaptic proteins such as synaptophysin, synaptotagmin, rab 3A, protein SV2, SNAP-25 and syntaxin were found in processes and synaptic contacts comparable to untreated cultures. The expression of various synaptic proteins was also followed in vivo. In mouse brains taken at different embryonic days, synaptobrevin, synaptotagmin, rab 6 and the membrane protein SNAP-25 were expressed earlier than synaptophysin and protein SV2. We conclude that synaptobrevin represents a marker for early events in synaptogenesis. Its proteolysis by tetanus toxin, however, does not interfere with the formation of synaptic contacts and neuronal differentiation.

In utero exposure to low doses of bisphenol A lead to long-term deleterious effects in the vagina.

The origins of the "endocrine disrupter hypothesis" may be traced to reports on adolescent daughters born to women who had taken the highly potent synthetic estrogen, diethylstilbestrol, while pregnant, and who developed a rare form of vaginal cancer and adenocarcinoma. Bisphenol A (BPA) is an estrogenic chemical that is highly employed in the manufacture of a wide range of consumer products. Some observational studies have suggested that the amounts of BPA to which we are exposed could alter the reproductive organs of developing rodents. We examined the influence of BPA at low doses to address the questions of (a) whether in utero exposure affects the vagina of the offspring and (b) which mechanisms cause the toxic effects. Gravid Sprague-Dawley dams were administered either 0.1 (low dose) or 50 mg/kg per day BPA, the no observed effect level, or 0.2 mg/kg per day 17 alpha-ethinyl estradiol by gavage. Striking morphological changes were observed in the vagina of postpubertal offspring leading us to examine vaginal estrogen receptor (ER) expression because BPA binds to the ER alpha, which is important for growth of the vaginal epithelium. We show that the full-length ER alpha is not expressed during estrus in the vagina of female offspring exposed to either dose of BPA when compared to the control group, whereas ER alpha expression does not differ from the control group during the diestrus stage. ER alpha downregulation seems to be responsible for the observed altered vaginal morphology.

Results of in vivo and in vitro studies for assessing prenatal toxicity.

Examples of a combined approach using in vivo as well as in vitro methods for the assessment of prenatal toxicity are presented. The topics discussed include the analysis of the possible embryotoxic potential of valproic acid (VPA), female sex hormones, bis(tri-n-butyltin) oxide (TBTO), and acyclovir and the problem of supplementing in vitro systems with drug-metabolizing activity.

Study on the embryofeto-toxicity of citral in the rat.

Citral, 3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadien-1-al, found in the essential oils of a large variety of useful plants, is used as a scenting agent in household products, as a fragrance in cosmetics, and as a food flavouring additive. This study was undertaken to investigate the embryofeto-toxic potential of citral in the rat. Citral (60; 125; 250; 500 and 1000 mg/kg) in corn oil was given orally to Wistar rats from day 6 to 15 of pregnancy. Caesarean sections were carried out on day 21 of pregnancy, and the number of resorptions and implantation sites were recorded. Fetuses were weighed, examined for external malformations, and fixed for visceral examination, or cleared and stained with Alizarin Red S for skeleton evaluation. A transient decrease in weight gain from days 6 to 11 of gestation at the lowest doses, and a reduction in body weight minus uterine weight at term at the highest doses, indicated that citral was maternally toxic over the dose range tested. A slight but statistically significant increase in the ratio of resorptions per implantations was observed with 60 and 125 mg/kg body weight. Doses higher than 125 mg/kg reduced dose-dependently the ratio of pregnant per mated female. Signs of fetal growth retardation and a higher incidence of minor skeletal abnormalities were found in doses higher than 60 mg/kg. No increase in the frequency of visceral anomalies was found at any dose level, but an increase in fetal spleen weight was observed in doses higher than 125 mg/kg. Therefore, data presented in this paper indicate that the no-observed adverse effect level for embryofeto-toxicity is lower than 60 mg citral/kg body weight p.o.

Device for monitoring locomotor activity of 120 animals: motility of offspring of dams exposed to haloperidol.

A device using four infra-red light photocells per cage which monitor simultaneously the motility of 120 individual rodents, was developed at our institute. The measuring interval can be chosen freely, the starting time may be set freely and the test may last several weeks. The motility of the offspring (day 35-39) of dams exposed to the neuroleptic haloperidol during lactation was investigated, because of the important stage of the brain development in the neonatal age and of the relatively high concentration of haloperidol in the milk. Mice dams were treated sc. with a single dose (1.5 mg/kg) of haloperidol postnatally on day 3 to 6. Compared to the controls the body weight gain of treated (via milk) pups was reduced (controls = 72%, haloperidol = 30%) and the mortality was higher (controls = 10%, haloperidol = 77%) during the treatment period. The quantitative and qualitative analysis of the locomotor activity from day 35 to day 39 shows a distinct shift in the kind of motility: the locomotor activity of haloperidol offspring is significantly reduced while the number of activity phases is increased. It appears that there is a persistent alteration in the central nervous system that leads to a higher frequency but a lower efficacy of activity.

Transplacental pharmacokinetics of a synthetic retinoid which is not bound by mouse embryonic cellular retinoic acid-binding protein.

Teratogenicity is a major side effect of retinoids, a class of compounds used in dermatology and oncology. The binding of retinoids to cellular retinoic acid-binding protein (CRABP) has been suggested to be important for the mechanism of retinoid embryopathy. Here data are presented on the transplacental pharmacokinetics of CD394 (4-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-methoxybenzamido] benzoic acid) which does not bind to murine embryonic CRABP, although it is active in rat whole embryo culture and teratogenic in the rabbit in vivo. A single intragastric dose of CD394 (10 mg/kg) was administered to mice on day 11 of gestation. The extent of placental transfer of CD394, determined by HPLC, resembled more that of 13-cis-retinoic acid which also does not bind to CRABP, than that of the CRABP-binding all-trans-retinoic acid. CMax values of CD394 obtained after 1-2 h were: 1368 +/- 652 ng/ml for plasma, 203 +/- 132 ng/g for embryo and 856 +/- 563 ng/g for placenta. AUC (area-under-the-concentration-time-curve) values (0-12 h) were: 4319 ng x h/ml for plasma, 751 ng x h/g for embryo and 3163 ng x h/g for placenta. Thus, CD394 reached the embryo, although embryonic AUC values were less than one fifth of the maternal plasma AUC values. CD394 did not alter endogenous retinol concentrations in plasma, embryo, yolk sac or placenta. Our results indicate that CD394 reaches the embryo in vivo without binding to CRABP, although embryonic concentrations stayed well below plasma levels. This supports the opinion that binding to embryonic CRABP is not a prerequisite for reaching effective embryo concentrations and for the teratogenicity of retinoids.

Transplacental pharmacokinetics and teratogenicity of a single dose of retinol (vitamin A) during organogenesis in the mouse.

Pregnant mice received 10 or 100 mg retinol/kg body wt. by gavage on day 11 of gestation (plug day = day 0). One group of animals was used for a pharmacokinetic study. At various times after dosing, plasma and tissue samples were collected and analyzed by HPLC for retinyl esters, retinol, 13-cis- and all-trans-retinoic acid and 13-cis-4-oxo and all-trans-4-oxoretinoic acid. In the other group the fetuses were removed on day 18 and examined for malformations. After 10 mg/kg retinol, no teratogenic effect was observed. The pharmacokinetic investigation revealed a moderate increase of retinyl esters, retinol and all-trans-retinoic acid in plasma, embryonic tissue, placenta, yolk sac membranes and extraembryonic fluid. A high incidence of severe fetal malformations occurred after 100 mg/kg retinol. These malformations included limb defects (81% of fetuses) and cleft palate (55% of fetuses) which are characteristically found after administration of a single teratogenic dose of an active retinoid on day 11 of gestation. The concentration-time profile of retinoids after 100 mg/kg on day 11 showed a pronounced increase of retinyl esters and retinol in all compartments including the embryo and a massive generation of the polar metabolites all-trans-retinoic acid and all-trans-4-oxoretinoic acid. These polar metabolites were found in the embryo with peak concentrations of 327 +/- 115 and 143 +/- 20.7 ng/g (mean +/- SE) wet tissue, respectively. It is likely that all-trans-retinoic acid and all-trans-4-oxoretinoic acid, both well-known teratogens, largely contributed to the teratogenic outcome. The in-vivo oxidation of retinol may be an important factor in the teratogenic activity of high doses of vitamin A.

An optimized approach for the assessment of sexual behavior in male rats.

The improvement and optimization of methods used to detect reproductive disorders in experimental animals are among the main challenges facing researchers in this field. The conventional method for testing male sexual behavior uses ovariectomized females rendered sexually receptive by injection of estradiol benzoate and progesterone prior to testing. The receptive females are then mated with exposed male rats during the dark phase of the cycle under dim red light followed by direct visual and momentary observation of the mating activity. The ovariectomized females may respond differently to hormonal injection (individual differences), leading to variations in the intensity of lordosis. Additionally, the data obtained by the direct visual and momentary evaluation of copulatory activity are very subjective and may produce inaccurate results. In the optimized method, the sexual cycles of female rats are determined, and only those in estrus are selected and mated with sexually experienced male rats. The mating activity is videotaped, enabling the correct observation and evaluation of the different components of mating behavior. This method fosters animal welfare by avoiding surgical intervention and enables the videotape to be kept as permanent documentation.

Embryotoxicity of meglumine antimoniate in the rat.

Meglumine antimoniate (MA) is a pentavalent antimonial (Sb(V)) drug used to treat leishmaniasis. Despite the fact that Sb(V) organic compounds have been used in clinical practice for more than 50 years, information on their safety during pregnancy is still scanty. This study was undertaken to evaluate the embryo/fetotoxicity of MA in the rat. Wistar rats were treated subcutaneously (s.c.) with MA (300 mg Sb(V)/kg body wt/day) on days 6 through 15 of pregnancy or with a higher dose (3 x 300 mg Sb(V)/kg body wt) on day 11 only. A control group treated with saline on days 6 through 15 and an untreated control group were evaluated as well. Cesarean sections were performed on day 21. No maternal toxicity and no reduction of fetal weight were noted in the groups treated with MA. The repeated administration of MA (days 6 through 15), but not the acute treatment (day 11), enhanced embryolethality. Treatment with MA on days 6 through 15 also caused a higher incidence of an atlas bone anomaly that occurs spontaneously at very low frequencies in our rat strain. These findings indicated that repeated administration of MA was embryolethal and teratogenic in rats.

Developmental toxicity of an octyltin stabilizer in NMRI mice.

The octyltin stabilizer ZK 30.434 is a mixture of 80% dioctyltin diisooctylthioglycolate (DOTTG) and 20% of monooctyltin triisooctylthioglycolate (MOTTG) and is used as stabilizer for rigid polyvinylchloride (PVC) materials. One of the applications of such stabilized films is the packaging of foodstuffs. Exposure to humans occurs via migration of DOTTG/MOTTG from PVC materials. In the present study the developmental toxicity of DOTTG/MOTTG in NMRI mice was investigated. Dams were treated orally with doses of 20, 30, 45, 67, or 100 mg/kg/day DOTTG/MOTTG from gestation day 6 through 17 (plug = day 1). Resorption rates were significantly increased and fetal weights significantly reduced in the study group at the 2 highest doses. External anomalies, such as bent forelimbs, cleft palate, and exencephaly were reported in the group treated with 100 mg/kg/day DOTTG/MOTTG, with the 67-mg/kd dose also exhibiting a significant increase in cleft palate. Moreover, an increase in skeletal anomalies was reported in fetuses exposed to 100 mg/kg/day. The doses of 20, 30, and 45 mg/kg/day elicited a significant increase in supernumerary lumbar ribs. It can be concluded that DOTTG/MOTTG is embryo-fetotoxic and induces developmental effects. The study revealed the need for the establishment of different No-Observed Adverse Effect Levels (NOAEL) for the endpoints investigated.

Correlation between maternal toxicity and embryo/fetal effects.

It has been widely debated whether embryo/fetal toxicity is secondary to maternal toxicity. This argument has led to great difficulties for administrative decision makers involved in public health evaluation of drugs or chemicals. The present study sought to characterize whether there is a correlation between maternal toxicity and embryo/fetal toxicity. Developmental data from control and treated animals in our laboratory were collected and evaluated. Maternal toxicity, defined here as maternal body weight change, was statistically correlated with embryo/fetal parameters. The result showed that embryo/fetal parameters did not correlate with the body weight change. It can be concluded that maternal toxicity does not always lead to embryo/fetal toxicity; therefore, findings should be handled on a case by case basis and causal relationships should be established.

Harmonisation of rat fetal skeletal terminology and classification. Report of the Third Workshop on the Terminology in Developmental Toxicology. Berlin, 14-16 September 2000.

The initial efforts of the Federal Institute for Health Protection of Consumers and Veterinary Medicine (BgVV) and the Free University of Berlin to standardise terminology in the field of developmental toxicology began in 1995. Procedures were undertaken to harmonise the terminology used by the International Federation of Teratology Societies (IFTS) and the International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS). This article reflects these activities and is a report on the Third Workshop on the Terminology in Developmental Toxicology held in September 2000. This Workshop served as a forum to discuss the results of a survey on the classification of skeletal anomalies that had been previously sent to scientists active in the field. Although high agreement was reached among the evaluators for several terms, the use of a number of terms was rather variable. Therefore, the discussions at the workshop among the experts from research institutions, regulatory agencies, and industry were mainly focussed on those terms for which there was disagreement and/or uncertainties and the possible reasons. Pictures provided by the participants for the illustration of "grey zone" anomalies constituted the basis for detailed discussions. In many of the cases with lower agreement, decisions were facilitated by the provision of the corresponding picture. The main reasons for lower agreement were imprecise terms, insufficient knowledge on postnatal consequences, theoretical terms that are unlikely to occur in isolation, and the possibility of observing a range of severity that might be decisive for the classification of either a malformation or variation. The attendees concluded that "grey-zone" anomalies will never disappear completely and that for the assessment, the grade of severity and/or the frequency of the observation can be decisive for the terminology chosen. A Joint IPCS/IFTS Project was proposed to further consensus of terminology and classification and to link these anomalies to pictures at different skeletal sites. In order to support the harmonisation of regulatory decisions, it was proposed to establish a "Clearinghouse" System under the umbrella of the IPCS. The Clearinghouse could be contacted either by the regulatory authorities or by any company to clarify their queries, particularly with regard to registration or authorisation processes. Finally, it was recommended to also carry out a similar survey on "soft tissue anomalies" and "external findings." The results of this survey will be discussed at a Joint IPCS/IFTS Workshop in Berlin in 2002.

Peri- and postnatal developmental toxicity of beta-myrcene in the rat.

beta-Myrcene (MYR) and essential oils containing this monoterpene have been widely used as scenting agents in cosmetics, detergents, soaps, and as flavouring additives in food and beverages. Recently, MYR was reported to be an analgesic substance and the active principle of lemongrass tea. Despite the importance of human exposure to MYR, its toxicological profile has not been comprehensively studied. The aim of this study was to provide data on the peri- and postnatal developmental toxicity of this terpene. MYR (0.25, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 g/kg) in corn oil was given by gavage to female Wistar rats from day 15 of pregnancy, parturition and throughout the period of lactation up to weaning (postnatal day 21). The progeny were examined at birth and subsequently to weaning. Mortality, weight gain and physical signs of postnatal development (ear unfolding, incisor eruption, fur development and eye opening) were evaluated. When the exposed offspring reached maturity (120 days) their reproductive capacity was assessed. No adverse effects on the offspring were seen with the lowest dose tested, but 0.5 g/kg and higher doses decreased birth weight, increased perinatal mortality and delayed the day of appearance of landmarks of postnatal development. Moreover, fertility was impaired in female offspring exposed to the two highest doses of MYR. From the data presented in this paper the no-observed-adverse-effect level for peri- and postnatal developmental toxicity could be set at 0.25 g beta-myrcene/kg body weight.

Study on embryo-foetotoxicity of beta-myrcene in the rat.

beta-Myrcene is a constituent of many essential oils that have been used extensively in cosmetic fragrances and as flavouring additives in the food industry. Recently, this monoterpene was reported to be an analgesic substance. Notwithstanding the widespread use of myrcene and essential oils containing myrcene in perfume and in food additives, experimental studies on the toxicity of this substance are still scarce. This study aimed to provide data on the embryo-foetotoxic potential of beta-myrcene in the rat. beta-Myrcene (0.25, 0.5 and 1.2 g/kg) in corn oil was given orally to Wistar rats from day 6 to 15 of pregnancy. Caesarean sections were performed on day 20 of pregnancy, and the number of resorptions and implantation sites were recorded. Foetuses were weighed, examined for external malformations, and fixed for visceral examination, or cleared and stained with Alizarin Red S for skeleton evaluation. No adverse effects were seen with the two lowest doses tested. Decreased weight gain during the first days of treatment and the death of one of 29 treated dams indicated that the highest dose tested (1.2 g/kg) induced maternal toxicity. A higher incidence of signs of retardation and of anomalies in the foetal skeleton indicated that 1.2 g/kg was also toxic to the rat embryo. From the data presented in this paper the no-observed-adverse-effect level for embryo-foetotoxicity could be set at 0.5 g beta-myrcene/kg body weight.

Embryotoxic effects of misoprostol in the mouse.

Misoprostol (MSP) is a synthetic prostaglandin E1 methyl analogue indicated for the prevention of gastric ulcers induced by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Because of its abortifacient properties, MSP has been extensively misused for abortion induction in Brazil. Since abortion induction with MSP very often fails and pregnancy continues to term, there has been increasing concern regarding the potential teratogenicity of this PGE1 analogue in humans. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the embryotoxicity of MSP in mice. A single dose of MSP (20 or 30 mg/kg body weight) was administered to Han:NMRI mice (ca 60 days old) by gavage on day 10 of pregnancy. The number of treated mice was as follows: control, 19; MSP 20 mg/kg, 10; MSP 30 mg/kg, 28. Cesarean sections were performed on day 18 of pregnancy and the number of resorptions and implantation sites were recorded. Fetuses were weighed, examined for external malformations, fixed, cleared and stained with Alizarin Red S for skeleton evaluation. No evidence of embryotoxicity was found at the lower dose tested. A slight and reversible deficit in pregnancy weight gain (day 10-11: control, 1.3 +/- 0.3 g; MSP 20 mg/kg, -0.9 +/- 0.9 g; MSP 30 mg/kg, -1.7 +/- 0.6 g) was the only sign of maternal toxicity noted in both groups of mice treated with misoprostol.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Embryotoxicity of methanol in well-nourished and malnourished rats.

1. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether maternal protein-energy malnutrition alters methanol-induced embryotoxic effects in rats. 2. On day 0 of pregnancy, dams were assigned at random to one of the following treatment groups: well-nourished methanol (WNM), well-nourished control (WNC), malnourished methanol (MNM) and malnourished control (MNC). Malnourished animals received half of the well-nourished food intake (ca 12 g/day) throughout pregnancy. Methanol was administered by gavage (2.5 g/kg body weight) from gestation day 6 to 15. 3. Rats were weighed on days 0, 6 to 15, and 21 of pregnancy. On day 21 rats were submitted to cesarean section. The number of implantations, living and dead fetuses, resorptions and corpora lutea was recorded. All fetuses were weighed, examined for externally visible malformations, fixed, and examined for skeletal anomalies after clearing and staining with Alizarin Red S. 4. An increased proportion of fetuses with skeletal malformations, particularly cervical extra ribs, was found in the methanol-treated groups (fetuses with skeletal malformations: WNC = 5.6%, WNM = 45.4%, MNC = 3.8%, and MNM = 38.8%). Malnutrition produced fetal growth retardation, but did not cause any increase in the occurrence of gross structural malformations. The methanol-induced increase in the proportion of fetuses with extra ribs was not altered by malnutrition, but methanol potentiated the malnutrition-induced increase in the proportion of fetuses with signs of delayed ossification (WNC = 18.6%, WNM = 25.4%, MNC = 39.7%, and MNM = 78.4%). 5. These findings suggest that methanol-induced gross structural malformations are not affected by maternal malnutrition, but the delay in ossification caused by malnutrition is aggravated by treatment with methanol.

Study of the effects of beta-myrcene on rat fertility and general reproductive performance.

beta-Myrcene (MYR) is a monoterpene found in the oils of a variety of aromatic plants including lemongrass, verbena, hop, bay, and others. MYR and essential oils containing this terpenoid compound are used in cosmetics, household products, and as flavoring food additives. This study was undertaken on investigate the effects of MYR on fertility and general reproductive performance in the rat. MYR (0, 100, 300 and 500 mg/kg) in peanut oil was given by gavage to male Wistar rats (15 per dose group) for 91 days prior to mating and during the mating period, as well as to females (45 per dose group) continuously for 21 days before mating, during mating and pregnancy, and throughout the period of lactation up to postnatal day 21. On day 21 of pregnancy one-third of the females of each group were submitted to cesarean section. Resorption, implantation, as well as dead and live fetuses were counted. All fetuses were examined for external malformations, weighed, and cleared and stained with Alizarin Red S for skeleton evaluation. The remaining dams were allowed to give birth to their offspring. The progeny was examined at birth and subsequently up to postnatal day 21. Mortality, weight gain and physical signs of postnatal development were evaluated. Except for an increase in liver and kidney weights, no other sign of toxicity was noted in male and female rats exposed to MYR. MYR did not affect the mating index (proportion of females impregnated by males) or the pregnancy index (ratio of pregnant to sperm-positive females). No sign of maternal toxicity and no increase in externally visible malformations were observed at any dose level. Only at the highest dose tested (500 mg/kg) did MYR induce an increase in the resorption rate and a higher frequency of fetal skeleton anomalies. No adverse effect of MYR on postnatal weight gain was noted but days of appearance of primary coat, incisor eruption and eye opening were slightly delayed in the exposed offspring. On the basis of the data presented in this paper the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for toxic effects on fertility and general reproductive performance can be set at 300 mg of beta-myrcene/kg body weight by the oral route.