Fetal growth retardation induced by maternal exposure to phenol in the rat

Chung, Moon-koo

Korean Journal of Veterinary Research 1994;34(3):601-607.

Moon-koo Chung

Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Toxicology Research Center

임신 랫트의 페놀 노출에 따른 태자의 발육 지연효과

정문구

한국화학연구소 안전성연구부

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate the potential of phenol to induce embryotoxicity in the Sprague-Dawley rat. Seventy mated rats were distributed among three treated troups, a vehicle control group and a negative control group. Phenol was at dose levels of 20, 60 and 180mg/kg/day adminsistered by gavage to pregnant rats three times per day from days 7 to 12 of gestation. All dams were subjected to the caesarean section on day 20 of gestation. At 120mg/kg, dams exhibited decreased locomotivity. In addition, both weight reduction and retarded ossification of fetuses were observed. There were no signs of maternal toxicity or embryotoxicity at 20 and 60mg/kg. The results show that phenol induces fetal growth retardation at maternally subtoxic dose in rats.

Key Words: phenol, fetal growth retardation, rats