Final Report on the Reproductive Toxicity of Meta-/Para-Cresol (MPCRE) (CAS No.1319-77-3) in CD-1 Swiss Mice. Volume 1

摘要

A mixture of Meta-/Para-cresol was evaluated for reproductive toxicity in CD-1(Swiss) mice using the Reproductive Assessment by Continuous Breeding (RACB) Protocol. Exposure to MPCRE, at levels ranging from a mean of 362 mg/kg/day in the low-dose group (0.25% in feed) to a mean of 1682 mg/kg/day in the high-dose group (1.5% in feed), for 14 weeks of cohabitation, did not significantly affect most measures of reproductive competence, including initial fertility, the proportion of pups born alive, or the sex of pups born alive. However, adjusted live pup weight and the number of live pups per litter (both sexes) were decreased by 5 and 20%, respectively, and cumulative days to the fifth litter were increased by almost three days in the high-dose group compared to controls. F(sub 0) body weight and feed consumption, after 16 weeks of MPCRE exposure, were decreased at the 1.0 and 1.5% dose levels, especially in delivering and lactating dams. MPCRE at the 1.5% level decreased body weight and increased kidney and liver weights of F(sub 0) animals. Toxicity to reproductive organs at the 1.5% dose level was observed in the form of decreased epididymal and seminal vesicle weights by 10 and 21%, respectively, with no change in testis weight, sperm parameters, or testicular and epididymal histopathology.