Reaction mass of 7539-04-0 and pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-mercaptopropionate) and 2-{3-(3-mercaptopropionyl)thiopropionyl}oxymethyl-2-(3-mercaptopropionyl)oxymethyl-1,3-propanediyl bis(3-mercaptopropionate)

Toxicity to reproduction

Administrative data

Endpoint:

screening for reproductive / developmental toxicity

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

key study

Study period:

22JUN2015 - 14SEP2015

Reliability:

1 (reliable without restriction)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

guideline study

Cross-reference

Reason / purpose for cross-reference:

reference to same study

Data source

Reference

Reference Type:

study report

Title:

Unnamed

Year:

2016

Report date:

2016

Materials and methods

Test guideline

Test guideline 1

Qualifier:

according to guideline

Guideline:

OECD Guideline 422 (Combined Repeated Dose Toxicity Study with the Reproduction / Developmental Toxicity Screening Test)

Version / remarks:

(March 1996)

Deviations:

no

Test guideline 2

Qualifier:

according to guideline

Guideline:

other: EPA, Health Effects Test Guidelines OPPTS 870.3650, Combined Repeated Dose Toxicity Study with the Reproduction/Developmental Toxicity Screening Test (July 2000)

Deviations:

no

Test guideline 3

Qualifier:

according to guideline

Guideline:

other: other guidance as listed under Principles of method if other than guideline

Principles of method if other than guideline:

In addition, the procedures described in this report essentially conform to the following guidelines:
- OECD Guidelines for Testing of Chemicals, Guideline 421, Reproduction/Developmental Toxicity Screening Test (July 1995);
- The United States EPA Health Effects Test Guidelines, OPPTS 870.3550, Reproduction/Developmental Toxicity Screening Test (July 2000)
- Commission regulation (EC) No 440/2008 Part B: Methods for the Determination of Toxicity and other Health Effects; B.7: "Repeated Dose (28 days) Toxicity (oral)". Official Journal of the European Union No. L142 (May 2008)
- OECD Guidelines for Testing of Chemicals, Guideline 407, Repeated Dose 28-day Oral Toxicity Study in Rodents (October 2008)
- The United States EPA Health Effects Test Guidelines, OPPTS 870.3050, Repeated dose 28-day oral toxicity study in rodents (July 2000)

GLP compliance:

yes

Limit test:

no

Test material

Test material information

Constituent 1

Reference substance name:

Reaction mass of 7539-04-0 and pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-mercaptopropionate) and 2-{3-(3-mercaptopropionyl)thiopropionyl}oxymethyl-2-(3-mercaptopropionyl)oxymethyl-1,3-propanediyl bis(3-mercaptopropionate)

Molecular formula:

not applicable (generic description of the multi-constituent)

IUPAC Name:

Reaction mass of 7539-04-0 and pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-mercaptopropionate) and 2-{3-(3-mercaptopropionyl)thiopropionyl}oxymethyl-2-(3-mercaptopropionyl)oxymethyl-1,3-propanediyl bis(3-mercaptopropionate)

Test material form:

liquid

Details on test material:

- Name of test material (as cited in study report): PEMP product
- Substance type: organic
- Physical state: Colourless transparent liquid
- Storage condition of test material: In refrigerator (2-8°C)

Test animals

Species:

rat

Strain:

other: Crl:WI(Han).

Sex:

male/female

Details on test animals or test system and environmental conditions:

TEST ANIMALS
- Source: Charles River Deutschland, Sulzfeld, Germany
- Age at study initiation: Approximately 11-12 weeks.
- Weight at study initiation: 301-344 gr (males) and 196-230 gr (females).
- Fasting period before study: no
- Housing:
Pre-mating: Animals were housed in groups of 5 animals/sex/cage in Macrolon cages.
Mating: Females were caged together with males on a one-to-one-basis in Macrolon cages.
Post-mating: Males were housed in their home cage with a maximum of 5 animals/cage. Females were individually housed in Macrolon cages.
General: Sterilised sawdust as bedding material and paper as cage enrichment were supplied.
- Diet: Free access to pelleted rodent diet (SM R/M-Z from SSNIFF® Spezialdiäten GmbH, Soest, Germany), except for max. 24 hours before sacrifice.
- Water: Free access to tap water.
- Acclimation period: At least 5 days

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS (set conditions)
- Temperature (°C): 18 – 24
- Humidity (%): 40 - 70
- Air changes (per hr): at least 10
- Photoperiod (hrs dark / hrs light): 12/12
Temporary deviations from the daily mean relative humidity occurred, laboratory historical data do not indicate an effect of the deviations.

IN-LIFE DATES: From: 22JUN2015 TO: 14SEP2015

Administration / exposure

Route of administration:

oral: gavage

Vehicle:

polyethylene glycol

Details on exposure:

Method of formulation: Formulations (w/w) were prepared daily within 1 hour prior to dosing and were homogenized to a visually acceptable level. Adjustment was made for specific gravity of the test substance (1.29) and vehicle (1.125). No correction was made for the purity/composition of the test substance.

Storage conditions of formulations: At room temperature.

Justification for use and choice of vehicle (if other than water): Based on trial formulations performed at WIL Research Europe.

Dose volume: 5 mL/kg body weight. Actual dose volumes were calculated according to the latest body weight.

Details on mating procedure:

Following a minimum of 14 days of exposure for the males and females, one female was cohabitated with one male of the same treatment group, avoiding sibling mating. Detection of mating was confirmed by evidence of sperm in the vaginal lavage or by the appearance of an intravaginal copulatory plug. This day was designated day 0 post-coitum. Once mating occurred, the males and females were separated. A maximum of 14 days was allowed for mating, after which females who had not shown evidence of mating were separated from their males.

Analytical verification of doses or concentrations:

yes

Details on analytical verification of doses or concentrations:

Analyses were conducted on two occasions during the treatment phase (13 and 24 August 2015), according to a validated method (WIL Project 508562). Samples of formulations were analyzed for homogeneity (highest and lowest concentration) and accuracy of preparation (all concentrations).
Stability in vehicle over 1 hour (lowest concentration) and 6 hours (highest and lowest concentration) at room temperature was also determined. The accuracy of preparation was considered acceptable if the mean measured concentrations were 90-110% of the target concentration. Homogeneity was demonstrated if the coefficient of variation was ≤ 10%. Formulations were considered stable if the relative difference before and after storage was maximally 10%.

Duration of treatment / exposure:

Males were exposed for 29 days, i.e. 2 weeks prior to mating, during mating, and up to the day prior to scheduled necropsy. Females were exposed for 40-46 days, i.e. during 2 weeks prior to mating, during mating, during post-coitum, and during at least 4 days of lactation (up to the day prior to scheduled necropsy).
One control female, and two high dose females were not dosed on day 1 of lactation as these females were littering at the time of dosing. The omission of one day of dosing over a period of several weeks was not considered to affect the toxicological evaluation. Pups were not dosed directly but could have potentially be exposed to the test substance in utero, via maternal milk or from exposure to maternal urine/faeces.

Frequency of treatment:

Once daily for 7 d/w.

Details on study schedule:

- Age at mating of the mated animals in the study: Approximately 13 weeks

Doses / concentrations

Doses / concentrations 1

Dose / conc.:

50 mg/kg bw/day (actual dose received)

Doses / concentrations 2

Dose / conc.:

150 mg/kg bw/day (actual dose received)

Doses / concentrations 3

Dose / conc.:

500 mg/kg bw/day (actual dose received)

No. of animals per sex per dose:

10

Control animals:

yes, concurrent vehicle

Details on study design:

- Dose selection rationale:
Dose levels were based on results of a 10-day dose range finding study (WIL Research project 508567). Female rats (3 per dose group) were exposed for 10 days to 500, 750 or 1000 mg/kg bw/ day (procedures identical to main study). At necropsy, all animals were subjected to an external, thoracic and abdominal
examination after the last observation of clinical signs (scheduled necropsy) or sooner (decedents). No organs were fixed. Animals were not deprived of food prior to necropsy. Terminal body weight, kidney and liver weight were recorded.

Selection of animals for selected measurements:
5 animals/sex/group were randomly selected at allocation for functional observations, clinical pathology, macroscopic examination (full list), organ weights (full list) and histopathology (see also respective paragraphs). Only females with live offspring were selected.

Parturition:
The females were allowed to litter normally. Day 1 of lactation was defined as the day when a litter was found completed (i.e. membranes, placentas cleaned up, nest built up and/or feeding of pups started). Females that were littering were left undisturbed.

Identification of pups:
On day 1 of lactation, all pups were randomized per litter and individually identified by means of subcutaneous injection of Indian ink.

Positive control:

no

Examinations

Parental animals: Observations and examinations:

CAGE SIDE OBSERVATIONS:
Yes
- Time schedule: At least twice daily.

DETAILED CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS:
Yes
- Time schedule: Daily from start of treatment onwards up to the day prior to necropsy, detailed clinical observations were made in all animals, at least immediately after dosing. Once prior to start of treatment and at weekly intervals during the treatment period this was also performed outside the home cage in a standard arena. The time of onset, grade and duration of any observed sign was recorded.

BODY WEIGHT:
Yes
- Time schedule for examinations: Males and females were weighed on the first day of exposure and weekly thereafter. Mated females were weighed on days 0, 4, 7, 11, 14, 17 and 20 post-coitum and during lactation on days 1 and 4.

FOOD CONSUMPTION:
Yes
- Weekly, except for males and females which were housed together for mating and for females without evidence of mating. Food consumption of mated females was measured on days 0, 4, 7, 11, 14, 17 and 20 postcoitum and on days 1 and 4 of lactation.

FOOD EFFICIENCY:
Yes.
- Average food consumption [per animal per day]/average body weight per cage x 1000

WATER CONSUMPTION : No.
Subjective appraisal was maintained during the study, but no quantitative investigation introduced as no effect was suspected.

OPHTHALMOSCOPIC EXAMINATION: No

HAEMATOLOGY:
- Time schedule for collection of blood: immediately prior to scheduled post mortem examination.
- Anaesthetic used for blood collection: Yes (isoflurane)
- Animals fasted: Yes (with a maximum of 24 hours, water was provided)
- How many animals: 5 animals/sex/group
- Parameters checked were: According to test guidelines

CLINICAL CHEMISTRY:
- Time schedule for collection of blood: immediately prior to scheduled post mortem examination.
- Animals fasted: Yes (with a maximum of 24 hours, water was provided)
- How many animals: 5 animals/sex/group
- Parameters checked were: According to test guidelines

URINALYSIS: No

NEUROBEHAVIOURAL EXAMINATION:
Yes
- Time schedule for examinations: The selected males were tested during week 4 of treatment and the selected females were tested towards the end of the scheduled lactation period (from lactation day 4 onwards)
- Dose groups that were examined: all (5 animals/sex/group)
- Battery of functions tested: hearing ability, pupillary reflex and static righting reflex, fore- and hind-limb grip strength and locomoter activity (total movements and ambulations)

Oestrous cyclicity (parental animals):

Not determined.

Sperm parameters (parental animals):

Slides of the testes were prepared for histopathological staging of spermatogenesis (5 males of the control and high dose group).

Litter observations:

PARAMETERS EXAMINED
The following parameters were examined in F1 offspring:
number and sex of pups, stillbirths, live births, postnatal mortality, presence of gross abnomalies, weight gain, physical or behavioural abnormalities.

- Mortality: The numbers of live and dead pups on day 1 of lactation and daily thereafter were determined. If possible, defects or cause of death were evaluated.
- Clinical signs: At least once daily, detailed clinical observations were made in all animals.
- Body weights: Live pups were weighed on days 1 and 4 of lactation.
- Sex: Sex was determined for all pups on days 1 and 4 of lactation (by assessment of the ano-genital distance).

GROSS EXAMINATION OF DEAD PUPS
Yes, if possible, defects or cause of death were evaluated.

Postmortem examinations (parental animals):

GROSS PATHOLOGY: Yes

All animals were fasted overnight (with a maximum of 20 hours) prior to planned necropsy, but water was provided. Animals surviving to scheduled necropsy and all moribund animals were deeply anaesthetised and subsequently exsanguinated.

- Selected 5 animals/sex/group and all animals that died spontaneously or were killed in extremis:
According to test guidelines

- All remaining females which failed to deliver and the remaining males: According to test guidelines

ORGAN WEIGHTS
- Selected 5 animals/sex/group: According to test guidelines

- All remaining males:
Epididymides and Testes

HISTOPATHOLOGY: Yes
According to test guidelines

Postmortem examinations (offspring):

SACRIFICE
Pups surviving to planned termination were killed by decapitation on lactation days 5-7.

GROSS NECROPSY
All pups were sexed and descriptions of all external abnormalities were recorded. The stomach was examined for the presence of milk. If possible, defects or cause of death were evaluated. Any abnormal pup, organ or tissue was preserved in 10% buffered formalin for possible further examination.

HISTOPATHOLOGY / ORGAN WEIGTHS
No.

Statistics:

The following statistical methods were used to analyze the data:
- If the variables could be assumed to follow a normal distribution, the Dunnett-test (Ref. 1; many-to-one t-test) based on a pooled variance estimate was applied for the comparison of the treated groups and the control groups for each sex.
- The Steel-test (Ref. 2; many-to-one rank test) was applied if the data could not be assumed to follow a normal distribution.
- The Fisher Exact-test (Ref. 3) was applied to frequency data.
- The Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric ANOVA test (Ref. 4) was applied to motor activity data to determine intergroup differences.

All tests were two-sided and in all cases p < 0.05 was accepted as the lowest level of significance. Group means were calculated for continuous data and medians were calculated for discrete data (scores) in the summary tables. Test statistics were calculated on the basis of exact values for means and pooled variances. Individual values, means and standard deviations may have been rounded off before printing. Therefore, two groups may display the same printed means for a given parameter, yet display different test statistics values.

References:
Ref. 1 Dunnett C.W., A Multiple Comparison Procedure for Comparing Several Treatments with a Control, J. Amer. Stat. Assoc. 50, 1096-1121 (1955).
Ref. 2 Miller R.G., Simultaneous Statistical Inference, Springer Verlag, New York (1981).
Ref. 3 Fisher R.A., Statistical Methods for Research Workers, Oliver and Boyd, Edinburgh (1950).
Ref. 4 Kruskal W.H. and Wallis W.A.. Use of ranks in one-criterion variance analysis. Journal of the American Statistical Association 47 (260): 583-621, December (1952).

Reproductive indices:

For each group, the following calculations were performed:
- Mating index: Number of females mated/Number of females paired x 100
- Fertility index: Number of pregnant females/Number of females paired x 100
- Conception index: Number of pregnant females/Number of females mated x 100
- Gestation index: Number of females bearing live pups/Number of pregnant females x 100
- Duration of gestation: Number of days between confirmation of mating and the beginning of parturition

Offspring viability indices:

- Percentage live males at First Litter Check: Number of live male pups at First Litter Check/Number of live pups at First Litter Check x 100
- Percentage live females at First Litter Check: Number of live female pups at First Litter Check/Number of live pups at First Litter Check x 100
- Percentage of postnatal loss Days 0-4 of lactation: Number of dead pups on Day 4 of lactation/Number of live pups at First Litter Check x 100
- Viability index: Number of live pups on Day 4 of lactation / Number of pups born alive x 100

Results and discussion

Results: P0 (first parental generation)

General toxicity (P0)

Clinical signs:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

No clinical signs were noted during daily detailed observations and weekly arena observations that were considered toxicologically relevant. Piloerection was noted in two males and two females of the high dose group for 2-5 days, but this was not considered a severe effect. Salivation was observed in several rats at 150 and 500 mg/ kg bw/ day, which was considered a physiological response to exposure to the test substance. Incidental findings that were noted included exophthalmos, alopecia and scabbing. These findings occurred within the range of background findings to be expected for rats of this age and strain which are housed and treated under the conditions in this study. At the incidence observed, these were considered signs of no toxicological relevance.

Mortality:

no mortality observed

Description (incidence):

No mortality occurred during the study period.

Body weight and weight changes:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

Body weights and body weight gain of treated animals remained in the same range as controls over the treatment period.

Food consumption and compound intake (if feeding study):

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

No toxicologically relevant changes in food consumption before or after allowance for body weight were noted up to 500 mg/kg bw/ day. The slightly reduced food consumption during the first week of treatment for males and females was not considered toxicologically relevant as it already recovered to normal values during the second week of treatment. In addition, on days 11-14 post-coitum and days 1-4 of lactation statistically significant lower mean absolute and/or relative food consumption were noted at 150 and/or 500 mg/kg bw/ day. As these changes were only minor and no effects on body weight gain was noted, these changes were not considered toxicologically relevant.

Food efficiency:

no effects observed

Water consumption and compound intake (if drinking water study):

no effects observed

Ophthalmological findings:

not examined

Haematological findings:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

Males at 500 mg/kg bw/ day had a dose-related, statistically significant increase of approximately 8% in mean Prothrombin Time (PT). White blood cell count was increased in females at 150 and 500 mg/kg bw/ day (statistically significant increase), increase was not dose-related. In absence of alterations in other haematological parameters, the effects were found to be not toxicologically relevant.

Clinical biochemistry findings:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

Total bilirubin was increased for high dose group males and females (+32% and 48% in males and females, respectively). Inorganic phosphate levels were increased statistically significantly for the high dose group males (+27%). Other effects were judged as not toxicologically relevant: Aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) was statistically significantly decreased in males of the high dose group, for females ASAT levels were also decreased (statistically significant for low and high dose group). Based on the absence of dose-relationship and based on the fact that this was a decrease, these observations are not regarded to be toxicologically relevant. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was decreased in the low dose group (males), in absence of a dose-relationship this was found not toxicologically relevant. Cholesterol levels were decreased at 150 and 500 mg/ kg bw/ day in males only with -18% and -24%. Furthermore, bile acids were increased for males at 150 and 500 mg/ kg bw/ day. Changes in cholesterol and bile acid levels were however not statistically significant. These effects are considered to have arisen as a result of slightly high control values and/or remained within the range considered normal for rats of this age and strain and are thus regarded not to be of toxicological relevance.

Urinalysis findings:

not examined

Behaviour (functional findings):

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

Hearing ability, pupillary reflex and static righting reflex were normal in all selected animals and no toxicologically relevant effects on grip strength were observed. The variation in motor activity did not indicate a relation with treatment. All groups showed a similar habituation profile with very high activity in the first interval that decreased over the duration of the test period.

Immunological findings:

not examined

Organ weight findings including organ / body weight ratios:

effects observed, treatment-related

Histopathological findings: non-neoplastic:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

Test item-related morphologic alterations were present in the thyroid gland of 3 high dose females and consisted of minimal hypertrophy of follicular cells. Furthermore, in females dosed at 500 mg/ kg bw/ day hypertrophy of the urothelium was seen (minimal for two rats and slight for 2 rats). No effects on thyroids and urinary bladder were seen in any other female. There were no correlating morphologic alterations for the test item-related higher kidney weights noted in females treated at 500 mg/kg/day. No test item-related morphologic alterations in males were noted. No abnormalities were seen in the reproductive organs, which could account for their infertility. Spermatogenic staging profiles were normal for all males examined.

Histopathological findings: neoplastic:

not examined

Other effects:

not examined

Reproductive function / performance (P0)

Reproductive function: oestrous cycle:

not examined

Reproductive function: sperm measures:

no effects observed

Reproductive performance:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

No toxicologically relevant effects on reproductive parameters were noted. Mating, fertility and conception indices, precoital time, and number of corpora lutea and implantation sites were unaffected by treatment. There were 1/10 couples of the control group, 3/10 couples of the 50 mg/kg bw/ day group, 1/10 couples of the 150 mg/kg bw/ day group and 1/10 of the 500 mg/kg bw/ day group which failed to deliver health pups. One female treated with 50 mg/ kg bw/ day had implantation sites only, one female in the highest dose group did not mate; all others were not pregnant. No toxicologically relevant effects on gestation index and duration were noted. No signs of difficult or prolonged parturition were noted among the pregnant females. Examination of cage debris of pregnant females revealed no signs of abortion or premature birth. No deficiencies in maternal care were observed.

Effect levels (P0)

Key result

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Effect level:

150 mg/kg bw/day (actual dose received)

Based on:

test mat.

Sex:

male/female

Basis for effect level:

other: Adverse effects on kidney, liver (males and females) and thyroid glands (females only) at 1000 mg/kg bw/day.

Results: F1 generation

General toxicity (F1)

Clinical signs:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

Incidental clinical symptoms of pups consisted of swelling of the flank, pale appearance, blue spots, absence of milk in the stomach, wound, and small size. The nature and incidence of these clinical signs remained within the range considered normal for pups of this age, and were therefore considered to be of no toxicological relevance.

Mortality / viability:

no mortality observed

Description (incidence and severity):

Five pups of the control group, 2 pups at 50 mg/kg bw/day, 9 pups at 150 mg/kg bw/day and 6 pups at 500 mg/kg bw/ day were found dead or missing during the first days of lactation. Pups missing were most likely cannibalised. No toxicological relevance was attributed to these dead/missing pups since the mortality incidence did not show a dose-related trend and remained within the range considered normal for pups of this age.

Body weight and weight changes:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

Body weights of pups were considered to have been unaffected by treatment up to 500 mg/kg bw/ day. The slightly lower body weights at 150 mg/kg bw/ day were not statistically significant different from control values, and did not show a dose-response.

Water consumption and compound intake (if drinking water study):

no effects observed

Ophthalmological findings:

not examined

Haematological findings:

not examined

Clinical biochemistry findings:

not examined

Urinalysis findings:

not examined

Sexual maturation:

not examined

Organ weight findings including organ / body weight ratios:

not examined

Gross pathological findings:

no effects observed

Histopathological findings:

not examined

Description (incidence and severity):

Incidental macroscopic findings of pups included scabbing, beginning autolysis, cannibalism, and bent tail. The nature and incidence of these findings remained within the range considered normal for pups of this age, and were therefore considered to be of no toxicological relevance.

Developmental neurotoxicity (F1)

Behaviour (functional findings):

not examined

Developmental immunotoxicity (F1)

Developmental immunotoxicity:

not examined

Details on results (F1)

Number of dead and living pups at first litter check, postnatal loss, viability index and sex ratio were unaffected by treatment, and clinical signs, body weight and external macroscopy did not reveal treatment-related findings.

Effect levels (F1)

Key result

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Generation:

F1

Effect level:

>= 500 mg/kg bw/day (actual dose received)

Based on:

test mat.

Sex:

male/female

Basis for effect level:

other: No effects seen at highest dose tested.

Target system / organ toxicity (F1)

Key result

Critical effects observed:

no

Overall reproductive toxicity

Key result

Reproductive effects observed:

no

Any other information on results incl. tables

Analysis of dose preparations:

In the control group formulation, no test substance was detected. The concentrations analysed in the formulations of groups exposed to 150 and 500 mg/kg bw/day were in agreement with target concentrations (i.e. mean accuracies 98% and 100% respectively). For the formulation of the group exposed to 50 mg/ kg bw/ day, the mean accuracy was negligibly below the target concentration (i.e. 88% of target) and therefore the results were accepted. The formulations of the low and high dose group were homogeneous (i.e. coefficient of variation ≤ 7.1%). Recovery after 6 hours was found to be 78.7% and 92.9% for the low and mid dose respectively. Based on this, the formulations of the high dose group were found to be stable when stored at room temperature under normal laboratory light conditions for at least 6 hours whereas the formulations of the low dose group were found not to be stable when stored at room temperature under normal laboratory light conditions for 6 hours. Formulations of the low dose group were found to be stable when stored at room temperature under normal laboratory light conditions for at least one hour (relative difference of 4.2%).

Applicant's summary and conclusion

Conclusions:

In an oral OECD 422 screening study, the NOAEL parental was derived to be 150 mg/kg bw/day, while the NOAEL for reproduction was determined to be 500 mg/kg bw/day.

Executive summary:

A combined 28d repeated dose study with screening for reproductive and/ or developmental effects was performed according to OECD/EC guidelines and GLP principles. PEMP product was administered by daily oral gavage to male and female rats at dose levels of 50, 150 and 500 mg/kg bw/ day. Males were exposed for 2 weeks prior to mating, during mating, and up to termination (for 29 days). The females were exposed for 2 weeks prior to mating, during mating, during post-coitum, and at least 4 days of lactation (for 40-46 days). Pups were not dosed directly but could have potentially be exposed to the test substance in utero, via maternal milk or from exposure to maternal urine/faeces. At the highest dose, adverse effects were seen in males and females on kidney, liver and thyroid glands (females only) at 500 mg/ kg bw/ day, which was seen in females as minimal hypertrophy of follicular cells of the thyroid glands and hypertrophy of the urothelium, increased absolute and relative kidney weights, and increased bilirubin levels. In males increased (relative) liver and kidney weights were measured, furthermore changes in blood parameters were found (increase prothrombin time, bilirubin levels, inorganic phosphate levels and aspartate aminotransferase). No toxicologically relevant effects on gestation index and duration, parturition, maternal care and early postnatal pup development (mortality, clinical signs, body weight and macroscopy) were observed at any dose level.

Based on these data, the parental NOAEL for PEMP product was set at 150 mg/kg bw/day, whereas the NOAEL for reproduction was set at ≥ 500 mg/kg bw/day.