Percutaneous toxicity of ethylene glycol and 1,2 propylene glycol in rats

ABSTRACT

Forty albino rats were divided into four equal groups. The three test groups were applied percutaneously with 1000 mg /kg of ethylene glycol, 1, 2-propylene glycol and a mixture of equal amounts of both ethers respectively, while the fourth group served as a control. The application was done 6 days / week for 8 weeks. Results of the ethylene glycol and combined [ethylene and propylene glycols] groups revealed depression of bone marrow cellularity with significant changes in the Hb concentration and the blood cell counts. Histopathological findings of liver, lungs and kidneys showed marked evidences of toxicity whereas the testes were slightly affected and the application site of the skin was found normal. Minimal changes were observed in the propylene glycol group