Developmental Toxicity of 1,2-Dichloropropane (PDC) in Rats and Rabbits Following Oral Gavage

1,2-Dichloropropane (PDC) was evaluated for its potential causeembryonal/fetal toxicity and teratogenicity in pregnant ratsand rabbits. PDC was administered via oral gavage at dose levelsof 0, 10, 30, or 125 mg/kg/day on Days 6 through 15 of gestation(rats) or 0, 15, 50, or 150 mg/kg/day on gestation Days 7 through19 (rabbits). Fetuses were examined on Gestation Day 20 (rats)or Day 28 (rabbits). Maternal toxicity was observed in bothrats and rabbits at the high dose levels. Rats given 125 mg/kg/dayof PDC showed clinical signs of toxicity and decreased bodyweight and body weight gain. Rabbits given 150 mg/kg/day PDCshowed changes in hematologic parameters and decreased bodyweight gain. Although maternal toxicity was apparent, no indicationteratogenicity was observed in rat or rabbit fetuses at anydose level. Significant increases in the incidence of delayedossification of skull bones, considered secondary to decreasedmaternal body weight gain, were observed in rats given 125 mg/kg/dayand rabbits given 150 mg/kg/day. No maternal or developmentaleffects were observed in rats given 10 or 30 mg/kg/day or inrabbits given 15 or 50 mg/kg/day of PDC. Based on the resultsof these studies the maternal and developmental NOELs in ratsand rabbits were 30 and 50 mg/kg/day, respectively.