Final Report on the Developmental Toxicity of 8-Methoxypsoralen (CAS No. 298-81-7) in Sprague-Dawley (CD (Trade Name)) Rats on Gestational Days 6 through 15

摘要

8-Methoxypsoralen is a naturally occurring linear furocoumarin that is foundprimarily in the families Umbelliferae, Rutaceae, and Moraceae. Psoralens inhibit DNA synthesis in the presence of long wavelength (320-400 nM) ultraviolet (UVA) light. This forms the basis for their therapeutic use as antiproliferative agents in skin diseases characterized by hyperproliferation of skin cells such as psoriasis. The current study was undertaken because little information exists on the potential for MOXY to be a reproductive or developmental toxicant. The widespread use of MOXY in the treatment of proliferative skin diseases and its ability to disrupt cell division make it potentially harmful to the developing fetus. Accordingly, the authors have examined the effects of MOXY (0, 20, 80, 120, and 160 mg/kg/day) administered by gavage to pregnant Sprague-Dawley (CD) rats on gestational days 6 through 15. The period of dosing corresponds to the period of major organogenesis in rats. They determined the effects of MOXY on maternal status and on fetal growth, viability, and morphological development by examining fetuses on gd 20 for external, visceral, and skeletal malformations.