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Administrative data

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Effects on fertility

Description of key information

No specific testing was performed on the reaction mass to assess its effects on reproductive performance.

However, two generation studies in rats were performed on two components of the reaction mass (dipropylene glycol dibenzoate, DPGDB and diethylene glycol dibenzoate, DEGDB) and a one generation study in rats was performed on the third component (triethylene glycol dibenzoate TEGDB). The two generation studies were conducted according to OECD and EPA test guidelines, and in compliance with GLP. The one generation study was similar in design to the OECD test guideline and conducted in compliance with GLP.

In the 2 two generation studies realised in rats to assess the effects on reproductive performance of the test material DEGDB or DPGDB, the NOAELs for F0 and F1 parent animals and the NOAEL for survival and growth of the offspring for DPGDB were both considered to be 10000 ppm in diet and NOAELs for DEGDB were considered to be 10000 ppm for P (F0) and F1 parent animals and 3300 ppm for the developing offspring. The NOEL for reproductive parameters of DEGDB was considered to be 10000 ppm. For TEGDB, introduced in the diet at levels up to and including 20000 ppm was without apparent toxicity to the reproductive system of the adult rat and without impairment of growth and development of their progeny.

Link to relevant study records

Referenceopen allclose all

Endpoint:
two-generation reproductive toxicity
Type of information:
experimental study
Adequacy of study:
key study
Study period:
25 May 1999 to 19 February 2000
Reliability:
1 (reliable without restriction)
Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:
other: The study was conducted according to OECD test guidelines and in compliance with GLP
Qualifier:
according to guideline
Guideline:
OECD Guideline 416 (Two-Generation Reproduction Toxicity Study)
Deviations:
no
Qualifier:
according to guideline
Guideline:
EPA OPPTS 870.3800 (Reproduction and Fertility Effects)
Deviations:
no
GLP compliance:
yes (incl. QA statement)
Limit test:
no
Species:
rat
Strain:
Sprague-Dawley
Sex:
male/female
Details on test animals or test system and environmental conditions:
TEST ANIMALS
- Source: Charles River UK Ltd., Margate, Kent, England.
- Age at study initiation: (P) 5 wks; (F1) 6 wks
- Weight at study initiation: (P) Males 207 ± 22.0, 203 ± 20.6, 204 ± 15.8 and 198 ± 19.4 g (Groups 1 to 4 respectively) and for the females 160 ± 13.5, 161 ± 14.9, 159 ± 10.3 and 156 ± 13.7 g (Groups 1 to 4 respectively)
- Housing: Stainless steel or high density polypropylene bodies with lids of stainless steel grid.
- Diet: Commercially available laboratory animal diet LAD 2 SQC from Special Diet services Limited, Witham, Essex, England, ad libitum
- Water: public water ad libitum
- Acclimation period: 1 week

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
- Temperature (°C): 19 to 25
- Humidity (%): 40 to 70
- Air changes (per hr): The animal room was kept at positive pressure with respect to the outside by its own supply of filtered fresh air, which was passed to the atmosphere and not recirculated.
- Photoperiod : 12 hrs dark / 12 hrs light
Route of administration:
oral: feed
Vehicle:
unchanged (no vehicle)
Details on exposure:
DIET PREPARATION
- Rate of preparation of diet (frequency): Diets containing the test material were freshly prepared at regular intervals during the study in batches covering up to two weeks of treatment and prepared up to 8 days in advance of use.
- Mixing appropriate amounts with (Type of food): Commercially available powdered laboratory animal diet, LAD 2 SQC.
- Storage temperature of food: The homogeneity and the stability, during ambient storage for 20 days, were confirmed for DEGDB in LAD 2 at nominal concentrations of 500 ppm and 20000 ppm. The storage period represented the maximum time from preparation to completion of use.

Quality control of dosage form: Information on the homogeneity of mixing stability and concentration of the test material in the diet was determined by Huntingdon Life Sciences. The homogeneity and the stability during ambient temperature storage for 20 days were confirmed for DEGDB in LAD 2 formulation at nominal concentrations of 500 ppm and 20000 ppm (Huntingdon Life Sciences Report VCL321/990090).
The storage period represented the maximum time from preparation to completion of use.
Details on mating procedure:
- M/F ratio per cage: 1:1
- Length of cohabitation: Up to 3 weeks
- Proof of pregnancy: Each morning following pairing the trays beneath the cages were checked for ejected copulation plugs and a vaginal smear was prepared from each female and examined for the presence of spermatozoa and the stage ofthe oestrous cycle. The day on which evidence of mating was found was designated Day 0 of gestation.
- After 14 days of unsuccessful pairing replacement of first male by another male with proven fertility.
- Further matings after two unsuccessful attempts: no
- After successful mating each pregnant female was caged (how): Stainless steel or HDP bodies with lids of stainless steel grid.
Analytical verification of doses or concentrations:
yes
Details on analytical verification of doses or concentrations:
Samples (nominally 200 g) of treated diets were taken at approximately 10-week intervals approxiamtely equivalent to
- Start of treatment (week 1)
- Pairing for first generation (week 11)
- Selection for second generation (week 17)
- Pairing for second generation (week 28)
- Lactation for second generation (week 34)

For each dose level a sub-sample was extracted with acetone using soxhlet apparatus. After dilution with acetone, a suitable volume was evaporated to dryness (using RFE). The residues was dissolved in HPLC mobile phase, then analysed by HPLC-UV.

The mean concentrations determined within 5% above and 5.2% below nominal concentrations confirmed the accuracy of formulation.
Duration of treatment / exposure:
Males and females of the P (F0) generation were treated for 10 weeks before pairing and throughout the study until termination.

Animals of the F1 generation had access to the same diet as their parents throughout, but the F1 generation was deemed to formally start at approximately 4 weeks of age (week 1 of the F1 generation). F1 animals were treated from weaning to approximately 11 weeks before pairing and until termination when litters were weaned.
Frequency of treatment:
Treated feed was available ad libitum.
Details on study schedule:
- F1 parental animals were not mated until 11 weeks after selected from the F1 litters.
- Age at mating of the mated animals in the study: P (F0) 16 weeks, (F1) 15-16 weeks.
Dose / conc.:
1 000 ppm (nominal)
Remarks:
nominal in diet
Dose / conc.:
3 300 ppm (nominal)
Remarks:
nominal in diet
Dose / conc.:
10 000 ppm (nominal)
Remarks:
nominal in diet
No. of animals per sex per dose:
(F0): 32/sex/dose
(F1): 28/sex/dose
Control animals:
yes, concurrent no treatment
Details on study design:
- Dose selection rationale: Dietary concentrations of 1000, 3300 and 10000 ppm were selected in collaboration with the Sponsor based on results from a preliminary dietary study performed at Huntingdon Life Sciences (Report No. VCL321/990090).
Positive control:
None
Parental animals: Observations and examinations:
CAGE SIDE OBSERVATIONS: Yes
- Time schedule: Twice daily.

DETAILED CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS: Yes
- Time schedule: Twice daily, with a more detailed examination performed weekly.

BODY WEIGHT: Yes
- Time schedule for examinations: Males were weighed on the day that treatment commenced (F0) or the formal start of the generation (F1), then weekly thereafter. P (F0) and F1 females were weighed on the same schedule until mating was detected and then on Days 0, 6, 13 and 20 after mating and on Days 1, 4, 7, 14 and 21 of lactation.

FOOD CONSUMPTION AND COMPOUND INTAKE (if feeding study):
- Food consumption for each animal determined and mean daily diet consumption calculated as g food/kg body weight/day: Yes
- Compound intake calculated as time-weighted averages from the consumption and body weight gain data: Yes
Food consumption was recorded on a cage basis two animals per cage for F0 and F1 males and females weekly before pairing for mating Food consumption for females after mating was recorded daily on an individual basis on Days 0-5, 6-12 and 13-19 after mating.
Food consumption for F0 females was recorded for Days 1-6, 7-13, 14-17 and 18-20 of lactation
Food consumption for F1 females was recorded on Days 1-3, 4-6, 7-13 and 14-20 of lactation.

WATER CONSUMPTION AND COMPOUND INTAKE (if drinking water study): No
Oestrous cyclicity (parental animals):
For 22 days before pairing of P (F0) and 29 days of pairing of F1 generations, daily vaginal smears were taken using cotton swabs, from all females and examined to establish the duration and regularity of the oestrus cycle.
Sperm parameters (parental animals):
Parameters examined in F0/F1 male parental generations:
Immediately after scheduled sacrifice
- testis and epididymis weight
- sperm motility
- sperm morphology
- sperm count in epididymides
- homogenisation -resistant spermatids
Litter observations:
STANDARDISATION OF LITTERS
- Performed on day 4 postpartum: yes
- Litters containing more than ten offspring were culled by random selection to ten where possible five males and five females on Day 4 of age.

PARAMETERS EXAMINED
The following parameters were examined in F1 and F2 offspring:
- number and sex of pups (at days 1, 4 and 21 of age),
- stillbirths,
- live births,
- postnatal mortality,
- presence of gross anomalies,
- weight gain (Days 1, 4, 7, 14, and 21 of age),
- physical or behavioural abnormalities

GROSS EXAMINATION OF DEAD PUPS: yes, for external and internal abnormalities
Postmortem examinations (parental animals):
SACRIFICE
- Male animals: All surviving animals were killed once the majority of litters had weaned and it had been established that further litters were not required.
- Maternal animals: All surviving animals that littered and reared offspring were killed on Day 28 of lactation after completion of post-weaning vaginal smears. Females whose litters died before weaning were generally killed on their theoretical Day 28 after completion of vaginal smearing similar to the females with surviving litters. Females that failed to mate, mated but were not pregnant or failed to litter were retained and killed on the same day as the first batch of females with litters for that generation.

GROSS NECROPSY
- Gross necropsy consisted of external and internal examinations including the cranial, thoracic, abdominal and pelvic cavities and their viscera.
The external and cut surfaces of the organs and tissues were examined either before or after weighing as appropriate. The number of uterine implantation sites was recorded for the adult females. Abnormalities interactions and changes were noted the requisite organs weighed and the required tissue samples preserved in fixative.

HISTOPATHOLOGY / ORGAN WEIGHTS
Adrenal glands, Prostate ventral, Brain, Seminal vesicles and coagulating gland, Epididymides, Spleen, Kidneys, Testes, Liver, Uterus with cervix, Ovaries with oviduct, Pituitary.
Paired organs weighed separately. The weight of these organs were expressed as a percentage of the bodyweight recorded immediately prior to necropsy for all adults surviving to scheduled terminal kill.
Postmortem examinations (offspring):
SACRIFICE
- The F1 offspring not selected as parental animals and all F2 offspring were sacrificed were subjected to macroscopic postmortem examinations (external and internal examination).
Other offspring that died before scheduled termination were subject to external and internal examination F1 offspring following weaning not selected for continuation of the study were killed around Day 31 of age all pups selected for organ weights were killed on Day 31 following the selection process for the next generation F2 offspring were killed on Day 21 of age.

GROSS NECROPSY
Unselected F1 offspring and F2 offspring were examined macroscopically for evidence of disease or adverse reaction to treatment and appropriate organs weighed and retained. Any abnormal tissues were also retained.

HISTOPATHOLOGY / ORGAN WEIGTHS
Organs were taken from 1 male and 1 female randomly selected from each litter on Day 31 for F1 offspring and Day 21 for F2 offspring dissected free from adjacent fat and other tissue and the weight recorded: Brain, Spleen, Thymus.
Abnormalities, Seminal vesicles and coagulating gland, Brain, Spleen, Epididymides, Testes, Ovaries, Thymus, Oviduct, Uterus with cervix, Prostate ventral lobe, Vagina.
Statistics:
- Analysis of variance followed by an intergroup comparison with the Control were performed (Bodyweights and bodyweight change, food consumption of females during gestation and lactation, litter data including offspring bodyweights, sexual development data and organ weights).
- Homogeneity of variance using Bartlett's test (adult organ weights and weekly bodyweight change for the parental animals)
- Whenever this was found to be statistically significant a Behrens-Fisher test was used to perform pairwise comparison otherwise a Dunnett's test wasused.
- Dependent on the heterogeneity of variance between treatment groups parametric tests analysis of variance, followed by Williams' test or non parametric tests (Kruskal Wallis) followed by Shirley's test were used as appropriate (bodyweight and food consumption data during gestation and lactation, litter data, sexual
development data, seminology data and offspring organ weights).
- Where 57% or more of the values for a given variable were the same a Fisher's exact test was used.
Significant (p<0.05) inter group differences from the Control were reported.
Reproductive indices:
Percentage mating=(Animals mated/Animals paired) x 100
Conception rate=(Animals pregnant or siring a pregnancy/Animals mated) x 100
Fertility index=(Animals pregnant or siring a pregnancy/Animals paired) x 100
Gestation index=(Number of live litters born/Number pregnant) x 100
Offspring viability indices:
Post implantation survival index=(Total number of offspring born/Total number of uterine implantation sites) x 100
Live birth index=(Total number of live offspring on Day 1/Total number of offspring born) x 100
Viability index=(Number of live offspring on Day 4 of age/Number of live offspring on Day 1 of age) x 100
Lactation index=(Number of live offspring on Day of examination/Number of live offspring at Day 4 after culling) x 100
Sex-ratio=(Number of males in litter/Total number of offspring in litter) x 100
Clinical signs:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
F0: The general condition of F0 males and females was considered to be satisfactory throughout the study and no clinical signs considered to be associated with treatment were observed.
Mortality:
mortality observed, non-treatment-related
Description (incidence):
F0: All males survived to termination. Amongst females there were four unscheduled deaths one at each treatment level including Control. These deaths appear to be related to coincidental problems associated with parturition and neither the incidence nor distribution indicated an association with treatment.
Body weight and weight changes:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
F0:
Males: Overall there was no conclusive effect of treatment with DEGDB on bodyweights or bodyweight gain of the F0 males at any inclusion level bodyweight gain of treated males at termination after about 16 weeks of treatment was essentially similar to Controls.
Females: There was no obvious adverse or significant effect of treatment with DEGDB on bodyweights or bodyweight gain of the F0 females during the 10 week pre pairing treatment phase at any inclusion level or during gestation or during lactation period.
Food consumption and compound intake (if feeding study):
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
F0:
Exposure levels in excess of 500 mg/kg/day were achieved at 10000 ppm throughout the 10 week pre mating period. The fluctuations during gestation and lactation were in line with expectations and were related to changes in the physiological demands on the parent females during these periods.
During lactation at the period of peak demand on the dam Days 7-13 the intake of the females was in excess of 2000 mg/kg/day at 10000 ppm.
Food efficiency:
not specified
Ophthalmological findings:
not specified
Haematological findings:
not specified
Clinical biochemistry findings:
not specified
Urinalysis findings:
not specified
Behaviour (functional findings):
not specified
Immunological findings:
not specified
Organ weight findings including organ / body weight ratios:
no effects observed
Histopathological findings: non-neoplastic:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
F0:
Microscopic examination of the organs and tissues taken from 10 F0 males and 10 F0 females from the control and 10000 ppm groups did not reveal any findings that were considered to be related to exposure to DEGDB. Additionally all abnormalities observed at necropsy were examined microscopically for all animals and did not indicate any adverse effect of treatment.
Oestrous cycle at termination (parental F0 animals)
Vaginal smears were assessed for parental females for approximately one week after weaning (Days 22 to 28 of lactation). With the exception of one female receiving 1000 ppm all surviving females were confirmed to have returned to oestrus cycling after lactation.
Histopathological findings: neoplastic:
not specified
Other effects:
effects observed, treatment-related
Reproductive function: oestrous cycle:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
F0: There was no adverse effect of treatment with DEGDB on oestrous cycles at any dietary inclusion level the majority of F0 females in each group showed a regular 4 or 5 day cycle.
Reproductive function: sperm measures:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
F0: There was no adverse effect of exposure to DEGDB on the male reproductive system as assessed by sperm motility progressive sperm motility sperm count homogenisation resistant spermatids and sperm morphology.
Reproductive performance:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
F0
Precoital interval and mating performance:
The majority of F0 animals in all groups showed a positive indication of mating within the first four days of pairing. The incidence and distribution of animals failing to mate within these four days did not indicate any adverse effect of treatment.
All F0 animals mated and with the exception of three females (1 at 1000 ppm and 2 at 10000 ppm) all matings lead to pregnancy in the female partner.
While pregnancy rate was lowest at the highest dosage fertility was still very high and in the absence of a similar finding in the F1 generation where animals were exposed to the test material for a longer period was considered unaffected by treatment at this inclusion level.

Gestation length gestation index and parturition:
The distribution of gestation lengths and gestation index were essentially similar in all groups. There was no evidence that treatment with DEGDB had any influence on the parturition process.
CLINICAL SIGNS AND MORTALITY (PARENTAL ANIMALS)
F0
The general condition of F0 males and females was considered to be satisfactory throughout the study and no clinical signs considered to be associated with treatment were observed.
All males survived to termination.
Amongst females there were four unscheduled deaths one at each treatment level including Control. These deaths appear to be related to coincidental problems associated with parturition and neither the incidence nor distribution indicated an association with treatment.

F1
The general condition of F 1 males and females was considered to be satisfactory throughout the study and no clinical signs considered to be associated with treatment were observed.


BODY WEIGHT AND FOOD CONSUMPTION (PARENTAL ANIMALS)
F0
Males: Overall there was no conclusive effect of treatment with DEGDB on bodyweights or bodyweight gain of the F0 males at any inclusion level bodyweight gain of treated males at termination after about 16 weeks of treatment was essentially similar to Controls.

Females: There was no obvious adverse or significant effect of treatment with DEGDB on bodyweights or bodyweight gain of the F0 females during the 10 week pre pairing treatment phase at any inclusion level or during gestation or during lactation period.

F1
Males: There was no effect of treatment with DEGDB5 on bodyweight gain of the F1 males to termination at any inclusion level.
Females: Mean bodyweight at the formal start of the Fl generation approximately 4 weeks of age were essentially similar in all groups. At 10000 ppm there was a suggestion of lower bodyweight gain during the pre pairing treatment period. There was no effect of treatment with DEGDB5 on bodyweight gain during the pre pairing treatment period at 1000/3300 ppm.
Bodyweight gains of females during gestation were not obviously affected by treatment at any inclusion level. Following parturition bodyweight change between Day 0 of gestation and Day 1 of lactation for those dams that successfully reared their offspring to weaning did not indicate any adverse effect of treatment on the bodyweight of the parental females.
At 10000 ppm mean bodyweight loss was evident during the first 4 days of lactation and bodyweight gain was also marginally lower at 3300 ppm compared to the Control differences however failed to attain statistical significance.
There was no obvious adverse effect of treatment on food consumption of either F1 males or females during the 10 week pre pairing treatment period.


TEST SUBSTANCE INTAKE (PARENTAL ANIMALS)
F0
Exposure levels in excess of 500 mg/kg/day were achieved at 10000 ppm throughout the 10 week pre mating period. The fluctuations during gestation and lactation were in line with expectations and were related to changes in the physiological demands on the parent females during these periods.
During lactation at the period of peak demand on the dam Days 7-13 the intake of the females was in excess of 2000 mg/kg/day at 10000 ppm.

F1
Exposure levels well in excess of 500 mg/kg/day were achieved at 10000 ppm throughout the 11 week pre mating period. The fluctuations during gestation and lactation were in line with expectations and were related to changes in the physiological demands on the parent females during these periods. During lactation at the period of peak demand on the dam Day 7 13 the intake of the females was in excess of 2000 mg/kg/day at 10000 ppm.

REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTION: ESTROUS CYCLE (PARENTAL ANIMALS)
F0
There was no adverse effect of treatment with DEGDB on oestrous cycles at any dietary inclusion level the majority of F0 females in each group showed a regular 4 or 5 day cycle.

F1
There was no adverse effect of treatment with DEGDB on oestrous cycles at any dietary inclusion level the majority of F1 females in each group showed a regular 4 or 5 day cycle.


REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTION: SPERM MEASURES (PARENTAL ANIMALS)
F0
There was no adverse effect of exposure to DEGDB on the male reproductive system as assessed by sperm motility progressive sperm motility sperm count homogenisation resistant spermatids and sperm morphology.

F1
There was no adverse effect of exposure to DEGDB on the male reproductive system as assessed by sperm motility progressive sperm motility sperm count homogenisation resistant spermatids and sperm morphology.


REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE (PARENTAL ANIMALS)
F0
Precoital interval and mating performance
The majority of F0 animals in all groups showed a positive indication of mating within the first four days of pairing. The incidence and distribution of animals failing to mate within these four days did not indicate any adverse effect of treatment.
All F0 animals mated and with the exception of three females (1 at 1000 ppm and 2 at 10000 ppm) all matings lead to pregnancy in the female partner.
While pregnancy rate was lowest at the highest dosage fertility was still very high and in the absence of a similar finding in the F1 generation where animals were exposed to the test material for a longer period was considered unaffected by treatment at this inclusion level.

Gestation length gestation index and parturition
The distribution of gestation lengths and gestation index were essentially similar in all groups. There was no evidence that treatment with DEGDB had any influence on the parturition process.

F1
Pre coital interval and mating performance
The majority of F1 animals in all groups showed a positive indication of mating within the first four days of pairing. The incidence and distribution of animals failing to mate within these four days did not indicate any adverse effect of treatment.
The pregnancy rate was generally good for all groups.

Gestation length gestation index and parturition
The distribution of gestation lengths and gestation index were essentially similar in all groups. There was no evidence that treatment with DEGDB had any influence on the parturition process.


ORGAN WEIGHTS (PARENTAL ANIMALS)
F0
Intergroup differences in absolute and bodyweight relative organ weights for the F0 parental animals did not indicated any adverse effect oftreatment with DEGDB in either sex.

F1
Inter group differences in absolute and bodyweight relative organ weights for the F0 parental animals did not indicated any adverse effect of treatment with Benzoflex 2-45 in either sex.


GROSS PATHOLOGY (PARENTAL ANIMALS)
F0
Neither the incidence type nor distribution of the findings observed during the necropsy of F0 parental animals indicated any adverse effect of treatment with Benzoflex 2-45.

F1
Neither the incidence type nor distribution of the findings observed during the necropsy of F1 parental animals indicated any adverse effect of treatment with Benzoflex 2-45.


HISTOPATHOLOGY (PARENTAL ANIMALS)
F0
Microscopic examination of the organs and tissues taken from 10 F0 males and 10 F0 females from the control and 10000 ppm groups did not reveal any findings that were considered to be related to exposure to DEGDB. Additionally all abnormalities observed at necropsy were examined microscopically for all animals and did not indicate any adverse effect of treatment.

Oestrous cycle at termination (parental F0 animals)
Vaginal smears were assessed for parental females for approximately one week after weaning (Days 22 to 28 of lactation). With the exception of one female receiving 1000 ppm all surviving females were confirmed to have returned to oestrus cycling after lactation.

F1
Microscopic examination of the organs and tissues taken from 10 F0 males and 10 F0 females from the control and 10000 ppm groups did not reveal any findings that were considered to be related to exposure to DEGDB.
Additionally all abnormalities observed at necropsy were examined microscopically for all animals and did not indicate any adverse effect of treatment.

Oestrous cycle at termination (parental F1 animals)
Vaginal smears were assessed for parental females for approximately one week after weaning (Days 22 to 28 of lactation). All surviving females were confirmed to have returned to oestrus cycling after lactation.

Ovarian primordial follicle counts F1 females
Ovarian primordial follicle counts were conducted on 10 Control F1 females and 10 F1 females at 10000 ppm and in addition any decedent female F1 animals. There was no obvious adverse effect of treatment with Benzoflex 2-45 onthe primordial follicle populations.
Dose descriptor:
NOAEL
Effect level:
10 000 ppm (nominal)
Based on:
test mat.
Sex:
male/female
Basis for effect level:
body weight and weight gain
Clinical signs:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
F1: The general condition of F 1 males and females was considered to be satisfactory throughout the study and no clinical signs considered to be associated with treatment were observed.
Mortality:
no mortality observed
Description (incidence):
F1: No death observed
Body weight and weight changes:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
F1
Males: There was no effect of treatment with DEGDB5 on bodyweight gain of the F1 males to termination at any inclusion level.
Females: Mean bodyweight at the formal start of the Fl generation approximately 4 weeks of age were essentially similar in all groups. At 10000 ppm there was a suggestion of lower bodyweight gain during the pre pairing treatment period. There was no effect of treatment with DEGDB5 on bodyweight gain during the pre pairing treatment period at 1000/3300 ppm.
Bodyweight gains of females during gestation were not obviously affected by treatment at any inclusion level. Following parturition bodyweight change between Day 0 of gestation and Day 1 of lactation for those dams that successfully reared their offspring to weaning did not indicate any adverse effect of treatment on the bodyweight of the parental females.
At 10000 ppm mean bodyweight loss was evident during the first 4 days of lactation and bodyweight gain was also marginally lower at 3300 ppm compared to the Control differences however failed to attain statistical significance.
There was no obvious adverse effect of treatment on food consumption of either F1 males or females during the 10 week pre pairing treatment period.
Food consumption and compound intake (if feeding study):
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
F1:
Exposure levels well in excess of 500 mg/kg/day were achieved at 10000 ppm throughout the 11 week pre mating period. The fluctuations during gestation and lactation were in line with expectations and were related to changes in the physiological demands on the parent females during these periods. During lactation at the period of peak demand on the dam Day 7 13 the intake of the females was in excess of 2000 mg/kg/day at 10000 ppm.
Food efficiency:
not specified
Ophthalmological findings:
not specified
Haematological findings:
not specified
Clinical biochemistry findings:
not specified
Urinalysis findings:
not specified
Behaviour (functional findings):
not specified
Immunological findings:
not specified
Organ weight findings including organ / body weight ratios:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
F1: Inter group differences in absolute and bodyweight relative organ weights for the F0 parental animals did not indicated any adverse effect of treatment with Benzoflex 2-45 in either sex.
Gross pathological findings:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
F1: Neither the incidence type nor distribution of the findings observed during the necropsy of F1 parental animals indicated any adverse effect of treatment with Benzoflex 2-45
Neuropathological findings:
not specified
Histopathological findings: non-neoplastic:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
F1
Microscopic examination of the organs and tissues taken from 10 F0 males and 10 F0 females from the control and 10000 ppm groups did not reveal any findings that were considered to be related to exposure to DEGDB.
Additionally all abnormalities observed at necropsy were examined microscopically for all animals and did not indicate any adverse effect of treatment.

Oestrous cycle at termination (parental F1 animals):
Vaginal smears were assessed for parental females for approximately one week after weaning (Days 22 to 28 of lactation). All surviving females were confirmed to have returned to oestrus cycling after lactation.

Ovarian primordial follicle counts F1 females:
Ovarian primordial follicle counts were conducted on 10 Control F1 females and 10 F1 females at 10000 ppm and in addition any decedent female F1 animals. There was no obvious adverse effect of treatment with Benzoflex 2-45 onthe primordial follicle populations.
Histopathological findings: neoplastic:
not specified
Other effects:
not specified
Reproductive function: oestrous cycle:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
F1: There was no adverse effect of treatment with DEGDB on oestrous cycles at any dietary inclusion level the majority of F1 females in each group showed a regular 4 or 5 day cycle.
Reproductive function: sperm measures:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
F1: There was no adverse effect of exposure to DEGDB on the male reproductive system as assessed by sperm motility progressive sperm motility sperm count homogenisation resistant spermatids and sperm morphology
Reproductive performance:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
F1
Pre coital interval and mating performance:
The majority of F1 animals in all groups showed a positive indication of mating within the first four days of pairing. The incidence and distribution of animals failing to mate within these four days did not indicate any adverse effect of treatment.
The pregnancy rate was generally good for all groups.

Gestation length gestation index and parturition
The distribution of gestation lengths and gestation index were essentially similar in all groups. There was no evidence that treatment with DEGDB had any influence on the parturition process.
Dose descriptor:
NOAEL
Effect level:
10 000 ppm (nominal)
Based on:
test mat.
Sex:
male/female
Basis for effect level:
body weight and weight gain
Clinical signs:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
F1: The general condition of the offspring was similar in all groups and showed no adverse responses to treatment of the F0 parents.
Mortality / viability:
no mortality observed
Description (incidence and severity):
VIABILITY (OFFSPRING)
F1:
There was no obvious adverse effect of treatment on litter size or pup survival as assessed by the number of uterine implantation sites recorded at termination litter size at Day 1 survival of offspring to litter standardisation on Day 4 and subsequent survival to weaning.
Body weight and weight changes:
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
F1:
For both sexes offspring bodyweight at Day 1 was lower than Control for all treatment groups differences being most noticeable at 1000 and 3300 ppm. At these lower inclusion levels the differences in mean pup weight was considered to principally reflect the slightly larger mean litter size observed.
At 10000 ppm mean pup weight was only slightly lower than Control however litter size was also slightly lower so offspring bodyweight might have been expected to be more closely matched to Control values.
While this may be suggestive of a threshold effect in view of the small differences observed an effect of treatment was not considered proven.
There was no clear effect on subsequent bodyweight gain to weaning for offspring of either sex at any of the inclusion levels investigated.
Food consumption and compound intake (if feeding study):
not specified
Food efficiency:
not specified
Ophthalmological findings:
not specified
Haematological findings:
not specified
Clinical biochemistry findings:
not specified
Urinalysis findings:
not specified
Sexual maturation:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
F1:
Assessment of the sex ratio on Day 1 did not indicate any selective effect of treatment on post-implantation survival for either sex.
Similarly sex ratio from Day 1 to litter standardisation on Day 4 of age and after that to weaning did not indicate any apparent effects of treatment upon the survival of either sex during the post natal and pre weaning periods.

Sexual development as assessed by age and bodyweight at the time of the attainment of vaginal opening in F 1 females and balano preputial separation in F1 males was unaffected by treatment with DEGDB.
Anogenital distance (AGD):
not specified
Nipple retention in male pups:
not specified
Organ weight findings including organ / body weight ratios:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
F1:
Brain spleen or thymus weights were recorded for the unselected F1 offspring and comparison of mean absolute and bodyweight relative values did not indicate any adverse effect of exposure to DEGDB.
Gross pathological findings:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
F1:
Macroscopic examination of offspring dying before weaning did not reveal any findings considered to be related to treatment with DEGDB. Deaths generally occurred by Day 4 of age and pups commonly had no milk in the stomach reflecting possible lack of maternal care. This finding is frequently observed in offspring that die at such an early age.
Histopathological findings:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
F1: Neither the incidence type nor distribution ofthe findings observed indicated any adverse effect of treatment.
Other effects:
not specified
Behaviour (functional findings):
not specified
Developmental immunotoxicity:
not specified
VIABILITY (OFFSPRING)
F1
There was no obvious adverse effect of treatment on litter size or pup survival as assessed by the number of uterine implantation sites recorded at termination litter size at Day 1 survival of offspring to litter standardisation on Day 4 and subsequent survival to weaning.

F2
Although the incidence of total litter loss was high, no association with treatment was considered proven. There was no obvious adverse effect of treatment on litter size or pup survival as assessed by the number of uterine implantation sites recorded at termination litter size at Day 1 survival of offspring to litter standardisation on Day 4 and subsequent survival to weaning.


CLINICAL SIGNS (OFFSPRING)
F1
The general condition of the offspring was similar in all groups and showed no adverse responses to treatment of the F0 parents.

F2
There was no indication that the general condition of offspring had been adversely influenced by the treatment the parental female had received.

BODY WEIGHT (OFFSPRING)
F1
For both sexes offspring bodyweight at Day 1 was lower than Control for all treatment groups differences being most noticeable at 1000 and 3300 ppm. At these lower inclusion levels the differences in mean pup weight was considered to principally reflect the slightly larger mean litter size observed.
At 10000 ppm mean pup weight was only slightly lower than Control however litter size was also slightly lower so offspring bodyweight might have been expected to be more closely matched to Control values.
While this may be suggestive of a threshold effect in view of the small differences observed an effect of treatment was not considered proven.
There was no clear effect on subsequent bodyweight gain to weaning for offspring of either sex at any of the inclusion levels investigated.

F2
At 10000 ppm bodyweights of F2 offspring of either sex at Day 1 was lower than Control. While to some extent this may reflect the slightly larger litter size at this dosage in view of the similar observation for the F1 offspring, this may be related to treatment. Subsequent bodyweight gain to weaning for both sexes were lower than Control differences for male offspring attaining statistical significance.

At lower dosages it was not considered that offspring bodyweight on Day 1 and subsequent gain to weaning had been adversely affected by treatment.

SEXUAL MATURATION (OFFSPRING)
F1
Assessment of the sex ratio on Day 1 did not indicate any selective effect of treatment on post-implantation survival for either sex.
Similarly sex ratio from Day 1 to litter standardisation on Day 4 of age and after that to weaning did not indicate any apparent effects of treatment upon the survival of either sex during the post natal and pre weaning periods.

Sexual development as assessed by age and bodyweight at the time of the attainment of vaginal opening in F 1 females and balano preputial separation in F1 males was unaffected by treatment with DEGDB.

F2
Assessment of the sex ratio on Day 1 did not indicate any selective effect of treatment on post implantation survival for either sex. Similarly sex ratio from Day 1 to litter standardisation on Day 4 of age and later to weaning did not indicate any apparent effects of treatment upon the survival of either sex during the post natal and pre weaning periods.

ORGAN WEIGHTS (OFFSPRING)
F1
Brain spleen or thymus weights were recorded for the unselected F1 offspring and comparison of mean absolute and bodyweight relative values did not indicate any adverse effect of exposure to DEGDB.

F2
At day 21, at 10000 ppm absolute and bodyweight relative spleen weights ofboth sexes of the F2 offspring were lower than Control; differences being most noticeable and attaining statistical significance amongst females.
Absolute and bodyweight relative values for the brain and thymus at this dosage were comparable to Control.
At 1000 and 3300 ppm intergroup differences in absolute and bodyweight relative brain spleen and thymus weights of F2 offspring did not indicate any adverse effect of exposure to DEGDB.

GROSS PATHOLOGY (OFFSPRING)
F1
Macroscopic examination of offspring dying before weaning did not reveal any findings considered to be related to treatment with DEGDB. Deaths generally occurred by Day 4 of age and pups commonly had no milk in the stomach reflecting possible lack of maternal care. This finding is frequently observed in offspring that die at such an early age.

F2
Macroscopic examination of offspring dying before weaning did not reveal any findings considered to be related to treatment with DEGDB. Deaths generally occurred by Day 4 of age and pups commonly had no milk in the stomach reflecting possible lack of maternal care. This finding is frequently observed in offspring that die at such an early age.

HISTOPATHOLOGY (OFFSPRING)
F1
Neither the incidence type nor distribution ofthe findings observed indicated any adverse effect of treatment.

F2
Neither the incidence type nor distribution of the findings observed indicated any adverse effect of treatment.
Dose descriptor:
NOAEL
Generation:
F1
Effect level:
3 300 ppm (nominal)
Based on:
test mat.
Sex:
male/female
Basis for effect level:
other: slight body weight reduction in F2 offspring
Dose descriptor:
NOAEL
Generation:
F1
Effect level:
10 000 ppm
Based on:
test mat.
Sex:
male/female
Basis for effect level:
other: General developmental toxicity
Clinical signs:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
F2: There was no indication that the general condition of offspring had been adversely influenced by the treatment the parental female had received.
Mortality / viability:
no mortality observed
Description (incidence and severity):
VIABILITY (OFFSPRING)
F2: Although the incidence of total litter loss was high, no association with treatment was considered proven. There was no obvious adverse effect of treatment on litter size or pup survival as assessed by the number of uterine implantation sites recorded at termination litter size at Day 1 survival of offspring to litter standardisation on Day 4 and subsequent survival to weaning.
Body weight and weight changes:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
F2:
At 10000 ppm bodyweights of F2 offspring of either sex at Day 1 was lower than Control. While to some extent this may reflect the slightly larger litter size at this dosage in view of the similar observation for the F1 offspring, this may be related to treatment. Subsequent bodyweight gain to weaning for both sexes were lower than Control differences for male offspring attaining statistical significance.
At lower dosages it was not considered that offspring bodyweight on Day 1 and subsequent gain to weaning had been adversely affected by treatment.
Food consumption and compound intake (if feeding study):
not specified
Food efficiency:
not specified
Ophthalmological findings:
not specified
Haematological findings:
not specified
Clinical biochemistry findings:
not specified
Urinalysis findings:
not specified
Sexual maturation:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
F2:
Assessment of the sex ratio on Day 1 did not indicate any selective effect of treatment on post implantation survival for either sex. Similarly sex ratio from Day 1 to litter standardisation on Day 4 of age and later to weaning did not indicate any apparent effects of treatment upon the survival of either sex during the post natal and pre weaning periods.
Anogenital distance (AGD):
not specified
Nipple retention in male pups:
not specified
Organ weight findings including organ / body weight ratios:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
F2:
At day 21, at 10000 ppm absolute and bodyweight relative spleen weights ofboth sexes of the F2 offspring were lower than Control; differences being most noticeable and attaining statistical significance amongst females.
Absolute and bodyweight relative values for the brain and thymus at this dosage were comparable to Control.
At 1000 and 3300 ppm intergroup differences in absolute and bodyweight relative brain spleen and thymus weights of F2 offspring did not indicate any adverse effect of exposure to DEGDB.
Gross pathological findings:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
F2:
Macroscopic examination of offspring dying before weaning did not reveal any findings considered to be related to treatment with DEGDB. Deaths generally occurred by Day 4 of age and pups commonly had no milk in the stomach reflecting possible lack of maternal care. This finding is frequently observed in offspring that die at such an early age.
Histopathological findings:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
F2: Neither the incidence type nor distribution of the findings observed indicated any adverse effect of treatment.
Other effects:
not specified
Behaviour (functional findings):
not specified
Developmental immunotoxicity:
not specified
Dose descriptor:
NOAEL
Generation:
F2
Effect level:
3 300 ppm
Based on:
test mat.
Sex:
male/female
Basis for effect level:
body weight and weight gain
Dose descriptor:
NOAEL
Generation:
F2
Effect level:
10 000 ppm
Based on:
test mat.
Sex:
male/female
Basis for effect level:
other: general developmental toxicity
Reproductive effects observed:
no
Conclusions:
The evidence from this study suggested that a dietary concentration of diethylene glycol dibenzoate at 10000 ppm should be considered as the No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) for P (F0) and F1 parent animals. The NOAEL for the developing offspring is considered to be 3300 ppm. The No Observed Effect Level (NOEL) for reproductive parameters is considered to be 10000 ppm.
Executive summary:

A two generation study in rats was conducted to assess the effects on reproductive performance of the test material DEGDB. The study was conducted according to OECD and EPA test guidelines, and in compliance with GLP.

Dietary administration of DEGDB at concentrations of 1000, 3300 or 10000 ppm was generally well tolerated by the p (F0) and subsequent F1 parental animals and their respective progeny. Exposure to the test material was in line with expectation throughout both generations fluctuations reflected the different physiological status of the animals and were predictably highest for females during peak lactation and in young animals. There were no obvious toxicological effects of treatment for the two generations on the general condition of the parental animals although a slight disturbance in the pattern of maternal weight change was noted at 10000 ppm in both generations and at 3300 ppm in the F1 generation. There was no effect on fertility and reproductive performance at any of the dietary inclusion levels in either generation. Litter parameters at birth of the F1 and F2 progeny and their survival to weaning showed no apparent detrimental effects of treatment with DEGDB. However for F2 offspring at 10000 ppm there was a reduction in weight gain from birth to weaning. No abnormal findings were apparent at necropsy of the F0 or F1 parental animals the post weaned unselected F1 offspring or the F2 offspring. Organ weight assessment of the F0 and F1 parent animals did not suggest any adverse effects on any organs. Assessment of spermatogenesis and histopathology in both parental generations showed that there were no injurious effects on the testes or other reproductive organs. Furthermore detailed histopathological examination of the tissues from both sexes in both generations did not reveal any adverse effects of treatment with DEGDB. The only possible effect of treatment detected at assessment of organ weights from F1 and F2 offspring was lower absolute and bodyweight relative spleen weights among F2 males and females compared with Controls. The evidence from this study suggested that a dietary concentration of DEGDB at 10000 ppm should be considered as the No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) for P (F0) and F1 parent animals. The NOAEL for developing offspring is considered to be 3300 ppm. The No Observed Effect Level (NOEL) for reproductive parameters is considered to be 10000 ppm.

Endpoint:
two-generation reproductive toxicity
Type of information:
experimental study
Adequacy of study:
key study
Study period:
27 April 1999 - 13 January 2000
Reliability:
1 (reliable without restriction)
Qualifier:
according to guideline
Guideline:
OECD Guideline 416 (Two-Generation Reproduction Toxicity Study)
Deviations:
no
Qualifier:
according to guideline
Guideline:
EPA OPPTS 870.3800 (Reproduction and Fertility Effects)
Deviations:
no
GLP compliance:
yes (incl. QA statement)
Limit test:
no
Specific details on test material used for the study:
The substance has identity with Benzoflex 9-88. It is a clear colourless liquid and can be stored at ambient temprature.
Species:
rat
Strain:
Sprague-Dawley
Sex:
male/female
Details on test animals or test system and environmental conditions:
TEST ANIMALS
- Source: Charles River UK Ltd., Margate, Kent, England.
- Age at study initiation: (P) x 6 wks; (F1) x 6 wks
- Weight at study initiation: (P) Males 208 ± 18.7, 210 ± 19.6, 209 ± 22.7 and 209 ± 24.1 g (Groups 1 to 4 respectively) and for the females 163 ± 16.8, 162 ± 14.7, 162 ± 16.0 and 163 ± 14.3 g (Groups 1 to 4 respectively)
- Housing: Stainless steel or HDP bodies with lids of stainless steel grid.
- Diet: Commercially available laboratory animal diet LAD 2 SQC from Special Diet services Limited, Witham, Essex, England, ad libitum
- Water: ad libitum
- Acclimation period: 1 week

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
- Temperature (°C): 19 to 25
- Humidity (%): 40 to 70
- Air changes (per hr): The animal room was kept at positive pressure with respect to the outside by its own supply of filtered fresh air, which was passed to the atmosphere and not recirculated.
- Photoperiod : 12 hrs dark / 12 hrs light
Route of administration:
oral: feed
Vehicle:
unchanged (no vehicle)
Details on exposure:
DIET PREPARATION
- Rate of preparation of diet (frequency): Diets containing the test material were freshly prepared at regular intervals during the study in batches covering up to two weeks of treatment and prepared up to one week in advance of the first day of feeding.
- Mixing appropriate amounts with (Type of food): Commercially available powdered laboratory animal diet, LAD 2 SQC.
- Storage temperature of food: The homogeneity and the stability, during ambient storage for 22 days, were confirmed for DPGDB in LAD 2 at nominal concentrations of 500 ppm and 25000 ppm. The storage period represented the maximum time from preparation to completion of use.

Quality control of dosage form: Information on the homogeneity of mixing stability and concentration of the test material in the diet was determined by Huntingdon Life Sciences. The homogeneity and the stability during ambient temperature storage for 22 days were confirmed for DPGDB in LAD 2 formulation at nominal concentrations of 500 ppm and 25000 ppm (Huntingdon Life Sciences Report VCL315/990088).
The storage period represented the maximum time from preparation to completion of use.
Details on mating procedure:
- M/F ratio per cage: 1 : 1
- Length of cohabitation: Up to 3 weeks
- Proof of pregnancy: Each morning following pairing the trays beneath the cages were checked for ejected copulation plugs and a vaginal smear was prepared from each female and examined for the presence of spermatozoa and the stage of the oestrous cycle. The day on which evidence of mating was found was designated Day 0 of gestation.
- After 14 days of unsuccessful pairing replacement of first male by another male with proven fertility.
- Further matings after two unsuccessful attempts: no
- After successful mating each pregnant female was caged (how): Stainless steel or HDP bodies with lids of stainless steel grid.
Analytical verification of doses or concentrations:
yes
Details on analytical verification of doses or concentrations:
Samples (nominally 200 g) of treated diets were taken at approximately 10-week intervals approxiamtely equivalent to
- Start of treatment (week 1)
- Pairing for first generation (week 11)
- Selection for second generation (week 18)
- Pairing for second generation (week 28)
- Lactation for second generation (week 33)

For each dose level a sub-sample was extracted with acetone using soxhlet apparatus. After dilution with acetone, a suitable volume was evaporated to dryness (using RFE). The residues was dissolved in HPLC mobile phase, then analysed by HPLC-UV.

The mean concentrations determined within 0.8% and 3.5% below nominal concentrations confirmed the accuracy of formulation.
Duration of treatment / exposure:
Males and females of the P (F0) generation were treated for 10 weeks before pairing and throughout the study until termination.

Animals of the F1 generation had access to the same diet as their parents throughout, but the F1 generation was deemed to formally start at approximately 4 weeks of age (week 1 of the F1 generation). F1 animals were treated from weaning to approximately 10 weeks before pairing and until termination when litters were weaned.
Frequency of treatment:
The test material was administered to the animals in their diet, which was available on an ad libitum basis. Males and females of the FO generation were treated for 10 weeks before pairing and throughout the study until termination. Animals of the F1 generation had access to the same diet as their parents throughout, but the F1 generation was deemed to formally start at approximately 4 weeks of age. They were treated from weaning for approximately 10 weeks before pairing, and until termination when litters were weaned.
Details on study schedule:
- F1 parental animals not mated until 10 weeks after selected from the F1 litters.
- Age at mating of the mated animals in the study: 16 - 18 weeks
Dose / conc.:
1 000 ppm (nominal)
Remarks:
nominal in diet
Dose / conc.:
3 300 ppm (nominal)
Remarks:
nominal in diet
Dose / conc.:
10 000 ppm (nominal)
Remarks:
nominal in diet
No. of animals per sex per dose:
(F0): 32/sex/dose
(F1): 28/sex/dose

The FO generation, which comprised 32 males and 32 females in each group, received the treated diet for 10 weeks before pairing and throughout mating, gestation, littering and lactation. Offspring survival, growth and sexual maturation were evaluated. From the litters 28 male and 28 female offspring per group, were selected to form the FI generation. Both sexes received similar treated diets as their parents for a minimum of 10 weeks from selection, throughout pairing, gestation, littering and lactation. F2 offspring were monitored for survival and development until weaning.
Control animals:
yes, concurrent no treatment
Details on study design:
- Dose selection rationale: Dietary concentrations of 1000, 3300 and 10000 ppm were selected in collaboration with the Sponsor based on results from a preliminary dietary study performed at Huntingdon Life Sciences (Report No. VCL315/990088).
Positive control:
None
Parental animals: Observations and examinations:
CAGE SIDE OBSERVATIONS: Yes
- Time schedule: Twice daily

DETAILED CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS: Yes
- Time schedule: Twice daily, with a more detailed examination performed weekly

BODY WEIGHT: Yes
- Time schedule for examinations: Males were weighed on the day that treatment commenced (F0) or the formal start of the generation (F1), then weekly thereafter. F0 and F1 females were weighed on the same schedule until mating was detected and then on Days 0, 6, 13 and 20 after mating and on Days 1, 4, 7, 14 and 21 of lactation.

FOOD CONSUMPTION AND COMPOUND INTAKE (if feeding study):
- Food consumption for each animal determined and mean daily diet consumption calculated as g food/kg body weight/day: Yes
- Compound intake calculated as time-weighted averages from the consumption and body weight gain data: Yes
Food consumption was recorded on a cage basis two animals per cage for F0 and F1 males and females weekly before pairing for mating. Food consumption for females after mating was recorded daily on an individual basis on Days 0-5, 6-12 and 13-19 after mating.
Food consumption for F0 and F1 females was recorded for Days 1-3, 4-6, 7-13 and 14-20 of lactation.

WATER CONSUMPTION AND COMPOUND INTAKE (if drinking water study): No
Oestrous cyclicity (parental animals):
For 22 days before pairing of P (F0) and F1 generations, daily vaginal smears were taken using cotton swabs, from all females and examined to establish the duration and regularity of the oestrus cycle.
Sperm parameters (parental animals):
Parameters examined in F0/F1 male parental generations:
Immediately after scheduled sacrifice
- testis and epididymis weight
- sperm motility
- sperm morphology
- sperm count in epididymides
- homogenisation-resistant spermaids
Litter observations:
STANDARDISATION OF LITTERS
- Performed on day 4 postpartum: yes
- Litters containing more than ten offspring were culled by random selection to ten where possible five males and five females on Day 4 of age.

PARAMETERS EXAMINED
The following parameters were examined in F1 and F2 offspring:
- number and sex of pups (at days 1, 4 and 21 of age),
- stillbirths,
- live births,
- postnatal mortality,
- presence of gross anomalies,
- weight gain (Days 1, 4, 7, 14, and 21 of age),
- physical or behavioural abnormalities

GROSS EXAMINATION OF DEAD PUPS: yes, for external and internal abnormalities
Postmortem examinations (parental animals):
SACRIFICE
- Male animals: All surviving animals were killed once the majority of litters had weaned and it had been established that further litters were not required.
- Maternal animals: All surviving animals that littered and reared offspring were killed on Day 28 of lactation after completion of post-weaning vaginal smears.
Females whose litters died before weaning were generally killed on their theoretical Day 28 after completion of vaginal smearing similar to the females with surviving litters. Females that failed to mate mated but were not pregnant or failed to litter were retained and killed on the same day as the first batch of females with litters for that generation.

GROSS NECROPSY
- Gross necropsy consisted of external and internal examinations including the cranial, thoracic, abdominal and pelvic cavities and their viscera.
The external and cut surfaces of the organs and tissues were examined either before or after weighing as appropriate. The number of uterine implantation sites was recorded for the adult females. Abnormalities interactions and changes were noted the requisite organs weighed and the required tissue samples preserved in fixative.

HISTOPATHOLOGY / ORGAN WEIGHTS
Adrenal glands, Prostate ventral, Brain, Seminal vesicles and coagulating gland, Epididymides, Spleen, Kidneys, Testes, Liver, Uterus with cervix, Ovaries with oviduct, Pituitary.
Paired organs weighed separately.
The weight of these organs were expressed as a percentage of the bodyweight recorded immediately prior to necropsy for all adults surviving to scheduled terminal kill.



Postmortem examinations (offspring):
SACRIFICE
- The F1 offspring not selected as parental animals and all F2 offspring were sacrificed were subjected to macroscopic postmortem examinations (external and internal examination).

GROSS NECROPSY
Unselected F1 offspring and F2 offspring were examined macroscopically for evidence of disease or adverse reaction to treatment and appropriate organs weighed and retained. Any abnormal tissues were also retained.

HISTOPATHOLOGY / ORGAN WEIGHTS
Organs were taken from 1 male and 1 female randomly selected from each litter after weaning, dissected free from adjacent fat and other tissue and the weight recorded: Brain, Spleen, Thymus, Abnormalities, Seminal vesicles and coagulating gland, Brain, Spleen, Epididymides, Testes, Ovaries, Thymus, Oviduct, Uterus with cervix, Prostate ventral lobe, Vagina.
Statistics:
- Analysis of variance followed by an intergroup comparison with the Control were performed (Bodyweights and bodyweight change, food consumption, litter data, sexual development data, seminology data, organ weights and histopathological findings).
- Homogeneity of variance using Bartlett's test (adult organ weights and weekly bodyweight change for the parental animals)
- Whenever this was found to be statistically significant a Behrens-Fisher test was used to perform pairwise comparison otherwise a Dunnett's test was used. Intergroup differences in macroscopic pathology and histopathology were assessed using Fisher's exact test.
- For bodweight and food consumption data during gestation and lactation, litter data, sexual development data and offspring organ weights, the statistical analysis was performed using an in-house programme. Dependent on the heterogeneity of variance between treatment groups, parametric tests (analysis of variance), followed by Williams' test or non parametric tests (Kruskal Wallis, Hollander and Wolfe) followed by Shirley's test were used as appropriate.
- Where 75% or more of the values for a given variable were the same a Fisher's exact test was used. Significant (p<0.05) inter group differences from the Control were reported.
Reproductive indices:
Percentage mating=(Animals mated/Animals paired) x 100
Conception rate=(Animals pregnant or siring a pregnancy/Animals mated) x 100
Fertility index=(Animals pregnant or siring a pregnancy/Animals paired) x 100
Gestation index=(Number of live litters born/Number pregnant) x 100
Offspring viability indices:
Post implantation survival index=(Total number of offspring born/Total number of uterine implantation sites) x 100
Live birth index=(Total number of live offspring on Day 1/Total number of offspring born) x 100
Viability index=(Number of live offspring on Day 4 of age/Number of live offspring on Day 1 of age) x 100
Lactation index=(Number of live offspring on Day of examination/Number of live offspring at Day 4 after culling) x 100
Sex-ratio=(Number of males in litter/Total number of offspring in litter) x 100
Clinical signs:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
No clinical signs were seen that were considered associated with treatment.
Dermal irritation (if dermal study):
not examined
Mortality:
mortality observed, non-treatment-related
Description (incidence):
There were no unscheduled deaths amongst the males. There were two mortalities among females, both in the Control group: Female was killed for reasons of animal welfare during Week 14 (Day 1 of lactation). The animal had developed a mass on the right upper ventral thorax; reduced body temperature, piloerection, pallor and blood discharge from the vagina had been apparent on the day of sacrifice.
Another female was found dead during Week 15 (Day 7 of lactation) having shown underactivity, piloerection, pallor, red discharge from vagina, pale eyes and hunched posture during Week 14 and brown staining on the left lower jaw, muzzle and forelimbs.

Thirteen other females died due to natural causes or humane sacrifice. The nature and distribution of these deaths did not suggest an effect of treatment. The deaths were therefore considered coincidental.
Body weight and weight changes:
effects observed, non-treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
The bodyweights and bodyweight changes for the F0 males were unaffected by treatment with Benzoflex® 9-88. There was no effect of treatment at 10000 ppm on bodyweight change during the first two Weeks of the pre-mating phase. However during Weeks 3-10 of the pre-mating phase, bodyweight change at 10000 ppm was marginally but significantly lower than in Controls; overall gain during Weeks 1-10 was 7% lower than in Controls. There was no obvious effect on weight change during gestation although absolute bodyweight remained lower than the concurrent control value. This difference persisted immediately after birth with Day 1 post partum bodyweight lower than in Controls and weight gain during Days 1-4 of lactation noticeably lower than in Controls (although the difference did not attain statistical significance). Weight change during Days 4-14 was not adversely affected by treatment. During Days 14-21, however, females did not show the usual pattern of late lactation weight loss (as seen in the Controls) but showed overall mean weight gain.
Food consumption and compound intake (if feeding study):
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
There were no adverse effects on food consumption in the pre-mating phase. Throughout the pre-mating, gestation and lactation phases all groups of females consumed comparable amounts of food.
Food efficiency:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
The food conversion efficiencies for the males and females were comparable to the Control values at all dietary concentrations during the pre-pairing period. This reflected the fact that there were no marked effects on bodyweight performance and food consumption through this period.
Water consumption and compound intake (if drinking water study):
not examined
Ophthalmological findings:
not examined
Haematological findings:
not examined
Clinical biochemistry findings:
not examined
Urinalysis findings:
not examined
Behaviour (functional findings):
not examined
Immunological findings:
not examined
Organ weight findings including organ / body weight ratios:
no effects observed
Histopathological findings: non-neoplastic:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
Microscopic examination of the organs and tissues taken from the F0 males and females did not reveal any findings that were considered to be related to treatment with Benzoflex" 9-88. In the vagina, there was a higher incidence of epithelial keratinisation among females which received 10000 ppm Benzoflex® 9-88 compared with Controls, but this was not considered to be of any toxicological significance. A total of three neoplasms were seen, all in females. There was an endometrial polyp in the uterus of an animal which received 10000 ppm, an adenocarcinoma in the caudal mammary gland of an animal which received 3300 ppm and an adenoma in the cranial mammary gland of a Control.
Histopathological findings: neoplastic:
not examined
Other effects:
not specified
Reproductive function: oestrous cycle:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
Vaginal smears taken post-weaning to provide evidence of return to oestrus cycling after lactation showed that there was a higher proportion of females in oestrus on the day of terminal kill in groups treated with Benzoflex" 9-88 compared with Controls. This may be reflected in the increased incidence of vaginal epithelial keratinisation detected by light microscopy in the 10000 ppm group.
Reproductive function: sperm measures:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
Quantitative (CASA) assessment of the sperm parameters: motility, progressive motility, sperm count, homogenisation resistant spermatids and visual assessment of sperm morphology gave no cause for concern and appeared to be unaffected by treatment with Benzoflex" 9-88.
Reproductive performance:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
Mating performance and fertility, as assessed by pre-coital interval, percentage mating, conception rate and fertility index, were virtually identical for all groups. There was no indication of any adverse effects at any treatment level
CLINICAL SIGNS AND MORTALITY (PARENTAL ANIMALS)
F0
The general condition of F0 males and females was considered to be satisfactory throughout the study and no clinical signs considered to be associated with treatment were observed.
All males survived to termination.

F1
The general condition of F1 males and females was considered to be satisfactory throughout the study and no clinical signs considered to be associated with treatment were observed.

BODY WEIGHT AND FOOD CONSUMPTION (PARENTAL ANIMALS)
F0
Males:
Bodyweight and bodyweight changes were unaffected by treatment. There were no adverse effects on food consumption in the pre-mating phase.

Females:
At 10000 ppm, during the pre-mating phase, no effect was observed during the first 2 weeks, but a significant reduction was recorded during weeks 3-10. No effect was observed during gestation.
At 3300 and 1000 ppm, during the pre-mating phase, gestation and lactation, to weaning of the F1 litters, bodyweight and bodyweight change was comparable with Controls.
There were no adverse effects on food consumption in the pre-mating, gestation and lactation phases.

F1
Males:
Mean body weights at the start of the generation were essentially comparable although the lowest value was recorded at 10000 ppm reflecting the trend noted at D21 of age. Overall weight change during week 0-15 was significantly lower than in controls.
At 1000 and 3300 ppm, overall bodyweight gain was slightly lower than that of controls, but as it was not dosage related and as there were no differences in either bodyweight or bodyweight change, it was considered to be not treatment related.
The amounts of food consumed during the first week of the pre-mating period were similar in all groups suggesting no apparent effect of treatment. During weeks 2-10 however, there was a tendency for marginally lower intake in groups treated with DPGDB compared with controls, reflecting the marginally lower asolute bodyweight compared to controls.

Females:
Bodyweight or bodyweight changes were comparable in all groups before mating and during gestation.
As in F0 generation, at 10000 ppm weights on Day 1 of lactation were slightly lower than in controls and weight gain during Days 1-4 was noticeably lower than in controls, although the difference did not attain significance.
At 1000 and 3300 ppm, the pattern of weight change during lactation was comparable to controls.
During the period before mating and throughout gestation and lactation there were no obvious effects of DPGDB on food consumption.

TEST SUBSTANCE INTAKE (PARENTAL ANIMALS)
F0
Exposure levels in excess of 500 mg/kg/day were achieved at 10000 ppm throughout the 10 week pre mating period. The fluctuations during gestation and lactation were in line with expectations and were related to changes in the physiological demands on the parent females during these periods.
During lactation at the period of peak demand on the dam Days 4-13 the intake of the females was in excess of 1500 mg/kg/day at 10000 ppm.

F1
Exposure levels well in excess of 500 mg/kg/day were achieved at 10000 ppm prior to pairing and with a mean intake approaching 1000mg/kg/d in males and exceeding this in females.
The fluctuations during gestation and lactation were in line with expectations and were related to changes in the physiological demands on the parent females during these periods. During lactation at the period of peak demand on the dam Day 7-13 the intake of the females was in excess of 2000 mg/kg/day at 10000 ppm.

REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTION: ESTROUS CYCLE (PARENTAL ANIMALS)
F0
There was no adverse effect of treatment with DPGDB on oestrous cycles at any dietary inclusion level.

F1
There was no adverse effect of treatment with DPGDB on oestrous cycles at any dietary inclusion level.


REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTION: SPERM MEASURES (PARENTAL ANIMALS)
F0
Motility, progressive motility, sperm count, homogenisation resistant spermatids and visual assessment of sperm morphology gave no concern and appeared to be unaffected by DPGDB.

F1
The numbers of motile and progressively motile sperm (from the vas deferens) and the numbers of caudal epididymal sperm and testicular spermatids were similar in all groups. In addition, assessment of sperm morphology from a vas deferens sample suggested that DGPDB had no adverse effects upon sperm maturation.

REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE (PARENTAL ANIMALS)
F0
Precoital interval and mating performance
Mating performance and fertility as assessed by precoital interval, percentage mating, conception rate and fertility index were virtually identical for all groups. There was no indication of any adverse effects at any treatment level.

Gestation length gestation index and parturition
Gestation length and gestation index showed no adverse effect of treatment; all females had gestation lengths within the expected range of 22 to 23 days. No problem was evident during parturition process that was considered to be related to treatment.

F1
Pre coital interval and mating performance
The mating performance and fertility of the F1 animals did not suggest any adverse effects at any treatment levels.

Gestation length gestation index and parturition
Gestation length and gestation index showed no adverse effect of treatment; all females had gestation lengths within the expected range of 22 to 23 days.

ORGAN WEIGHTS (PARENTAL ANIMALS)
F0
Among F0 males, terminal bodyweight was comparable in all groups. Absolute and relative weights of the adrenal glands were marginally but significantly higher than in controls at 10000 and 3300 ppm. There were no other significant differences in absolute or relative organ weights.

Among F0 females, terminal bodyweight was 94%, 97%, and 93% of controls in the 1000, 3300 and 10000 ppm groups, respectively. Absolute weight for the kidneys at 10000 ppm was significantly lower than in controls but this was thought to reflect the difference in absolute terminal bodyweight. Relative weights for the adrenal glands and brain were significantly higher than in controls; the difference in brain weight is considered to be of non toxicological importance since absolute brain weight was similar to control, despite the slightly lower terminal bodyweight.

The higher absolute and relative weight for the adrenal glands observed at 10000 and 3300 ppm are considered to be doubtful biological significance, as no treatment related findings were detected at microscopic examination.

F1
Among F1 males, terminal bodyweight was 95%, 97%, and 92% of controls in the 1000, 3300 and 10000 ppm groups, respectively. Absolute weight for the kidneys at 10000 ppm was significantly lower than in controls but this was thought to reflect the difference in absolute terminal bodyweight. Relative weights for the libver and brain wer significantly higher than in controls; the differences are considered to be of doubtful toxicological importance since absolute weights were similar to controls.

Relative weights for the adrenal glands and brain were significantly higher than in controls; the difference in brain weight is considered to be of non toxicological importance since absolute brain weight was similar to control, despite the slightly lower terminal bodyweight.

GROSS PATHOLOGY (PARENTAL ANIMALS)
F0
There were no macroscopic abnormalities detected at necropsy of the F0 males of females that were considered to be as a result of treatment with DPGDB.

F1
Macroscopic findings for the males and females in the treated groups were similar to the controls.

HISTOPATHOLOGY (PARENTAL ANIMALS)
F0
Microscopic examination of the organs and tissues taken from F0 males and females did not reveal any findings that were considered to be related to exposure to DPGDB.
In the vagina, there was a higher incidence of epithelial keratinisation among females which received 10000 ppm DPGDB compared with controls, but this was not considered to be of toxicological significance.

Oestrous cycle at termination (parental F0 animals)
Vaginal smears taken post-weaning to provide evidence of return to oestrus cycling after lactation showed that there were a higher percentage of females in oestrus on the days of terminal kill in groups treated by DPGDB compared with controls.
This may be reflected in the increased incidence of vaginal epithelial keratinisation detected by light microscopy in the 10000 ppm group.

F1
There were no microscopic findings that were considered to be related to treatment with DPGDB.

Oestrous cycle at termination (parental F1 animals)
Vaginal smears assessed for parental females for approximately one week after weaning (Days 22 to 28 of lactation) demonstrated that DPGDB did not appear to affect the F1 females ability to restore oestrous cycle within the expected period after weaning.

Ovarian primordial follicle counts F1 females
DPGDB had no apparent effect on the primordial follicle populations.
Key result
Dose descriptor:
NOEL
Effect level:
10 000 ppm (nominal)
Sex:
male/female
Remarks on result:
other: Generation: F1 parents
Clinical signs:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
The general condition of the F1 offspring in all groups was satisfactory and showed no apparent adverse responses to treatment.
Dermal irritation (if dermal study):
not examined
Mortality:
mortality observed, non-treatment-related
Description (incidence):
The general condition of Fl animals was satisfactory throughout. There were two unscheduled deaths but these were not considered to be related to treatment. Female in the Control group was killed for reasons of animal welfare during Week 17 (Day 23 of lactation). The animal had thin build with a swollen area on the left mammary area with dark skin on the swollen area and, hunched posture.Ten females had total litter loss either due to natural causes or humane sacrifice. The number and distribution of these litter deaths did not suggest an effect of treatment and they were considered typical of the inherent pattern of litter deaths previously recorded in this laboratory with this strain of rat.
Body weight and weight changes:
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
Males : During Weeks 3-15 at 10000 ppm the weight change was slightly but consistently lower than in Controls; overall weight change during Weeks 0-15 was significantly lower than in Controls. At both 3300 and 1000 ppm, overall bodyweight gain was slightly lower than that of Control animals but this was not dosage related and there were no differences in either bodyweight or bodyweight change that were considered to be conclusively attributable to treatment.
Food consumption and compound intake (if feeding study):
effects observed, non-treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
The amounts of food consumed during the first week of the pre-mating period were similar in all groups suggesting no apparent effect of treatment. During Weeks 2-10 however, there was a tendency for marginally lower intake in groups treated with Benzoflex'" 9-88 compared with Controls and this difference was thought to reflect the marginally lower absolute bodyweights compared with Controls.
Food efficiency:
not examined
Water consumption and compound intake (if drinking water study):
not examined
Ophthalmological findings:
not examined
Haematological findings:
not examined
Clinical biochemistry findings:
not examined
Urinalysis findings:
not examined
Behaviour (functional findings):
not examined
Immunological findings:
not examined
Organ weight findings including organ / body weight ratios:
effects observed, non-treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
Among F1 males, terminal bodyweight was 95%, 97% and 92% of Controls in the 1000, 3300 and 10000 ppm groups respectively. Absolute kidney weight at 10000 ppm was significantly lower than in Controls but this was thought to reflect the difference in absolute terminal bodyweight since the bodyweight relative value was similar to Controls. Bodyweight relative weights for the liver and brain were significantly higher than in Controls; the differences are considered to be of doubtful toxicological importance since absolute weights were similar to Controls.
Among F1 females, terminal bodyweight was 97%, 99% and 95% of Controls in the 1000, 3300 and 10000 ppm groups respectively. Absolute and bodyweight relative kidney weights at 10000 ppm were significantly lower than in Controls. Absolute ovary plus oviduct weights at 10000 and 3300 ppm were significantly lower than in Controls but the differences were largely thought to reflect slight inter-group differences in bodyweight since there was no significant difference for the bodyweight relative weight at 10000 ppm.
Gross pathological findings:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
Macroscopic findings for the males and females in the treated groups were similar to the Controls
Neuropathological findings:
not examined
Histopathological findings: non-neoplastic:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
Macroscopic findings for the males and females in the treated groups were similar to the Controls.
Histopathological findings: neoplastic:
effects observed, non-treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
One neoplasm, an adenocarcinoma of the cranial mammary gland, was seen in a female which received 3300 ppm.
Other effects:
not specified
Reproductive function: oestrous cycle:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
The age of attainment of vaginal opening among Fl females in groups treated with Benzoflex" 9-88 was slightly delayed compared with Controls but the differences did not show a relationship to dietary levels of Benzoflex® 9-88 and did not attain statistical significance. The slight delay in vaginal opening is thought to reflect the slightly lower absolute bodyweights at a given point in time among groups treated with Benzoflex" 9-88 since bodyweight was virtually identical between groups at the actual time of sexual maturation; no direct effect on sexual maturation was indicated.

The occurrence and regularity of oestrous cycles were considered to be unaffected by treatment with Benzoflex" 9-88 at any dietary concentration.

Benzoflex" 9-88 had no apparent effect on the primordial follicle populations in any group tested when compared to the Control values.
Reproductive function: sperm measures:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
The timing of onset and completion of balano-preputial separation for the F1 males showed no adverse response to treatment and the bodyweight was comparable between groups at the time of completion of sexual maturation.

The numbers of motile and progressively motile sperm (from the vas deferens) and the numbers of caudal epididymal sperm and testicular spermatids were similar in all groups. In addition, assessment of sperm morphology from a vas deferens sample suggested that Benzoflex'" 9-88 had no adverse effects upon sperm maturation.
Reproductive performance:
effects observed, non-treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
A small number of animals failed to show evidence of mating but the number and distribution of these did not suggest an association with treatment with Benzoflex® 9-88. Thus, the mating performance and fertility of the Fl animals did not suggest any adverse effects at any treatment level with both males and females at 10000 ppm comparing favourably with their Control counterparts.
Clinical signs:
no effects observed
Dermal irritation (if dermal study):
not examined
Mortality / viability:
no mortality observed
Description (incidence and severity):
The general condition of Fl animals was satisfactory throughout. There were two unscheduled deaths but these were not considered to be related to treatment. Male receiving 1000 ppm was found dead during Week 14 of the Fl generation. No cause for death was established. Female (one) in the Control group was killed for reasons of animal welfare during Week 17 (Day 23 of lactation). The animal had thin build with a swollen area on the left mammary area with dark skin on the swollen area and, hunched posture.
Body weight and weight changes:
effects observed, non-treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
For both sexes, offspring bodyweights at birth were similar in all groups. Subsequent bodyweight change of both sexes to Day 14 of age was unaffected by treatment. Bodyweight change of male and female offspring in the 10000 ppm group was slightly lower than in Controls and marginally lower in the 1000 and 3300 ppm groups during Days 14-21 of age, perhaps suggesting that the effect on weight gain was linked to the transition to direct exposure to the test material as the offspring weaned onto solid diet at the same dietary inclusion levels as their parents. For males, there were no statistically significant differences in overall weight change during Days 1-21 of age; for females, overall weight change was significantly lower than in Controls.

Mean bodyweight at the start of the generation were essentially comparable although the lowest value was recorded at 10000 ppm reflecting the trend noted at Day 21 of age. Subsequently, weight change at 10000 ppm during the first 3 Weeks of the F1 generation was comparable to Controls. During Weeks 3-15 however, weight change was slightly but consistently lower than in Controls; overall weight change during Weeks 0-15 was significantly lower than in Controls.
At both 3300 and 1000 ppm, overall bodyweight gain was slightly lower than that of Control animals but this was not dosage related and there were no differences in either bodyweight or bodyweight change that were considered to be conclusively attributable to treatment.

Bodyweight and bodyweight changes were comparable in all groups before mating and during gestation. As in the F0 generation, at 10000 ppm weights on Day 1 of lactation were slightly lower than in Controls and weight gain during Days 1-4 was noticeably lower than in Controls although the difference did not attain significance. Weight change during Days 4-14 was not adversely affected by treatment. During Days 14-21 females did not show the expected pattern of late lactation weight loss (as seen in the Controls) but showed overall mean weight gain. At 1000 and 3300 ppm, the pattern of weight change during lactation was comparable to Controls.
Food consumption and compound intake (if feeding study):
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
During the period before mating and throughout gestation and lactation there were no obvious effects of Benzoflex" 9-88 on food consumption. The amounts of food consumed during the first week of the pre-mating period were similar in all groups suggesting no apparent effect of treatment. During Weeks 2-10, however, there was a tendency for marginally lower intake in groups treated with Benzoflex'" 9-88 compared with Controls and this difference was thought to reflect the marginally lower absolute bodyweights compared with Controls.
Food efficiency:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
Food conversion efficiencies for the F1 males and females were essentially comparable to the Control values at all dietary concentrations. This reflected the fact that there were no marked effects on bodyweight performance and food consumption through this period.
Water consumption and compound intake (if drinking water study):
not examined
Ophthalmological findings:
not examined
Haematological findings:
not examined
Clinical biochemistry findings:
not examined
Urinalysis findings:
not examined
Sexual maturation:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
The timing of onset and completion of balano-preputial separation for the F1 males showed no adverse response to treatment and the bodyweight was comparable between groups at the time of completion of sexual maturation. The age of attainment of vaginal opening among Fl females in groups treated with Benzoflex" 9-88 was slightly delayed compared with Controls but the differences did not show a relationship to dietary levels of Benzoflex® 9-88 and did not attain statistical significance. The slight delay in vaginal opening is thought to reflect the slightly lower absolute bodyweights at a given point in time among groups treated with Benzoflex" 9-88 since bodyweight was virtually identical between groups at the actual time of sexual maturation; no direct effect on sexual maturation was indicated.

sperm analysis
The numbers of motile and progressively motile sperm (from the vas deferens) and the numbers of caudal epididymal sperm and testicular spermatids were similar in all groups. In addition, assessment of sperm morphology from a vas deferens sample suggested that Benzoflex'" 9-88 had no adverse effects upon sperm maturation.
Anogenital distance (AGD):
not specified
Nipple retention in male pups:
not specified
Organ weight findings including organ / body weight ratios:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
There were no obvious treatment related effects on the weights of the brain, spleen or thymus in the F1 offspring killed at 34 days of age. At 10000 ppm, the bodyweight relative weight for the brain for females was significantly higher than in Controls but this was considered to be of no toxicological importance as it reflected the fact that absolute brain weight was similar to Controls despite a significant reduction in absolute bodyweight.

Among F1 males, terminal bodyweight was 95%, 97% and 92% of Controls in the 1000, 3300 and 10000 ppm groups respectively. Absolute kidney weight at 10000 ppm was significantly lower than in Controls but this was thought to reflect the difference in absolute terminal bodyweight since the bodyweight relative value was similar to Controls. Bodyweight relative weights for the liver and brain were significantly higher than in Controls; the differences are considered to be of doubtful toxicological importance since absolute weights were similar to Controls.
Among F1 females, terminal bodyweight was 97%, 99% and 95% of Controls in the 1000, 3300 and 10000 ppm groups respectively. Absolute and bodyweight relative kidney weights at 10000 ppm were significantly lower than in Controls. Absolute ovary plus oviduct weights at 10000 and 3300 ppm were significantly lower than in Controls but the differences were largely thought to reflect slight inter-group differences in bodyweight since there was no significant difference for the bodyweight relative weight at 10000 ppm.
Gross pathological findings:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
Macroscopic findings for the males and females in the treated groups were similar to the Controls.
Histopathological findings:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
There were no microscopic findings that were considered to be related to treatment with Benzoflex® 9-88.One neoplasm, an adenocarcinoma of the cranial mammary gland, was seen in a female which received 3300 ppm.
Other effects:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
Oestrous cycles: The occurrence and regularity of oestrous cycles were considered to be unaffected by treatment with Benzoflex" 9-88 at any dietary concentration.
Vaginal smears, taken on Day 22 to Day 28 of lactation, demonstrated that Benzoflex® 9-88 did not appear to affect the F1 females ability to restore oestrous cyclicity within the expected period after weaning.

Pre-coital interval and mating performance: A small number of animals failed to show evidence of mating but the number and distribution of these did not suggest an association with treatment with Benzoflex® 9-88. Thus, the mating performance and fertility of the F1 animals did not suggest any adverse effects at any treatment level with both males and females at 10000 ppm comparing favourably with their Control counterparts.

Gestation length, gestation index and parturition
The length of the gestation phase was 22 to 23 days for all females in all groups and gestation index showed no adverse effect of treatment. The process of parturition was successfully completed for the majority of the females showing no obvious adverse effects of treatment.

Ovarian primordial follicle counts Fl females
Benzoflex" 9-88 had no apparent effect on the primordial follicle populations in any group tested when compared to the Control values.
Behaviour (functional findings):
not examined
Developmental immunotoxicity:
not examined
VIABILITY (OFFSPRING)
F1
The number of uterine implantation sites recorded at termination, litter size at birth, survival of offspring to litter standardisation on Day 4 and subsequent survival to weaning did not indicate any adverse effects of treatment.

F2
At 10000 and 3300 ppm the mean number of uterine implantation sites and total litter size at birth were slightly lower than in controls. However, it didn’t attain statistical significance.
Then mean number of implantations and total litter size at birth at 1000 ppm were comparable to controls.
Survival of offspring prior to litter standardisation on Day 4 and subsequent survival at Day 21 of age did not suggest any adverse effects of treatment.

CLINICAL SIGNS (OFFSPRING)
F1
The general condition of the offspring was similar in all groups and showed no adverse responses to treatment of the F0 parents.

F2
There was no indication that the general condition of offspring had been adversely influenced by the treatment the parental female had received.

BODY WEIGHT (OFFSPRING)
F1
For both sexes offspring bodyweights at birth were similar in all groups.
Subsequent bodyweight change of both sexes to Day 14 of age was unaffected by treatment. Bodyweight change of male and female offspring in the 10000 ppm group was slightly lower than in Controls and marginally lower in the 1000 and 3300 ppm groups during Days 14-21 of age.

F2
Absolute and relative bodyweights of the brain and thymus and the F2 generation were comparable in all groups, indicating no adverse effect of treatment.

SEXUAL MATURATION (OFFSPRING)
F1
The timing of onset and completion of balano-preputial separation for the F1 males showed no adverse response to treatment and the bodyweight was comparable between all groups at the time of completion of sexual maturation.

F2
Sex ration from Day 1 to 21 after birth, did show some slight inter-group variability, but it was not considered as treatment related.

ORGAN WEIGHTS (OFFSPRING)
F1
There were no obvious treatment related effects on the weights of the brain, spleen or thymus in the F1 offspring killed at 34 days of age. At 10000 ppm the relative weight for the brain for females was significantly higher than in controls but this was considered to be of toxicological importance, as it reflected the fact that absolute brain weight was similar to controls, despite a reduction in absolute bodyweight.

F2
Absolute and relative weight of the brain and thymus of the F2 generation were comparable in all groups, indicating no adverse effect of treatment.
Absolute and relative weight of the spleen for males and females at 10000 ppm were significantly lower than in controls.

GROSS PATHOLOGY (OFFSPRING)
F1
Macroscopic examination of offspring dying before weaning or unselected offspring killed at weaning, after selection of F1 generation, did not reveal any findings considered to be related to treatment with DPGDB. Pups commonly had no milk in the stomach reflecting possible lack of maternal care. This finding is frequently observed in offspring that die at such an early age.

F2
Macroscopic examination of offspring dying before weaning did not reveal any findings considered to be related to treatment with DPGDB.
Key result
Dose descriptor:
NOAEL
Generation:
F1
Effect level:
10 000 ppm (nominal)
Sex:
male/female
Basis for effect level:
viability
clinical signs
gross pathology
Clinical signs:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
The general condition of the F2 offspring in all groups was satisfactory and showed no apparent adverse responses to treatment.
Dermal irritation (if dermal study):
no effects observed
Mortality / viability:
no mortality observed
Description (incidence and severity):
Survival of offspring prior to litter standardisation on Day 4 and subsequent survival to Day 21 of age did not suggest any adverse effects of treatment.
Body weight and weight changes:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
Bodyweights of the F2 offspring at birth were comparable in all groups. There was no effect of treatment on bodyweight gain of male and females during Days 1-14 of age. There was no conclusive effect of treatment on weight gain during Days 14-21 of age although it was noted that the lowest gain during this period occurred, as in the first generation, at 10000 ppm. Overall there was no relationship to dietary concentration and there were no significant differences in overall weight gain during Days 1-21 of age.
Food consumption and compound intake (if feeding study):
not examined
Food efficiency:
not examined
Water consumption and compound intake (if drinking water study):
not examined
Ophthalmological findings:
not examined
Haematological findings:
not examined
Clinical biochemistry findings:
not examined
Urinalysis findings:
not examined
Sexual maturation:
not examined
Anogenital distance (AGD):
not examined
Nipple retention in male pups:
not examined
Organ weight findings including organ / body weight ratios:
effects observed, non-treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
Absolute and bodyweight relative weights of the brain and thymus of the F2 offspring were comparable in all groups, indicating no adverse effect of treatment. Absolute and bodyweight relative weights of the spleen for males and females at 10000 ppm were significantly lower than in Controls.

Findings for F2 progeny

Bodyweight relative spleen weights (% bodyweight) on Day 21 of age 0 1000 ppm 3300 ppm 10000 ppm
Males 0.4609 0.4102 0.4357 0.3736
Females 0.4802 0.4436 0.4654 0.4081
Gross pathological findings:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
Macroscopic examination of F2 offspring dying before weaning or at scheduled termination (Day 21 of age) did not reveal any findings considered to be related to treatment with Benzoflex® 9-88. Most offspring dying before weaning had no milk in the stomach; indicating, perhaps, a lack of maternal care, predominantly in litters showing total pup loss. Among offspring examined at terminal examination on Day 21 of age, no macroscopic abnormalities of the spleen were detected.
Histopathological findings:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
Macroscopic examination of F2 offspring dying before weaning or at scheduled termination (Day 21 of age) did not reveal any findings considered to be related to treatment with Benzoflex® 9-88. Most offspring dying before weaning had no milk in the stomach; indicating, perhaps, a lack of maternal care, predominantly in litters showing total pup loss. Among offspring examined at terminal examination on Day 21 of age, no macroscopic abnormalities of the spleen were detected.
Other effects:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
Uterine implantation sites, litter size and survival
At 10000 and 3300 ppm, the mean number of uterine implantation sites (recorded at termination) and total litter size at birth were slightly lower than in Controls. However, the differences did not show a relationship to dietary concentration of Benzoflex® 9-88 and did not attain statistical significance.

The mean number of implantations and total litter size at birth at 1000 ppm were comparable to Controls.
Survival of offspring prior to litter standardisation on Day 4 and subsequent survival to Day 21 of age did not suggest any adverse effects of treatment.

Sex ratios
Sex ratio, from Day 1 to Day 21 after birth, did show some slight inter-group variability, but the magnitude of this was such that it was not considered to be as a result of treatment.
Behaviour (functional findings):
not examined
Developmental immunotoxicity:
not examined
Key result
Dose descriptor:
NOAEL
Generation:
F2
Effect level:
10 000 ppm (nominal)
Sex:
male/female
Basis for effect level:
viability
clinical signs
gross pathology
Reproductive effects observed:
not specified
Conclusions:
The evidence from this study suggested that a dietary concentration of dipropylene glycol dibenzoate at 10000 ppm should be considered as the No-Observed-Effect-Level (NOEL) for P (F0) and F1 parent animals. The No-Observed-Adverse-Effect-Level (NOAEL) for survival and growth of the offspring is considered to be 10000 ppm.
Executive summary:

A two generation study in rats was conducted to assess the effects on reproductive performance of the test material DPGDB. The study was conducted according to OECD and EPA test guidelines, and in compliance with GLP.

 

Dietary administration of DPGDB at concentrations of 1000, 3300 or 10000 ppm was generally well tolerated by the P (F0) and subsequent F1 parental animals and their respective progeny. Exposure to the test material was in line with expectation throughout both generations fluctuations reflected the different physiological status of the animals and were predictably highest for females during peak lactation and in young animals. Bodyweight change of F1 females before paring and F1 males were slightly but significantly lower than in Controls. No adverse effects were seen on overall parental food consumption; food conversion efficiency calculated during the 10 week pre-mating phase was considered similar to controls for both generations. Oestrous cycle, mating performance, fertility and fecundity were similar in all groups. Gestation lengths and the parturition process were unaffected by treatment. Assessment of the terminal vaginal smears taken from F0 females revealed a higher incidence of females in oestrus in groups treated with DPGDB compared with controls. This finding was not apparent among F1 females and is considered to be of doubtful biological significance.

 

Litter parameters at birth of the F1 and F2 progeny and their survival to weaning showed no apparent detrimental effects of treatment with DPGDB. However, in both F1 and F2 offspring at 10000 ppm there was a slight reduction on weight gain during days 14-21 of age and this finding may be linked to the transition to direct exposure to the test material as the offspring weaned on to solid diet at the same dietary inclusion levels as their parents.

 

No treatment related findings were seen at microscopic examination of the F1 offspring not selected to form the next generation or the F2 offspring killed after weaning. Macropathology, histopathology assessment and sperm analysis for the F0 and F1 adults showed no adverse effects of treatment.

 

The only possible effect of treatment detected at assessment of organ weights from F1 and F2 offspring was significantly lower absolute and relative spleen weight among F2 males and females compared to controls. The toxicological significance of this finding is uncertain since it was not detected among F1 offspring or among F0/F1 adult animals. The evidence from this study suggested that a dietary concentration of DPGDB at 10000 ppm should be considered as the No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) for P (F0) and F1 parent animals. The NOAEL for developing offspring is considered to be 3300 ppm. The No Observed Effect Level (NOEL) for reproductive parameters is considered to be 10000 ppm.

The evidence from this study suggested that a dietary concentration of DPGDB at 10000 ppm should be considered as the No-Observed-Effect-Level (NOEL) for F0 and F1 parent animals. The No-Observed-Adverse-Effect-Level (NOAEL) for survival and growth of the offspring is considered to be 10000 ppm.

Effect on fertility: via oral route
Dose descriptor:
NOAEL
165 mg/kg bw/day
Study duration:
subchronic
Species:
rat
Effect on fertility: via inhalation route
Endpoint conclusion:
no study available
Effect on fertility: via dermal route
Endpoint conclusion:
no study available
Additional information

This substance is a reaction mass of dipropylene glycol dibenzoate (DPGDB), diethylene glycol dibenzoate (DEGDB) and triethylene glycol dibenzoate (TEGDB). No testing has been performed on the reaction mass itself but data are available for DPGDB, DEGDB and TEGDB. All studies were conducted in compliance with GLP. Two generation studies on DPGDB and DEGDB were conducted according to OECD and EPA test guidelines

to assess the effects on reproductive performance of the test materials. The one generation study was performed in a manner similar to the appropriate OECD test guideline. Test substance was administered in the diet in all cases. The studies are described separately for each of the components of the reaction mass. 

The key value for the chemical safety assessment is highlighted.

 

DEGDB

In the two generation study, dietary administration at concentrations of 1000, 3300 or 10000 ppm was generally well tolerated by the P (F0) and subsequent F1 parental animals and their respective progeny. Exposure to the test material was in line with expectation throughout both generations fluctuations reflected the different physiological status of the animals and were predictably highest for females during peak lactation and in young animals.  There were no obvious toxicological effects of treatment for the two generations on the general condition of the parental animals although a slight disturbance in the pattern of maternal weight change was noted at 10000 ppm in both generations and at 3300 ppm in the F1 generation.  There was no effect on fertility and reproductive performance at any of the dietary inclusion levels in either generation. Litter parameters at birth of the F1 and F2 progeny and their survival to weaning showed no apparent detrimental effects of treatment with DEGDB. However for F2 offspring at 10000 ppm there was a reduction in weight gain from birth to weaning. No abnormal findings were apparent at necropsy of the F0 or F1 parental animals the post weaned unselected F1 offspring or the F2 offspring. Organ weight assessment of the F0 and F1 parent animals did not suggest any adverse effects on any organs. Assessment of spermatogenesis and histopathology in both parental generations showed that there were no injurious effects on the testes or other reproductive organs. Furthermore detailed histopathological examination of the tissues from both sexes in both generations did not reveal any adverse effects of treatment with DEGDB. The only possible effect of treatment detected at assessment of organ weights from F1 and F2 offspring was lower absolute and bodyweight relative spleen weights among F2 males and females compared with controls. The evidence from this study suggested that a dietary concentration of DEGDB at 10000 ppm should be considered as the No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) for P (F0) and F1 parent animals. The NOAEL for developing offspring is considered to be 3300 ppm (equivalent to a minimum estimated daily achieved dosage of 165 mg/kg bw/day). The No Observed Effect Level (NOEL) for reproductive parameters is considered to be 10000 ppm (equivalent to a minimum estimated daily achieved dosage of 500 mg/kgbw/day).

 

DPGDB

The two generation study was preceded by a preliminary dose range-finding study. Concentrations in diet at 25000 ppm during the two weeks before mating, during gestation and lactation gave evidence of toxicity in dams (mortality, clinical signs). This preliminary study suggested that an upper dietary concentration between 7500 and 15000 ppm would be appropriate in a main two generation study of reproductive performance.

In the key study, dietary administration at concentrations of 1000, 3300 or 10000 ppm was generally well tolerated by the P (F0) and subsequent F1 parental animals and their respective progeny. Bodyweight change of F1 females before paring and F1 males were slightly but significantly lower than in controls. No adverse effects were seen on overall parental food consumption; food conversion efficiency calculated during the 10 week pre-mating phase was considered similar to controls for both generations. Oestrous cycle, mating performance, fertility and fecundity were similar in all groups. Gestation lengths and the parturition process were unaffected by treatment. Assessment of the terminal vaginal smears taken from F0 females revealed a higher incidence of females in oestrus in groups treated with DPGDB compared with controls. This finding was not apparent among F1 females and is considered to be of doubtful biological significance.

Litter parameters at birth of the F1 and F2 progeny and their survival to weaning showed no apparent detrimental effects of treatment with DPGDB. However, in both F1 and F2 offspring at 10000ppm there was a slight reduction on weight gain during days 14-21 of age and this finding may be linked to the transition to direct exposure to the test material as the offspring weaned on to solid diet at the same dietary inclusion levels as their parents. No treatment related findings were seen at microscopic examination of the F1 offspring not selected to form the next generation or the F2 offspring killed after weaning. Macropathology, histopathology assessment and sperm analysis for the F0 and F1 adults showed no adverse effects of treatment. The only possible effect of treatment detected at assessment of organ weights from F1 and F2 offspring was significantly lower absolute and relative spleen weight among F2 males and females compared to controls. The toxicological significance if this finding is uncertain since it was not detected among F1 offspring or among F0/F1 adult animals. The evidence from this study suggested that a dietary concentration of DPGDB at 10000 ppm should be considered as the No-Observed-Effect-Level (NOEL) for F0 and F1 parent animals. The No-Observed-Adverse-Effect-Level (NOAEL) for survival and growth of the offspring is considered to be 10000 ppm. This is equivalent to a minimum estimated daily achieved dosage of 500 mg/kgbw/day.

 

TEGDB

In the one generation study dietary administration at concentrations of 2500, 5000, 10000 and 20000 ppm were well tolerated by the parental animals and their progeny. Satisfactory exposure to the test material was achieved throughout the study as judged by calculations of achieved intake and periodic dietary analysis. There were no obvious toxicological effects of treatment on the general condition of the parental animals or on their fertility and reproductive performance. Litter parameters at birth of the F1 progeny, their survival and development to sexual maturity showed no apparent adverse effects of treatment with TEGDB. There were no apparent abnormal findings at necropsy of the parental animals the post weaned unselected F1 offspring or the selected F1 animals. Organ weight assessment of the parent animals and histological examination of reproductive organs, Control and 20000 ppm, did not suggest any adverse effects on these organs of either sex. The evidence from this preliminary study suggested that administration of TEGDB in the diet at levels up to and including 20000 ppm was without apparent toxicity to the reproductive system of the adult rat and without impairment of growth and development of their progeny. 

Effects on developmental toxicity

Description of key information

No specific testing was performed on the reaction mass to assess its effects on pre-natal development. However, studies in rats were performed on three components of the reaction mass (dipropylene glycol dibenzoate, DPGDB, diethylene glycol dibenzoate, DEGDB and triethylene glycol dibenzoate, TEGDB). The studies were conducted according to Japanaese, OECD and EPA test guidelines, and in compliance with GLP.

The studies were conducted according to Japanese, OECD, and EPA test guidelines, and in compliance with GLP. When administered during and beyond the organogenesis phase of gestation, a No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) of 500 mg/kg/d and 250 mg/kg/d for DPGDB has been shown in rat and rabbit species. For DEGDB, the NOAEL for rat fetal growth and development was 500 mg/kg/d, and the NOAEL of 75 mg/kg/d in rabbit species OECD 414 study was concluded. For TEGDB, the NOAEL for pre-natal development was concluded to be 1000 mg/kg/d in rat study. There is no study available for second species rabbit, however a one generation study was performed to assess the effects of dietary administration of TEGDB on rats. The study was conducted according to GLP and guideline was closely related to OECD 415. There were no obvious toxicological effects of treatment on the general condition of the parental animals or on their fertility and reproductive performance at the highest tested dose. Considering the data of DEGDB, DPGDB and TEGDB components, the gap for second species prenatal developmental study on TEGDB is been recognized. However, DEGDB component has been considered the most cautionary component based on the available data. As there were no obvious toxicological effects of treatment on the general condition of the parental animals or on their fertility and reproductive performance in TEGDB reproductive and developmental toxicology studies. Therefore, considering the data and having high carbon atom (alkyl length) as compared to DEGDB and DPGDB, the gap for second TEGDB prenatal developmental study conduct in rabbits seems to be not obligatory. Further, to complete “the gap” of the reaction mass components prenatal developmental toxicity studies, a testing proposal for TEGDB OECD 414 in rabbit species is made to ECHA and an approval is needed confirm that this will suffice the toxicity testing requirement on reaction mass. 


Link to relevant study records

Referenceopen allclose all

Endpoint:
developmental toxicity
Type of information:
experimental study
Adequacy of study:
key study
Study period:
09 December 1998 - 07 January 1999
Reliability:
1 (reliable without restriction)
Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:
other: The study was conducted in accordance with Japanese, US EPA, OECD and EC test guidelines, and in compliance with GLP.
Qualifier:
according to guideline
Guideline:
OECD Guideline 414 (Prenatal Developmental Toxicity Study)
Version / remarks:
2nd Draft Guideline, March 1998
Deviations:
no
Qualifier:
equivalent or similar to guideline
Guideline:
EPA OPPTS 870.3700 (Prenatal Developmental Toxicity Study)
Deviations:
yes
Remarks:
See below ("Principles of method if other than guideline").
Qualifier:
according to guideline
Guideline:
other: European Economic Communities, Comission Directive 94/79EEC
Deviations:
no
Qualifier:
according to guideline
Guideline:
other: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries for Japan, Noh San No. 4200.
Deviations:
no
Principles of method if other than guideline:
Deviation from EPA OPPTS 870.3700 guideline: The Guideline states that, "Evaluation of the dams during caesarian section and subsequent fetal analyses should be conducted without knowledge of treatment group in order to minimise bias". Evaluation was made with knowledge of treatment group, as procedures are already in place to minimise bias during these portions of the study. These procedures include routine reviews of necropsy technicians evaluation skills and scientific peer review of at least 25% of the raw data of the fetal analyses including examination of serial sections for visceral anomalies and examination of fetal skeletons.
GLP compliance:
yes
Limit test:
no
Species:
rat
Strain:
Sprague-Dawley
Details on test animals or test system and environmental conditions:
TEST ANIMALS
- Source: Charles River UK Limited, Margate, Kent, England.
- Age at study initiation: Approximately 10 to 11 weeks of age.
- Weight at study initiation: 214 to 265g
- Fasting period before study: Not reported.
- Housing: Cages consisting of stainless steel (acclimatisation and mating) or high density polypropylene (gestation period) bodies with lids and floors of stainless steel grid, suspended in batteries over trays covered with adsorbent paper.
- Diet (e.g. ad libitum): Free access to a commercially available pelleted laboratory animal diet.
- Water (e.g. ad libitum): Tap water from the public supply was freely available to the animals via polythene or polycarbonate bottles with sipper tubes.
- Acclimation period: A minimum of 5 days.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
- Temperature (°C): Nominally 21°C (Range 19 - 23°C); achieved 20 - 21°C
- Humidity (%): Nominally 55% (range 40 - 70%); achieved 46 - 57%
- Air changes (per hr): At least 15
- Photoperiod (hrs dark / hrs light): 12 hours dark / 12 hours light.

IN-LIFE DATES: From: 14 December 1998 (Animals paired for mating) To: 07 January 1999 (completion of necropsy)
Route of administration:
oral: gavage
Vehicle:
corn oil
Details on exposure:
PREPARATION OF DOSING SOLUTIONS:
For each concentration the required amount of DEGDB was weighed out, following warming in a water bath at approximately 40 - 45°C and mixed with the required amount of warmed vehicle. Homogenisation of the final product was achieved using a mechanical blender such as a Silverson stirrer emulsifier. The use of equipment containing polar rubber compounds or polyvinyl chloride was avoided during the preparation dispensing of formulations as much as possible.

VEHICLE
- Concentration in vehicle: 0, 50, 100, and 200 mg/mL (for dose levels 0, 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg/day, respectively).
- Amount of vehicle (if gavage): 5 mL/kg.
Analytical verification of doses or concentrations:
yes
Details on analytical verification of doses or concentrations:
Samples were also taken from formulations prepared for use during the first and last weeks of the dosing period for determination of achieved concentrations of DEGDB. On each occasion of sampling four samples (nominally 1 mL accurately weighed) were taken from each formulation; 2 assays were performed from each test group and one assay for the control group. The remainder of the samples were frozen (nominally -20°C) as contingency for analysis if any result required confirmation. These samples were taken in the Pharmacy department using the types of glass syringes and rubber catheters used to dose the animals. This precaution was taken to provide assurance that contact between the dose formulations and the rubber catheter did not affect the achieved concentrations of DEGDB.
Details on mating procedure:
- Impregnation procedure: cohoused
- If cohoused:
- M/F ratio per cage: one-to-one
- Verification of same strain and source of both sexes: yes
- Proof of pregnancy: The day on which a sperm positive vaginal smear or at least three copulation plugs were found was designated Day 0 of gestation.
Duration of treatment / exposure:
13 Days (Days 6 to 19 after mating, inclusive).
Frequency of treatment:
Once per day administration
Duration of test:
19 days after mating.
No. of animals per sex per dose:
22 females per group
Control animals:
yes, concurrent vehicle
Details on study design:
- Dose selection rationale: Eighty eight females showing unequivocal evidence of mating were allocated to group and cage position in sequence thus ensuring that animals mated on any one day were evenly distributed amongst the groups

Maternal examinations:
CAGE SIDE OBSERVATIONS: Yes
- Time schedule: Pre-dosing, on return of the animal to home cage, after dosing each group, 1 to 2 hours after completion of dosing, and as late as possible during the working day.

DETAILED CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS: Yes
- Time schedule: At least twice daily.

BODY WEIGHT: Yes
- Time schedule for examinations: Weighed on days 0, 3, 6 to 17 inclusive, and 20 after mating.

FOOD CONSUMPTION AND COMPOUND INTAKE (if feeding study): Yes
- Food consumption for each animal determined and mean daily diet consumption calculated as g food/kg body weight/day: No - calculated as g/rat/day.

WATER CONSUMPTION AND COMPOUND INTAKE (if drinking water study): No

POST-MORTEM EXAMINATIONS: Yes
- Sacrifice on gestation day # 20
- Organs examined: The organs of the reproductive tract, complete with ovaries.
Ovaries and uterine content:
The ovaries and uterine content was examined after termination: Yes
Examinations included:
- Gravid uterus weight: Yes (Uterus with cervix)
- Number of corpora lutea: Yes
- Number of implantations: Yes
- Number of early resorptions: Yes
- Number of late resorptions: Yes
- Other: The number and distribution of fetuses in each uterine horn
Fetal examinations:
- External examinations: Yes: all per litter
- Soft tissue examinations: Yes: half per litter
- Skeletal examinations: Yes: half per litter
- Head examinations: Yes: half per litter
Statistics:
Statistical tests employing analysis of variance followed by an inter group comparison with the Control were performed on the following parameters:
Bodyweight change, bodyweight change adjusted for gravid uterine weight, food consumption, litter data, litter weight, fetal weight and placental weight.
Dependant on the heterogeneity of variance between treatment groups, parametric tests (analysis of variance, Snedecor and Cochran 1967) followed by Williams' test (Williams 1971/2) or non parametric tests (Kruskal-Wallis, Hollander and Wolfe 1973) followed by Shirley's test (Shirley 1977) were used to analyse these data, as appropriate.
For litter data (excluding fetal, litter and placental weights) and implantation loss, due to the preponderance of non-normal distributions, non-parametric tests are generally the most consistent and were routinely used.
All significant (i.e. p<0.05) inter-group differences from the Control are reported only where supported by a significant analysis ofvariance (i.e. p<0.05).
Clinical signs:
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
Clinical signs associated with treatment were restricted to transient post-dosing salivation.
Mortality:
no mortality observed
Body weight and weight changes:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
Bodyweight and bodyweight gain at all dosages were generally similar to the Control group throughout and overall bodyweight gain from Day 6 adjusted for the input of the gravid uterus did not indicate any obvious adverse effect of treatment.
Food consumption and compound intake (if feeding study):
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
Food consumption during gestation was similar in all groups and did not indicate any obvious adverse effect of treatment.
Food efficiency:
not specified
Ophthalmological findings:
not specified
Haematological findings:
not specified
Clinical biochemistry findings:
not specified
Urinalysis findings:
not specified
Behaviour (functional findings):
not specified
Immunological findings:
not specified
Organ weight findings including organ / body weight ratios:
not specified
Gross pathological findings:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
The incidence of findings at necropsy was low and did not indicate any obvious adverse effect of DEGDB.
Neuropathological findings:
not specified
Histopathological findings: non-neoplastic:
not specified
Histopathological findings: neoplastic:
not specified
Other effects:
not specified
Pre- and post-implantation loss:
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
Post-implantation loss was higher in all treated groups compared to the concurrent Control, differences attaining statistical significance at 500 and 1000 mg/kg/day. However, values were comparable with recent background control data and it is considered that the test groups were disadvantaged by a particularly high survival rate in the Control. It was concluded that in utero survival had not been adversely affected by treatment since live litter size was unaffected and was similar in all groups.
Details on maternal toxic effects:
Maternal toxic effects:no effects

Details on maternal toxic effects:
Clinical signs associated with treatment were restricted to transient post-dosing salivation.
Bodyweight and bodyweight gain at all dosages were generally similar to the Control group throughout and overall bodyweight gain from Day 6 adjusted for the input of the gravid uterus did not indicate any obvious adverse effect of treatment.
Food consumption during gestation was similar in all groups and did not indicate any obvious adverse effect of treatment.
The incidence of findings at necropsy was low and did not indicate any obvious adverse effect of DEGDB.
Dose descriptor:
NOEL
Effect level:
1 000 mg/kg bw/day (actual dose received)
Based on:
test mat.
Basis for effect level:
other: maternal toxicity
Fetal body weight changes:
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
At 1000 mg/kg/day mean fetal weights, and consequently litter weight, were slightly lower than Control, combined fetal weight and female fetal weightattaining statistical significance. Placental weight was comparable with Control.
At 250 and 500 mg/kg/day litter weight, mean placental and fetal weights were similar or superior to the concurrent Control values.
Changes in sex ratio:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
Sex ratio assessed by percentage males was similar in all groups.
External malformations:
effects observed, non-treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
There were 4, 1, 3, and 2 fetuses (4, 1, 3, and 1 litters affected) showing malformations in Groups 1 to 4 respectively. Neither the type, incidence nor distribution of these findings indicated any obvious association with treatment.
Other effects:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
The incidence and distribution of visceral anomalies did not indicate any obvious adverse effect of treatment.
At 1000 mg/kg/day 4 fetuses (3 litters affected) showed cervical ribs, this incidence being higher than the concurrent Control and marginally outside the current background control data. Although the incidence of this finding was relatively low it is considered that a treatment relationship could not be ruled out. There was a clearer increase in the incidence of incomplete ossification, principally affecting the cranial centres, sacrocaudal vertebral arches, 5th/6th sternebral centres and pelvic bones compared with the concurrent Control.
At 500 mg/kg/day the incidence and distribution of skeletal anomalies did not indicate any obvious adverse effect of treatment. There was a slight increase in the incidence of incomplete ossification of the 5th/6th sternebral centres, however the incidence was within that seen for the background data and any relationship to treatment was considered equivocal.
The incidence and distribution ofskeletal anomalies and variants at 250 mg/kg/day did not indicate any obvious adverse effect of treatment.
Details on embryotoxic / teratogenic effects:
Embryotoxic / teratogenic effects:yes

Details on embryotoxic / teratogenic effects:
Post-implantation loss was higher in all treated groups compared to the concurrent Control, differences attaining statistical significance at 500 and 1000 mg/kg/day. However, values were comparable with recent background control data and it is considered that the test groups were disadvantaged by a particularly high survival rate in the Control. It was concluded that in utero survival had not been adversely affected by treatment since live litter size was unaffected and was similar in all groups.
Sex ratio assessed by percentage males was similar in all groups.
At 1000 mg/kg/day mean fetal weights, and consequently litter weight, were slightly lower than Control, combined fetal weight and female fetal weightattaining statistical significance. Placental weight was comparable with Control.
At 250 and 500 mg/kg/day litter weight, mean placental and fetal weights were similar or superior to the concurrent Control values.
There were 4, 1, 3, and 2 fetuses (4, 1, 3, and 1 litters affected) showing malformations in Groups 1 to 4 respectively. Neither the type, incidence nor distribution of these findings indicated any obvious association with treatment.
The incidence and distribution of visceral anomalies did not indicate any obvious adverse effect of treatment.
At 1000 mg/kg/day 4 fetuses (3 litters affected) showed cervical ribs, this incidence being higher than the concurrent Control and marginally outside the current background control data. Although the incidence of this finding was relatively low it is considered that atreatment relationship could not be ruled out. There was a clearer increase in the incidence of incomplete ossification, principally affecting the cranial centres, sacrocaudal vertebral arches, 5th/6th sternebral centres and pelvic bones compared with the concurrent Control.
At 500 mg/kg/day the incidence and distribution of skeletal anomalies did not indicate any obvious adverse effect of treatment. There was a slight increase in the incidence of incomplete ossification of the 5th/6th sternebral centres, however the incidence was within that seen for the background data and any relationship to treatment was considered equivocal.
The incidence and distribution ofskeletal anomalies and variants at 250 mg/kg/day did not indicate any obvious adverse effect of treatment.
Dose descriptor:
NOAEL
Effect level:
500 mg/kg bw/day
Based on:
test mat.
Sex:
male/female
Basis for effect level:
fetal/pup body weight changes
Abnormalities:
no effects observed
Developmental effects observed:
no
Conclusions:
The no-effect-level (NOEL) for maternal toxicity was concluded to be 1000 mg/kg/day.
The no-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) for fetal growth and development was 500 mg/kgbw/day and the no-observed-effect-level was 250 mg/kgbw/day.
Executive summary:

A pre-natal development study in rats was conducted to determine the effect of the test material DEGDB when administered during and beyond the organogenesis phase of gestation. The study was conducted according to Japanese, US EPA, OECD, and EC test guidelines, and in compliance with GLP.

Groups of 22 female rats were selected after mating, and were dosed by oral gavage with corn oil fortified with the test material between day 6 and day 19 of gestation. Dose levels examined were 0 (vehicle control), 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kgbw/day.

Clinical signs related to treatment were limited to post-dosing salivation; a dose-response effect was seen, but was thought to be due to the palatability of the test material. All animals survived to termination and were pregnant with live young in utero.

A slight reduction in mean fetal weights and an increased incidence in the number of fetuses showing cervical ribs was seen in the 1000 mg/kgbw/day group when compared to the control. In each case the effects seen were slight, but could not be ruled out as being evidence of a toxicological effect. A slight increase in the incidence of incomplete ossification was seen in the 500 mg/kgbw/day level, however when compared to the backgroud data a relationship to treatment was considered equivocal. There were no obvious indications of an adverse effect of treatment in the 250 mg/kg/day level.

The no-effect-level for maternal toxicity was concluded to be 1000 mg/kgbw/day. The no-adverse-effect-level for fetal growth and development was 500 mg/kgbw/day and the no-observed-effect-level was 250 mg/kgbw/day.

Endpoint:
developmental toxicity
Type of information:
experimental study
Adequacy of study:
key study
Study period:
07 December 1998 - 31 December 1998
Reliability:
1 (reliable without restriction)
Qualifier:
according to guideline
Guideline:
OECD Guideline 414 (Prenatal Developmental Toxicity Study)
Deviations:
no
Qualifier:
equivalent or similar to guideline
Guideline:
EPA OPPTS 870.3700 (Prenatal Developmental Toxicity Study)
Version / remarks:
See below ("Principles of method if other than guideline").
Deviations:
yes
Remarks:
Evaluation was made with knowledge of treatment group, as procedures are already in place to minimise bias during these portions of the study.
Qualifier:
according to guideline
Guideline:
other: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries for Japan, Noh San No. 4200.
Deviations:
no
Qualifier:
according to guideline
Guideline:
other: European Economic Communities, Comission Directive 94/79EEC
Deviations:
no
GLP compliance:
yes
Limit test:
yes
Specific details on test material used for the study:
The substance is mixture of benzoates and it is a clear liquid. The substance can be stored at ambient temparture.
Species:
rat
Strain:
Sprague-Dawley
Details on test animals or test system and environmental conditions:
TEST ANIMALS
- Source: Charles River UK Limited, Margate, Kent, England.
- Age at study initiation: 10 to 11 weeks
- Weight at study initiation: 214 to 273g
- Fasting period before study: Not reported
- Housing: Cages consisting of stainless steel (acclimatisation and mating) or high-density polypropylene (gestation) bodies with lids and floors of stainless steel grid, suspended in batteries over trays covered with absorbent paper
- Diet: Free access to a commercially available pelleted laboratory animal diet
- Water: Tap water from the public supply was freely available.
- Acclimation period: At least 5 days

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
- Temperature (°C): Nominally 21°C (Range 19 - 23°C)
- Humidity (%): Nominally 55% (range 40 - 70%)
- Air changes (per hr): At least 15
- Photoperiod (hrs dark / hrs light): 12 hours dark / 12 hours light.

IN-LIFE DATES: From: 2 December 1998 To: 31 December 1998
Route of administration:
oral: gavage
Vehicle:
corn oil
Details on exposure:
PREPARATION OF DOSING SOLUTIONS:
For the highest required concentration (200 mg/mL) the required amount of DPGDB was weighed out and mixed with a small amount of the vehicle. This mixture was quantitatively transferred to the mixing vessel with further portions of vehicle and adjusted to volume. Homogenisation of the final product was achieved using a mechanical blender such as a Silverson stirrer/emulsifier. Lower concentrations were prepared by serial dilution. The use of equipment containing polar rubber compounds or polyvinyl chloride was avoided during the preparation/dispensing of formulations as much as possible.

VEHICLE
- Justification for use and choice of vehicle (if other than water): DPGDB has poor water solubility
- Concentration in vehicle: 0, 50, 100, and 200 mg/mL (for dose levels 0, 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg/day, respectively).
- Amount of vehicle (if gavage): 5 mL/kg.
Analytical verification of doses or concentrations:
yes
Details on analytical verification of doses or concentrations:
Samples were taken from formulations prepared for use during the first and last weeks of the dosing period for determination of achieved concentrations of DPGDB. On each occasion of sampling four samples (nominally 1 mL accurately weighed) were taken from each formulation; 2 assays were performed from each test group and one assay for the control group. The remainder of the samples were frozen (nominally -20°C) as contingency for analysis if any result required confirmation. These samples were taken in the Pharmacy department using the types of glass syringes and rubber catheters used to dose the animals. This precaution was taken to provide assurance that contact between the dose formulations and the rubber catheter did not affect the achieved concentrations of DPGDB.
Details on mating procedure:
- Impregnation procedure: cohoused
- If cohoused:
- M/F ratio per cage: one-to-one
- Verification of same strain and source of both sexes: yes
- Proof of pregnancy: The day on which a sperm positive vaginal smear or at least three copulation plugs were found was designated Day 0 of gestation.
Duration of treatment / exposure:
13 Days (Days 6 to Day 19 after, inclusive)
Frequency of treatment:
Once per day administration
Duration of test:
20 Days
Dose / conc.:
250 mg/kg bw/day
Dose / conc.:
500 mg/kg bw/day
Dose / conc.:
1 000 mg/kg bw/day
No. of animals per sex per dose:
22 females per group
Control animals:
yes, concurrent vehicle
Details on study design:
- Dose selection rationale: Eighty eight females showing unequivocal evidence of mating were allocated to group and cage position in sequence thus ensuring that animals mated on any one day were evenly distributed amongst the groups
Maternal examinations:
CAGE SIDE OBSERVATIONS: Yes
- Time schedule: Pre-dosing, on return of the animal to home cage, after dosing each group, 1 to 2 hours after completion of dosing, and as late as possible during the working day.

DETAILED CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS: Yes
- Time schedule: At least twice daily (as above)

BODY WEIGHT: Yes
- Time schedule for examinations: Weighed on days 0, 3, 6 to 17 inclusive and 20 after mating

FOOD CONSUMPTION: Yes
- Food consumption for each animal determined and mean daily diet consumption calculated as g food/kg body weight/day: No - calculated as g/rat/day

WATER CONSUMPTION AND COMPOUND INTAKE (if drinking water study): No

POST-MORTEM EXAMINATIONS: Yes
- Sacrifice on gestation day # 20
- Organs examined: The organs of the reproductive tract, complete with ovaries.
Ovaries and uterine content:
The ovaries and uterine content was examined after termination: Yes
Examinations included:
- Gravid uterus weight: Yes (Uterus with cervix)
- Number of corpora lutea: Yes
- Number of implantations: Yes
- Number of early resorptions: Yes
- Number of late resorptions: Yes
- Other: The number and distribution of fetuses in each uterine horn
Fetal examinations:
- External examinations: Yes: all per litter
- Soft tissue examinations: Yes: half per litter
- Skeletal examinations: Yes: half per litter
- Head examinations: Yes: half per litter
Statistics:
Statistical tests employing analysis of variance followed by an inter group comparison with the Control were performed on the following parameters:
Bodyweight change, bodyweight change adjusted for gravid uterine weight, food consumption, litter data, litter weight, fetal weight and placental weight.
Dependant on the heterogeneity of variance between treatment groups, parametric tests (analysis of variance, Snedecor and Cochran 1967) followed by Williams' test (Williams 1971/2) or non parametric tests (Kruskal-Wallis, Hollander and Wolfe 1973) followed by Shirley's test (Shirley 1977) were used to analyse these data, as appropriate.
For litter data (excluding fetal, litter and placental weights) and implantation loss, due to the preponderance of non-normal distributions, non-parametric tests are generally the most consistent and were routinely used.
All significant (i.e. p<0.05) inter-group differences from the Control are reported only where supported by a significant analysis of variance (i.e. p<0.05).
Clinical signs:
effects observed, non-treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
one animal showed salivation after the second dose (Day 7) at 1000 mg/kg/d but by the fifth dose (Day 10) the majority of animals were affected. The pattern was similar at 500 mg/kg/d except that the day of first occurence was Day 10 (fifth dose). At 250 mg/kg/d, the occurrence of salivation was much more transitory, with no animals being affected on more than four cosecutive day.
Dermal irritation (if dermal study):
not examined
Mortality:
no mortality observed
Description (incidence):
There were no deaths observed.
Body weight and weight changes:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
There was no effect of treatment on absolute or adjusted bodyweight gain.
Food consumption and compound intake (if feeding study):
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
There was no effect on treatment on food intake
Food efficiency:
not examined
Water consumption and compound intake (if drinking water study):
not examined
Ophthalmological findings:
not examined
Haematological findings:
not examined
Clinical biochemistry findings:
not examined
Urinalysis findings:
not examined
Behaviour (functional findings):
not examined
Immunological findings:
not examined
Organ weight findings including organ / body weight ratios:
not examined
Gross pathological findings:
not examined
Neuropathological findings:
not examined
Histopathological findings: non-neoplastic:
not examined
Histopathological findings: neoplastic:
not examined
Other effects:
not examined
Number of abortions:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
No treatment related effects were observed.
Pre- and post-implantation loss:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
There were no effects of treatment were indicated by the extent of pre and post implantation loss. The mean percentage value for pre implantaion loss for control group was 7.1, 6.6 for Group 2, 5.2 for Group 3 and 5.4 for Group 4. No statistical significance values were acheived. The Group 1 is control (0 mg/kg/d) and group 2 is 250 mg/kg/d and group 3 is 500 mg/kg/d and group 4 is 1000 mg/kg/d dose group.
Total litter losses by resorption:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
There were no effects of treatment were indicated by resorption. The mean percentages for total resorption was 0.9, 0.8, 0.8 and 1.0 for Group 1,2,3 and 4. The Group 1 is control (0 mg/kg/d) and group 2 is 250 mg/kg/d and group 3 is 500 mg/kg/d and group 4 is 1000 mg/kg/d dose group.
Early or late resorptions:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
There were no effects of treatment were indicated by early or late resorption. The mean percentages for early resorption was 0.9, 0.7, 0.8 and 1.0 for Group 1,2,3 and 4. The mean percentages for early resorption was 0.0, 0.0, 0.0 and 0.0 for Group 1,2,3 and 4. The Group 1 is control (0 mg/kg/d) and group 2 is 250 mg/kg/d and group 3 is 500 mg/kg/d and group 4 is 1000 mg/kg/d dose group.
Dead fetuses:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
No effects of treatment on prenatal survival and the number of live fetuses were observed. The mean group values for live fetus were similar in all groups.
Changes in pregnancy duration:
not examined
Changes in number of pregnant:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
22 pregnant females per group were evaluted after treatment of females from day 6 to day 19.
Description (incidence and severity):
1 (0 mg/kg/d) 2(250 mg/kg/d)3(500 mg/kg/d)4 (1000 mg/kg/d)
pregnant females 22 22 22 22
evalated pregnant females 22 22 22 22

The group mean values for litters were
1 2 3 4
Corpora lutea 16.8 16.3 16.5 16.0
Implantations 15.4 15.4 15.6 15.1
Resorptions 0.9 0.8 0.8 1.0
Live fetus 14.5 14.6 14.9 14.1
Sex ratio (%) male 49.7 51.5 49.6 49.1
female 50.3 48.5 50.4 50.9
weight of fetus (g) male 3.88 3.94 3.87 3.84
female 3.71 3.75 3.68 3.66
Details on maternal toxic effects:
Maternal toxic effects:no effects

Details on maternal toxic effects:
Clinical signs associated with treatment were restricted to transient post-dosing salivation.
There was no effect of treatment on absolute or adjusted bodyweight gain.
There was no effect of treatment on food intake.
There were no findings considered to be related to treatment.
Key result
Dose descriptor:
NOAEL
Effect level:
1 000 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)
Basis for effect level:
clinical signs
Fetal body weight changes:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
The overall fetal body weights were comparable to control and were not statistically significant in any group in comparison to control. The overall mean (g) weight was 3.79 in control 1 and 3.85, 3.77 and 3.74 gm in Group 2, 3 and 4. The Group 1 is control (0 mg/kg/d) and group 2 is 250 mg/kg/d and group 3 is 500 mg/kg/d and group 4 is 1000 mg/kg/d dose group.
Reduction in number of live offspring:
no effects observed
Changes in sex ratio:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
The sex ratio was 49.7, 51.5, 49.6 and 49.1% in Group 1, 2, 3 and 4. The Group 1 is control (0 mg/kg/d) and group 2 is 250 mg/kg/d and group 3 is 500 mg/kg/d and group 4 is 1000 mg/kg/d dose group.
Changes in litter size and weights:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
There were no effects of treatment were indicated in litter weights. The mean (g) litter weight was 54. 94 in control 1 and 56.14, 56.01 and 52.64 gm in Group 2, 3 and 4. The Group 1 is control (0 mg/kg/d) and group 2 is 250 mg/kg/d and group 3 is 500 mg/kg/d and group 4 is 1000 mg/kg/d dose group.
Changes in postnatal survival:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
The live young male and female percentage in Group 1,2,3 and 4 were 7.2, 7.4, 7.4 and 7 and 7.3, 7.2,7.5 and 7.1. The treated groups were comparable to the control group.
External malformations:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
There were no effect of treatment on the incidence of external malformations were observed.
Skeletal malformations:
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
At 1000 mg/kg/d, the skeletal examination revealed a small but definite increase in the incidence of cervical ribs compared with the controls and the background historical control data. Therefore the findings of this skeletal anomaly is considered to be related to treatment. At 500 and 250 mg/kg/d, the incidence of fetuses with cervical ribs was within the recent background control data and there was no clear dosage relationship, their occurence at these dosages is likely to be coincidental and unrelated to the treatment.

An association between treatment at 1000 and 500 mg/kg bw/day and the greater number of fetuses with incomplete ossification of the 5th and or 6th sternebrae cannot be discounted particularly since a delay in ossification would be expected to be the most sensitive marker of an effect on pre-natal development where treatment has continued through to the day before sacrifice (treatment period: Days 6 to 19 of gestation). The assessment of fetal ossification on Day 20 of gestation represents a snapshot in time as the ossification will continue as the animals grow and mature. Although the relationship of these findings to treatment is uncertain they are considered to be transient in nature rather than representing permanent structural changes and therefore are considered to be of no long-term toxicological importance.
The increase in cervical ribs at 1000 mg/kg bw/day is considered to be of greater toxicological significance as it occurred at a dosage which has not produced any detectable signs of maternal toxicity however cervical ribs were only found in a small number of fetuses (10/155) at the limit dosage of 1000 mg/kg bw/day and there was no concomitant change in vertebral configuration.
Visceral malformations:
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
There were treatment related minor visceral anomalies were observed.
Other effects:
no effects observed
Details on embryotoxic / teratogenic effects:
Embryotoxic / teratogenic effects:yes

Details on embryotoxic / teratogenic effects:
An association between treatment at 1000 and 500 mg/kg/day and the greater number of fetuses with incomplete ossification of the 5th and or 6th sternebrae cannot be discounted particularly since a delay in ossification would be expected to be the most sensitive marker of an effect on pre-natal development where treatment has continued through to the day before sacrifice (treatment period: Days 6 to 19 of gestation). The assessment of fetal ossification on Day 20 of gestation represents a snapshot in time as the ossification will continue as the animals grow and mature. Although the relationship of these findings to treatment is uncertain they are considered to be transient in nature rather than representing permanent structural changes and therefore are considered to be of no long-term toxicological importance.

The increase in cervical ribs at 1000 mg/kg/day is considered to be of greater toxicological significance as it occurred at a dosage which has not produced any detectable signs of maternal toxicity however cervical ribs were only found in a small number of fetuses (10/155) at the limit dosage of 1000 mg/kgl/day and there was no concomitant change in vertebral configuration.
Key result
Dose descriptor:
NOAEL
Effect level:
500 mg/kg bw/day
Sex:
male/female
Basis for effect level:
skeletal malformations
Abnormalities:
not specified
Developmental effects observed:
not specified
Conclusions:
The no-adverse-effect-level for maternal toxicity was concluded to be 1000 mg/kgbw/day
The no-observed adverse effect level for all aspects of pre natal development was 500 mg/kgbw/day.
Executive summary:

A pre-natal development study in rats was conducted to determine the effect of the test material DPGDB when administered during and beyond the organogenesis phase of gestation. The study was conducted according to Japanese, US EPA and OECD test guidelines, and in compliance with GLP.

Groups of 22 female rats were selected after mating, and were dosed by oral gavage with corn oil fortified with the test material between day 6 and day 19 of gestation. Dose levels examined were 0 (vehicle control), 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg bw/day.

An association between treatment at 1000 and 500 mg/kg bw/day and the greater number of fetuses with incomplete ossification of the 5th and or 6th sternebrae cannot be discounted particularly since a delay in ossification would be expected to be the most sensitive marker of an effect on pre-natal development where treatment has continued through to the day before sacrifice (treatment period: Days 6 to 19 of gestation). The assessment of fetal ossification on Day 20 of gestation represents a snapshot in time as the ossification will continue as the animals grow and mature. Although the relationship of these findings to treatment is uncertain they are considered to be transient in nature rather than representing permanent structural changes and therefore are considered to be of no long-term toxicological importance.

The increase in cervical ribs at 1000 mg/kg bw/day is considered to be of greater toxicological significance as it occurred at a dosage which has not produced any detectable signs of maternal toxicity however cervical ribs were only found in a small number of fetuses (10/155) at the limit dosage of 1000 mg/kg bw/day and there was no concomitant change in vertebral configuration.

Salivation after dosing was observed at all dosages of DPGDB, the incidence was dose related but this finding was not considered to be of toxicological importance. At 1000 mg/kg/d, there were no detectable signs of maternal toxicity, there were no maternal deaths and all females had a live litter scarifice. It was concluded that the 1000 mg/kg/d is the NOAEL for maternal toxicity. There were no treatment related effects observed at prenatal survival or growth. At 1000 mg/kg/d, treatment related small but definite increase in the number of fetus with cervical ribs were observed. The no-observed adverse effect level for all aspects of pre-natal development is concluded to be 500 mg/kg bw/day.

Endpoint:
developmental toxicity
Remarks:
Prenatal Developmental Toxicity
Type of information:
experimental study
Adequacy of study:
key study
Study period:
2018
Reliability:
1 (reliable without restriction)
Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:
guideline study
Reason / purpose for cross-reference:
reference to other study
Reason / purpose for cross-reference:
reference to other study
Qualifier:
according to guideline
Guideline:
OECD Guideline 414 (Prenatal Developmental Toxicity Study)
Deviations:
yes
Remarks:
None of the deviations were considered to have impacted the overall integrity of the study
GLP compliance:
yes
Specific details on test material used for the study:
Dipropyleneglycol dibenzoate, Clear, colorless liquid. The purity of the test substance was > 99.0%. The test substance was stored at room temperature (18°C to 24°C) and was considered stable under this condition.
Species:
rabbit
Strain:
New Zealand White
Details on test animals or test system and environmental conditions:
One hundred six, time-mated female New Zealand White rabbits were received in good health from Covance Research Products, Inc., Denver, PA, on 30 Jun 2017. The time-mated rabbits were received on Gestation Day 1, 2, 3, or 4. The animals were approximately 7 months old upon receipt. All rabbits were housed during the study in an environmentally controlled room. The room temperature and relative humidity controls were set to maintain environmental conditions of 61°F to 71°F (16°C to 22°C) and 30% to 70%, respectively. The light status (on or off) was recorded once every 15 minutes. Air handling units were set to provide a minimum of 10 fresh air changes per hour.

The day on which confirmation of mating is made was designated as Gestation Day 0. Time mated rabbits judged to be suitable test subjects and meeting acceptable body weight requirements were assigned to the study at random using a computer program. Gestation Day 0 body weights were used for randomization. The animal numbers and corresponding body weights were entered into the WIL Toxicology Data Management System . A printout containing the animal numbers and individual group assignments was generated based on body weight stratification into a block design. The rabbits were then arranged into the groups according to the printout. The control group and 3 test substance groups consist of 24 rabbits each.
Route of administration:
oral: gavage
Vehicle:
other: carboxymethylcellulose
Remarks:
carboxymethylcellulose
Details on exposure:
The vehicle and test substance formulations were administered orally by gavage, via appropriately sized rubber catheters, once daily during Gestation Days 7–28. The dose volume for all groups was 5 mL/kg. Following administration of each dose, the catheter was flushed with 5 mL of deionized water to ensure delivery of the entire dose.
Analytical verification of doses or concentrations:
yes
Details on analytical verification of doses or concentrations:
A validated HPLC/UV method was used and extended for the determination of DPGDB concentration in suspension formulations. Method specificity/selectivity, calibration reproducibility, precision, and accuracy and were assessed and validated, satisfying SOP specified criteria. In addition, the results of the assessment of test substance homogeneity and, following 10 days of refrigerated storage, resuspension homogeneity in formulations prepared at target concentrations of 20 and 100 mg DPGDB/mL met the applicable protocol-specified acceptance criteria.
Details on mating procedure:
One hundred six time-mated female New Zealand White rabbits were received in good health from Covance Research Products, Inc., Denver, PA, on 30 Jun 2017. The time-mated rabbits were received on Gestation Day 1, 2, 3, or 4.
Duration of treatment / exposure:
The vehicle and test substance formulations were administered orally by gavage, via appropriately sized rubber catheters, once daily during Gestation Days 7–28. The dose volume for all groups was 5 mL/kg. Dosage levels of 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg/day were selected for the current study.
Frequency of treatment:
once daily during Gestation Days 7–28
Duration of test:
during Gestation Days 7–28.
Dose / conc.:
100 mg/kg bw/day
Dose / conc.:
250 mg/kg bw/day
Dose / conc.:
500 mg/kg bw/day
No. of animals per sex per dose:
The experimental design consisted of 3 test substance-treated groups and 1 control group, composed of 24 rabbits/group.
Group Number Treatment Dosage/Dose Level Number of Females
(mg/kg/day)
1 Vehicle Control 0 24
2 DPGDB 100 24
3 DPGDB 250 24
4 DPGDB 500 24
Control animals:
yes
Details on study design:
The test substance, dipropyleneglycol dibenzoate (DPGDB), in the vehicle (0.5% carboxymethylcellulose in deionized water) was administered orally by gavage to 3 groups of 24 time-mated female New Zealand White [Hra:(NZW)SPF] rabbits once daily from Gestation Days 7–28. Dosage levels were 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg/day administered at a dose volume of 5 mL/kg. A concurrent control group composed of 24 time-mated females received the vehicle on a comparable regimen. The females were approximately 7 months of age at the initiation of dose administration. All animals were observed twice daily for mortality and moribundity. Clinical observations, body weights, and food consumption were recorded at appropriate intervals. Clinical pathology evaluations (hematology and serum chemistry) were performed on all females that were euthanized in extremis or exhibited signs of toxicity, and on 5 females/group at the scheduled necropsy. On Gestation Day 29, a laparohysterectomy was performed on each surviving female. The uteri, placentae, and ovaries were examined, and the numbers of fetuses, early and late resorptions, total implantations, and corpora lutea were recorded. Gravid uterine weights were recorded, and net body weights and net body weight changes were calculated. Selected tissues were examined microscopically from all females found dead and euthanized in extremis, as well as from 5 females/group at the scheduled necropsy. The fetuses were weighed, sexed, and examined for external, visceral, and skeletal malformations and developmental variations.
Maternal examinations:
Clinical observations, body weights, and food consumption were recorded at appropriate intervals. Clinical pathology evaluations (hematology and serum chemistry) were performed on all females that were euthanized in extremis or exhibited signs of toxicity, and on 5 females/group at the scheduled necropsy. On Gestation Day 29, a laparohysterectomy was performed on each surviving female.
Ovaries and uterine content:
The uteri, placentae, and ovaries were examined, and the numbers of fetuses, early and late resorptions, total implantations, and corpora lutea were recorded. Gravid uterine weights were recorded, and net body weights and net body weight changes were calculated. Selected tissues were examined microscopically from all females found dead and euthanized in extremis, as well as from 5 females/group at the scheduled necropsy.
Fetal examinations:
The fetuses were weighed, sexed, and examined for external, visceral, and skeletal malformations and developmental variations
Statistics:
All statistical tests were performed using WTDMS™ unless otherwise noted. Analyses were conducted using two-tailed tests (except as noted otherwise) for minimum significance levels of 1% and 5%, comparing each test substance-treated group to the control group. Each mean was presented with the standard deviation (S.D.), standard error (S.E.), and the number of animals (N) used to calculate the mean. Data obtained from nongravid animals were excluded from statistical analyses. Due to the use of significant figures and the different rounding conventions inherent in the types of software used, the means, standard deviations, and standard errors on the summary and individual tables may differ slightly. Therefore, the use of reported individual values to calculate subsequent parameters or means will, in some instances, yield minor variations from those listed in the report data tables. Where applicable, the litter was used as the experimental unit.

Maternal body weights (absolute and net), body weight changes (absolute and net), and food consumption, gravid uterine weights, numbers of corpora lutea, implantation sites, and viable fetuses, and fetal body weights (separately by sex and combined) were subjected to a parametric one-way ANOVA9 to determine intergroup differences. If the ANOVA revealed significant (p < 0.05) intergroup variance, Dunnett's test10 was used to compare the test substance-treated groups to the control group.
Historical control data:
Charles River Ashland historical control data was used.
Clinical signs:
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
Female in the 500 mg/kg/day group showed incidences of decreased defecation at the daily examinations during Gestation Days 20–26. Additional adverse clinical observations included rales, labored respiration, decreased respiration rate, and a thin body were noted at the daily examinations and/or postdosing observations during Gestation Days 23–26.

In the 500 mg/kg/day group, Female was found dead on Gestation Day 26 with clinical observations of rales, labored respiration, and red material around the nose at the daily examinations and/or postdosing observations on Gestation Day 25. At necropsy, Female had dark red discoloration and firmness of all lobes of the left lung, which correlated microscopically with acute inflammation. The trachea was also noted to be filled with dark red contents, which microscopically was characterized by hemorrhage, edema, and dilatation of the submucosa. The cause of death of this female was considered acute inflammation of the lungs, most likely due to an intubation error, and not considered test substance-related. In the 100 mg/kg/day group, Female was euthanized with clinical observations of rales, labored respiration, a thin body, and/or clear discharge from the eyes and nose were noted for this female at the daily examinations and/or postdosing observations during Gestation Days 24–25. At necropsy, mottling and failure to fully inflate were observed in all lobes of the lungs, which correlated with acute inflammation microscopically. Acute inflammation was centered on the bronchi and bronchioles and was consistent with an intubation error; therefore, the cause of moribundity was acute inflammation of the lungs, and not considered test substance-related.

Test substance-related incidences of decreased defecation was noted for 4 surviving females in the 500 mg/kg/day group at the daily examinations during Gestation Days 15–29, which corresponded to and were considered secondary to the reduced food consumption noted in this group. There were no other test substance-related clinical observations noted at the daily examinations or approximately 1, 2, or 4 hours following dose administration. Observations noted in the treated groups, including rales, labored respiration, and/or decreased respiration rate, occurred infrequently, at similar frequencies in the control group, and/or in a manner that was not dose-related.
Dermal irritation (if dermal study):
not examined
Mortality:
mortality observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence):
Test substance-related effects on survival were noted in the 500 mg/kg/day group.

One female in the 500 mg/kg/day group was euthanized in extremis on Gestation Day 26 following a severe body weight loss (18.3% during Gestation Days18–26) and markedly reduced food consumption (0 to 10 g/day during Gestation Days 19–26), with corresponding incidences of decreased defecation at the daily examinations during Gestation Days 20–26. In addition, Female in the 500 mg/kg/day group aborted 1 late resorption (with no apparent malformations) on Gestation Day 25, and was subsequently euthanized; however, no clinical observations or remarkable effects on body weights and food consumption were noted for this female prior to aborting. At necropsy, neither female was noted with remarkable macroscopic findings. Due to the adverse clinical observations, body weight loss, reduced food consumption, and no clear cause of moribundity or abortion at necropsy, these findings were considered test substance-related and adverse.

No other test substance-related effects on survival were noted during the study. In the 500 mg/kg/day group, Female was found dead on Gestation Day 26 following a severe body weight loss (16.0% during Gestation Days 20–25) and markedly reduced food consumption (0 to 7 g/day during Gestation Days 21–25), and clinical observations of rales, labored respiration, and red material around the nose at the daily examinations and/or postdosing observations on Gestation Day 25. At necropsy, Female No. 2474 had dark red discoloration and firmness of all lobes of the left lung, which correlated microscopically with acute inflammation. The trachea was also noted to be filled with dark red contents, which microscopically was characterized by hemorrhage, edema, and dilatation of the submucosa. The cause of death of this female was considered acute inflammation of the lungs, most likely due to an intubation error, and not considered test substance-related.

In the 100 mg/kg/day group, Female was euthanized in extremis on Gestation Day 25 following a body weight loss (13.6% during Gestation Days 14–25), reduced food consumption (0 to 44 g/day during Gestation Days 16–25), and corresponding incidences of decreased defecation at the daily examinations during Gestation Days 19–20. Additional clinical observations of rales, labored respiration, a thin body, and/or clear discharge from the eyes and nose were noted for this female at the daily examinations and/or postdosing observations during Gestation Days 24–25. At necropsy, mottling and failure to fully inflate were observed in all lobes of the lungs, which correlated with acute inflammation microscopically. Acute inflammation was centered on the bronchi and bronchioles and was consistent with an intubation error; therefore, the cause of moribundity was acute inflammation of the lungs, and not considered test substance-related. In addition, Female in the 100 mg/kg/day group was found dead on Gestation Day 13. No remarkable effects on body weight or food consumption were noted prior to death, but a clinical observation of rales was noted for this female at the daily examinations and postdosing observations up to 2 days prior to death. At necropsy, oily contents in all lung lobes and a perforation of the trachea at approximately the level of cervical vertebra No. 3 were noted. Microscopically, the lungs showed acute inflammation. Perforation of the trachea was not confirmed histologically, but findings of edema, hemorrhage, dilatation, and mixed inflammatory cell infiltrates in the tracheal submucosa were likely related. Therefore, the cause of death for this female was acute inflammation of the lungs due to an intubation error, which was not considered test substance-related. Female in the 100 mg/kg/day group was euthanized in extremis on Gestation Day 24; no clinical observations or noteworthy changes in body weight or food consumption were noted prior to euthanasia. At necropsy, oily contents in all lung lobes and multiple, dark red, irregularly shaped areas in all lobes were noted for this female. Microscopically, the lungs showed acute inflammation and hemorrhage. Intubation error was determined to be the cause of debility and euthanasia, and therefore was not considered test substance-related. All other females survived to the scheduled euthanasia.

Test substance-related incidences of decreased defecation was noted for 4 surviving females in the 500 mg/kg/day group at the daily examinations during Gestation Days 15–29, which corresponded to and were considered secondary to the reduced food consumption noted in this group. There were no other test substance-related clinical observations noted at the daily examinations or approximately 1, 2, or 4 hours following dose administration. Observations noted in the treated groups, including rales, labored respiration, and/or decreased respiration rate, occurred infrequently, at similar frequencies in the control group, and/or in a manner that was not dose-related.
Body weight and weight changes:
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
Test substance-related lower mean body weight gains or body weight losses were noted in the 500 mg/kg/day group generally during Gestation Days 13–29, resulting in a lower mean body weight gain when the entire treatment period (Gestation Days 7–29) was evaluated compared to the control group. Although mean body weights in the 500 mg/kg/day group were comparable to the control group throughout the treatment period, these changes were still considered adverse as they led to the mortality or abortion of 2 females within the group.

Test substance-related lower mean body weight gains or body weight losses were noted in the 500 mg/kg/day group compared to the control group beginning on Gestation Day 13, and continuing sporadically throughout the remainder of the treatment period, resulting in lower mean body weight gains in this group when the Gestation Days 13–20 and 20–29 cumulative intervals and when the entire treatment period (Gestation Days 7–29) were evaluated. Although none of the differences were statistically significant when compared to the control group and were not of sufficient magnitude to affect absolute mean body weights in this group, these changes were considered adverse as they led to the euthanasia or abortion of 2 females within the group. A mean net body weight loss (not statistically significant) was noted in the 500 mg/kg/day group compared to the control group, while mean net body weight and gravid uterine weight in this group were comparable to the control group. Mean maternal body weights, body weight gains, net body weights, net body weight gains, and gravid uterine weights in the 100 and 250 mg/kg/day groups were unaffected by test substance administration. Differences from the control group were slight and not statistically significant, with the following exceptions. Significant (p < 0.05) mean body weight losses were noted in the 100 mg/kg/day group compared to the control group during Gestation Days 15–16 and 20–21; however, these transient differences did not occur in a dose-related manner, and were therefore not considered test substance-related. Mean net body weight losses were also noted in the 100 and 250 mg/kg/day groups; however, the differences were not statistically significant and did not occur in a dose-related manner, and were therefore not considered test substance-related.

Mean net body weight loss was also noted compared to the control group at 500 mg/kg/day. Although mean body weights in the 500 mg/kg/day group were
comparable to the control group throughout the treatment period, these changes were still considered adverse as they led to the mortality or abortion of 2 females within the group. Mean net body weight and gravid uterine weight were comparable to the control group at 500 mg/kg/day. In the 100 and 250 mg/kg/day groups, mean body weights, body weight changes, net body weights, net body weight changes, gravid uterine weights, and food consumption were unaffected by test substance administration. (Attached table)
Food consumption and compound intake (if feeding study):
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
Mean food consumption was also lower in this group during Gestation Days 13–29, which resulted in slightly lower mean food consumption for the overall dosing period (Gestation Days 7–29), and corresponded to the decreased mean body weight gains noted in this group.

Mean maternal food consumption, evaluated as g/animal/day or g/kg/day, in the 500 mg/kg/day group was comparable to the control group during the first week of treatment (Gestation Days 7–10 and 10–13), but generally lower than the control group during the remainder of the treatment period (Gestation Days 13–20 and 20–29); differences were significant (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) during Gestation Days 21–23 and 24–25. The lower mean food consumption corresponded to the lower mean body weight gains noted in this group during the same period, and resulted in a slightly lower mean food consumption when the entire treatment period
(Gestation Days 7–29) was evaluated, and in the presence of other adverse effects noted at this dosage level, was considered test substance-related and adverse.
Food efficiency:
not examined
Water consumption and compound intake (if drinking water study):
not examined
Ophthalmological findings:
not examined
Haematological findings:
effects observed, non-treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
Hematology and serum chemistry parameters were unaffected by test substance administration at all dosage levels.

There were no test substance-related changes in hematology parameters on Gestation Day 29. Increases in the percentage and the absolute number of monocytes were noted at 500 mg/kg/day compared to the control group. However, the differences were not statistically significant and could be attributed to a single female in this group, and in the absence of any other effects on hematology parameters, were considered to be the result of normal biological variation. There were no other effects on hematology parameters; there was no dose-response relationship, the changes were of minimal magnitude, and were not considered to be of toxicological significance.
Clinical biochemistry findings:
effects observed, non-treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
Hematology and serum chemistry parameters were unaffected by test substance administration at all dosage levels.

There were no test substance-related changes in serum chemistry parameters on Gestation Day 29. There was no dose-response and the changes were of minimal magnitude. These differences from the control group were considered to be the result of normal biological variation and were not considered to be of toxicological significance.
Urinalysis findings:
not examined
Behaviour (functional findings):
not examined
Immunological findings:
not examined
Organ weight findings including organ / body weight ratios:
not examined
Gross pathological findings:
effects observed, non-treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
Review of the gross necropsy observations revealed no observations that were considered to be associated with administration of the test substance.
Neuropathological findings:
not examined
Histopathological findings: non-neoplastic:
effects observed, non-treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
Test substance-related adrenal cortical hypertrophy was noted for females in the 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg/day groups; however, due to the minimal to mild severity and the lack of other related microscopic and gross findings, this finding was considered nonadverse. There were no other test-substance-related microscopic observations at any dosage level.

Adrenal cortical hypertrophy was considered a nonadverse finding due to the minimal to mild severity and the lack of other related microscopic and gross findings. Remaining histologic changes were considered to be incidental findings or related to some aspect of experimental manipulation other than administration of the test substance. There were no test substance-related alterations in the prevalence, severity, or histologic character of those incidental tissue alterations.

Dosage (mg/kg/day): Females
0 100 250 500
Adrenal cortex 5 5 5 5
Hypertrophy 0 1 3 3
Minimal - 0 1 1
Mild - 1 2 2
Histopathological findings: neoplastic:
not examined
Other effects:
not examined
Number of abortions:
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
At 500 mg/kg/day group , 1 (4.2%) abortion was observed. However, no clinical observations or remarkable effects on body weights and food consumption were noted for this female prior to aborting. No apparent malformations and in female no remarkable macroscopic findings were observed. There were total 22 (91.7%), 23 (95.8%), 23 (95.8%), and 23 (95.8%) gravid females at the time of scheduled necropsy in Group 1,2,3 and 4 respectively (Refrence: attached tables).

DOSE GROUP : 1 2 3 4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NO. % NO. % NO. % NO %

FEMALES ON STUDY 24 24 24 24
FEMALES THAT ABORTED
OR DELIVERED 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 1 4.2

FEMALES THAT DIED 0 0.0 1 4.2 0 0.0 1 4.2
FEMALES THAT ABORTED 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0
NONGRAVID 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0
GRAVID 0 0.0 1 100.0 0 0.0 1 100.0

FEMALES THAT WERE EUTHANIZED 0 0.0 2 8.3 0 0.0 1 4.2
NONGRAVID 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0
GRAVID 0 0.0 2 100.0 0 0.0 1 100.0

Total females Gravid 22 91.7 23 95.8 23 95.8 23 95.8

Group 1 is 0 mg/kg/d and Group 2 is 100 mg/kg/d group 3- 250 mg/kg/d and group 4 is 500 mg/kg/d.
Pre- and post-implantation loss:
effects observed, non-treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
Preimplantation loss was observed in 19 fetus in group 1, 13 fetus in group 2, 20 fetus in group 3 and 14 fetus in group 4.Post-implantation loss was observed in 10 fetus in group 1, 6 fetus in group 2, 11 fetus in group 3 and 6 fetus in group 4. The mean percentages for Preimplantation loss were 8.3,6.5, 8.6 and 6.2% in Group 1,2,3 and 4. The mean percentages for Post implantation loss were 5.8, 3.2, 4.3 and 3.1% in Group 1,2,3 and 4. Differences from the control group were not statistically significant.

Group 1 is 0 mg/kg/d and Group 2 is 100 mg/kg/d group 3- 250 mg/kg/d and group 4 is 500 mg/kg/d. No significant changes were observed (Refer attached tables) .

Parameters evaluated included postimplantation loss, number and percentage of viable fetuses, and fetal sex ratios. Mean numbers of corpora lutea and implantation sites and the mean litter proportions of pre-implantation loss were similar across all groups. Differences from the control group were slight and not statistically significant.
Total litter losses by resorption:
effects observed, non-treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
Total 32 resoptions were observed in out of total 760 fetus. Total 10 resorptions in Group 1, and 6 resorptions in Group 2 and 10 resorptions in Group 3 and 6 resorptions in Group 4 were observed. The mean percentages for total resorption were 5.8, 3.2, 3.9 and 3.1% in Group 1,2,3 and 4.
where Group 1 is 0 mg/kg/d and Group 2 is 100 mg/kg/d group 3- 250 mg/kg/d and Group 4 is 500 mg/kg/d. The changes were non significant in comparisn to controls. Differences from the control group were slight and not statistically significant (Refer attached tables).
Early or late resorptions:
effects observed, non-treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
Early resorption was observed in 9 fetus in group 1, 6 fetus in group 2, 2 fetus in group 3 and 3 fetus in group 4. Late resorption was observed in 1 fetus in group 1, 0 fetus in group 2, 8 fetus in group 3 and 3 fetus in group 4. The mean percentages for early resorption were 0.5, 0.0, 3.0 and 1.5% in Group 1,2,3 and 4. Group 1 is 0 mg/kg/d and Group 2 is 100 mg/kg/d group 3- 250 mg/kg/d and group 4 is 500 mg/kg/d. The changes were non significant in comparison to controls.
Dead fetuses:
effects observed, non-treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
1 fetus was found dead in group 3 (250 mg/kg/d). There were total 88 male viable fetus and 117 female viable fetus. out of total 205 viable fetus one dead fetus was found and which was non dose related. The mean percentages were 0.0,0.0,0.4 and 0.0 % for group 1,2,3 and 4. The values were not significantly different from control group.Group 1 is 0 mg/kg/d and Group 2 is 100 mg/kg/d group 3- 250 mg/kg/d and group 4 is 500 mg/kg/d.
Changes in pregnancy duration:
no effects observed
Changes in number of pregnant:
effects observed, non-treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
Total 22 (100 %), 23 (91.7%) 23 (91.7%) and 23 (91.7%) number of females were gravid in Group 1,2,3 and 4. The non gravid preganicies were 2 (8.3%), 1 (4.8%), 1 (4.2%), 1 (4.8%) in Group 1,2,3 and 4.
Other effects:
effects observed, non-treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
Mean numbers of corpora lutea and implantation sites and the mean litter proportions of pre-implantation loss were similar across all groups. Differences from the control group were slight and not statistically significant (Attached summary table below).
Dose descriptor:
NOAEL
Effect level:
250 mg/kg bw/day
Basis for effect level:
body weight and weight gain
clinical signs
food consumption and compound intake
mortality
Abnormalities:
not specified
Fetal body weight changes:
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
Mean male, female, and combined fetal weights in the 500 mg/kg/day group were 8.9%, 11.8%, and 10.5% lower, respectively, compared to the control group, which corresponded with maternal toxicity observed at this dosage level. The differences were generally significant (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) and were considered test substance-related and adverse. Mean fetal body weights in the 100 and 250 mg/kg/day groups were similar to the control group.
The fetal weight in group 1 was 42.1 in grams and in group 2 was 42.0 gm and group 3 was 41.4 gm and in group three was 37. 7 gm in 500 mg/kg/d. The group 4 was statistically significant different from the control group (attached table in word for ref).

MALE FETAL WEIGHTS (gm) MEAN 42.8 (0 mg/kg/d), 42.4 (100 mg/kg/d), 41.8, (250 mg/kg/d), 39.0 (500 mg/kg/d)
FEMALE FETAL WEIGHTS (gm) MEAN 41.6 (0 mg/kg/d), 41.1 ( 100 mg/kg/d), 41.2 (250 mg/kg/d), 36.7** (500 mg/kg/d)
Combined weights (gm) 42.1 (0 mg/kg/d), 42.0 ( 100 mg/kg/d), 41.4 (250 mg/kg/d), 37.7** (500 mg/kg/d)
Reduction in number of live offspring:
effects observed, non-treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
Viable fetus in group 1 were 192 and group 2 were 178 and in group 3 were 205 and group 4 were 185. The results comparable to controls and were non significant. The viable percentages values were 94.2, 96.8, 95.7 and 96.9 in Group 1,2 ,3 and 4. Group 1 is 0 mg/kg/d and Group 2 is 100 mg/kg/d group 3- 250 mg/kg/d and group 4 is 500 mg/kg/d. The mean values for vaible fetus in group 1, 2,3 and 4 were 8.7 (0 mg/kg/d) , 8.9 (100 mg/kg/d), 8.9 (250 mg/kg/d) and 9.3 (500 mg/kg/d). The values showed that there were no treatment related eefcts and values were comparable to controls.
Changes in sex ratio:
effects observed, non-treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
The sex ratio was similar across all groups
M F
TOTAL 92 100 (0 mg/kg/d)
TOTAL 91 87 ( 100 mg/kg/d)
TOTAL 88 117 (250 mg/kg/d)
TOTAL 88 97 (500 mg/kg/d)
Changes in litter size and weights:
not examined
Changes in postnatal survival:
not examined
External malformations:
effects observed, non-treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
Malformations were observed in fetuses (litters) in dose groups and were considered spontaneous in origin.

No test substance-related external malformations were noted for fetuses at any dosage level. In the 500 mg/kg/day group, one fetus was noted with a short tail (approximately 7 mm in length), one fetus was noted with exencephaly with open eyelids, and other fetus in same group was noted with a malpositioned umbilicus (located more lateral than normal). Skeletally, the short tail consisted of fused, malpositioned, and absent caudal vertebrae, and exencephaly consisted of small and misshapen frontal and parietal bones, an absent interparietal bone, and an unossified supraoccipital bone. These findings were noted in single fetuses, the differences in the mean litter proportions were not statistically significant compared to the concurrent control group, and/or the values were within the ranges of the Charles River Ashland historical control data; therefore, they were not considered test substance-related. No other external malformations were noted in the test substance-treated groups. In the control group, fetus noted with carpal flexure (right) and polydactyly (6 digits present on the right forepaw), and fetus was noted with macroglossia. Skeletally, polydactyly consisted of one extra digit with only the distal phalanx ossified. There were no other external malformations observed on this study. No external developmental variations were noted in the test substance-treated groups. The only finding observed (excessive fat pads) was noted in a single fetus in the control group.

SUMMARY OF FETUSES AND LITTERS WITH MALFORMATIONS
fetus litter
DOSE GROUP: 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NUMBER EXAMINED EXTERNALLY 192 178 205 185 22 20 23 20
SHORT TAIL 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1
CARPAL AND/OR TARSAL FLEXURE 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
POLYDACTYLY 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
EXENCEPHALY WITH OR WITHOUT OPEN EYELID 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1
MACROGLOSSIA 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
MALPOSITIONED UMBILICUS 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

1- 0 MG/KG/DAY 2- 100 MG/KG/DAY 3- 250 MG/KG/DAY 4- 500 MG/KG/DAY
Skeletal malformations:
effects observed, non-treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
Because the aforementioned malformations were noted infrequently or at a similar frequency in the control group, were not observed in a clear dose-related manner, the differences in the mean litter proportions were not statistically significant compared to the concurrent control group, and/or the values were within the ranges of the Charles River Ashland historical control data, they were not considered test substance-related. There were no other skeletal malformations observed on this study.

Severely malaligned sternebrae, resulting in fused or attached sternebrae, were noted for 1 and 3 fetuses in the 100 and 500 mg/kg/day groups, respectively. In addition, sternoschisis (sternal band No. 2 not joined) and a vertebral centra anomaly (fused sacral centra) were noted for two Fetus in the 500 mg/kg/day group, respectively. Furthermore, one Fetus in the 250 mg/kg/day group was noted with a rib anomaly (left rib Nos. 3 and 4 were fused proximally through medially). A vertebral anomaly with or without associated rib anomaly, consisting of extra ribs and centra, malpositioned centra and arches, fused centra, arches, and ribs, bipartite centra, absent centra and arches, and malproportioned arches and centra, was noted for 1 and 2 fetuses in the 100 and 500 mg/kg/day groups, respectively. In addition costal cartilage anomalies were noted for three Fetus in the control, 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg/day groups, respectively; 2 of these fetuses were also noted with other skeletal malformations, as noted above. Because the aforementioned malformations were noted infrequently or at a similar frequency in the control group, were not observed in a clear dose-related manner, the differences in the mean litter proportions were not statistically significant compared to the concurrent control group, and/or the values were within the ranges of the Charles River Ashland historical control data, they were not considered test substance-related. There were no other skeletal malformations observed on this study.

A higher mean litter proportion of the skeletal developmental variation pubis unossified was noted in the 500 mg/kg/day group (1.4% per litter) compared to the control group (0.0% per litter). The value in this group also exceeded the maximum mean value in the Charles River Ashland historical control data (0.58% per litter). This reduction in ossification was considered secondary to the lower mean fetal body weights noted at this dosage level . Other findings observed in the test substance-treated groups were noted infrequently, similarly in the control group, were not observed in a dose-related manner, the differences in the mean litter proportions were not statistically significant compared to the concurrent control group, and/or the values were within the ranges of the Charles River Ashland historical control data.

SUMMARY OF FETUSES AND LITTERS WITH SKELETAL MALFORMATIONS
fetus litter
DOSE GROUP: 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NUMBER EXAMINED SKELETALLY 192 178 205 185 22 20 23 20
VERTEBRAL ANOMALY WITH OR WITHOUT ASSOCIATED RIB ANOMALY 1 1 0 2 1 1 0 2
RIB ANOMALY 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0
COSTAL CARTILAGE ANOMALY 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
STERNEBRA(E) MALALIGNED (SEVERE) 0 1 0 3 0 1 0 3
STERNOSCHISIS 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1
VERTEBRAL CENTRA ANOMALY 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

1- 0 MG/KG/DAY 2- 100 MG/KG/DAY 3- 250 MG/KG/DAY 4- 500 MG/KG/DAY
Visceral malformations:
effects observed, non-treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
No test substance-related visceral malformations were noted for fetuses at any dosage level.

Lobular agenesis of the lungs (absent right accessory lobe) was noted for 2 fetuses in the 250 mg/kg/day group. In the 100 mg/kg/day group, a bulbous aortic arch, vestigial pulmonary trunk, and interventricular defect (a 1 mm in diameter opening in the anterior portion of the septum) were noted for one fetus. Because these visceral malformations were noted in single fetuses, in the control group at similar or higher frequencies (in five fetus), and/or were not observed in the high-dose group, they were not considered test substance-related. No other visceral malformations were noted in the test substance-treated groups. In the control group, one fetus was also noted with a three chambered heart (2 atria and 1 ventricle with an absent tricuspid valve) and one fetus was also noted with a small right ventricle in the heart. There were no other visceral malformations observed on this study.

There were no test substance-related developmental variations noted at any dose level. A higher mean litter proportion of the visceral developmental variation pale spleen was noted in the 500 mg/kg/day group (3.1% per litter) compared to the control group (0.7% per litter). The value in this group exceeded the maximum mean value in the Charles River Ashland historical control data (1.77% per litter). However, because this finding was only noted for 6(3) fetuses (litters), and was not statistically significantly different from the control group, it was not considered test substance-related. Other findings observed in the test substance-treated groups were noted infrequently, similarly in the control group, were not observed in a dose-related manner, the differences in the mean litter proportions were not statistically significant compared to the concurrent control group, and/or the values were within the ranges of the Charles River Ashland historical control data.

A cystic oviduct was noted for 1 and 2 fetuses in the 100 and 250 mg/kg/day groups, respectively, renal papilla(e) not fully developed (Woo and Hoar Grade 1) was noted for 1 and 2 fetuses in the 250 and 500 mg/kg/day groups, respectively, and red fluid in the abdominal cavity was noted for 1 fetus in the 500 mg/kg/day group. These findings were not classified as either a malformation or developmental variation and were not considered to be test substance-related because they occurred infrequently and/or in a manner that was not dose-related.


Dose group 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
NUMBER EXAMINED VISCERALLY 192 178 205 185 22 20 23 20
LUNGS- LOBULAR AGENESIS 4 0 2 0 2 0 2 0
VESTIGIAL PULMONARY TRUNK 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0
BULBOUS AORTA 2 1 0 0 2 1 0 0
INTERVENTRICULAR SEPTAL DEFECT 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0
HEART- THREE CHAMBERED 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
HEART- SMALL VENTRICLE 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0

Group 1 is 0 mg/kg/d and Group 2 is 100 mg/kg/d group 3- 250 mg/kg/d and group 4 is 500 mg/kg/d.
Description (incidence and severity):
TOTAL NUMBER WITH MALFORMATIONS
Dose group 1 2 3 4 (fetus) 1 2 3 4 (Litter)
EXTERNAL : 2 0 0 3 2 0 0 3
SOFT TISSUE : 5 1 2 0 3 1 2 0
SKELETAL : 2 3 1 6 2 2 1 4
COMBINED : 9 4 3 8 6 2 2 6

Group 1 is 0 mg/kg/d and Group 2 is 100 mg/kg/d group 3- 250 mg/kg/d and group 4 is 500 mg/kg/d.

F E T U S E S L I T T E R S
DOSE GROUP: 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NUMBER EXAMINED EXTERNALLY 192 178 205 185 22 20 23 20
EXCESSIVE FAT PADS 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
NUMBER EXAMINED VISCERALLY 192 178 205 185 22 20 23 20
MAJOR BLOOD VESSEL VARIATION 20 15 14 19 8 7 9 9
RETROCAVAL URETER 7 2 2 1 4 1 2 1
ACCESSORY SPLEEN(S) 29 21 20 23 15 8 11 11
HEART- EXTRA PAPILLARY MUSCLE 4 3 4 3 2 2 3 2
SPLEEN- SMALL 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 2
GALLBLADDER- ABSENT OR SMALL 3 6 1 2 3 3 1 1
LIVER- ACCESSORY LOBULE(S) 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
SPLEEN- PALE 2 0 0 6 1 0 0 3
RENAL PAPILLA(E) NOT DEVELOPED AND/OR DISTENDED URETER(S) 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
LIVER- PALE 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

NUMBER EXAMINED SKELETALLY 192 178 205 185 22 20 23 20
13TH RUDIMENTARY RIB(S) 36 28 41 32 15 13 18 15
13TH FULL RIB(S) 64 64 52 48 18 16 18 14
27 PRESACRAL VERTEBRAE 10 20 5 7 7 9 3 5
STERNEBRA(E) MALALIGNED(SLIGHT OR MODERATE) 2 7 4 3 2 6 4 3
STERNEBRA(E) #5 AND/OR #6 UNOSSIFIED 31 27 34 28 14 13 13 10
HYOID ARCH(ES) BENT 4 3 2 3 4 2 2 3
EXTRA SITE OF OSSIFICATION ANTERIOR TO STERNEBRA #1 7 0 8 2 4 0 7 2
STERNEBRAE WITH THREAD-LIKE ATTACHMENT 1 3 0 2 1 2 0 1
7TH CERVICAL RIB(S) 1 1 5 1 1 1 4 1
PUBIS UNOSSIFIED 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 1
VERTEBRAL CENTRA NOT FULLY OSSIFIED 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0

NUMBER EXAMINED SKELETALLY 192 178 205 185 22 20 23 20
ACCESSORY SKULL BONE(S) 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 2
7TH STERNEBRA 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1
Details on embryotoxic / teratogenic effects:
SUMMARY OF FETAL DATA for IMPLANTATION SITES and CORPORA LUTEA
IMPLANTATION CORPORA
SITES LUTEA
Group 1 202 221
Group 2 184 197
Group 3 216 236
Group 4 191 205

Group 1- 0 MG/KG/DAY , Group 2- 100 MG/KG/DAY Group 3- 250 MG/KG/DAY Group 4- 500 MG/KG/DAY
The effects were not significantly different from the control group.
Dose descriptor:
NOAEL
Effect level:
250 mg/kg bw/day
Basis for effect level:
fetal/pup body weight changes
Abnormalities:
not specified
Developmental effects observed:
yes
Lowest effective dose / conc.:
500 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)
Treatment related:
yes
Relation to maternal toxicity:
developmental effects as a secondary non-specific consequence of maternal toxicity effects
Dose response relationship:
yes
Relevant for humans:
no

References: See attached tables (Summary and individual data)

Conclusions:
The no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for maternal toxicity and embryo/fetal developmental toxicity was 250 mg/kg bw.
Executive summary:

A Prenatal Developmental GLP Toxicity Study was conducted according to test guideline 414. The test substance, dipropyleneglycol dibenzoate (DPGDB), in the vehicle (0.5% carboxymethylcellulose in deionized water) was administered orally by gavage to 3 groups of 24 time-mated female New Zealand White [Hra:(NZW)SPF] rabbits once daily from Gestation Days 7–28. Dosage levels were 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg/day administered at a dose volume of 5 mL/kg. Adverse effects on maternal survival, mean body weight changes, and food consumption were noted in the 500 mg/kg/day group; therefore, a dosage level of 250 mg/kg/day was considered to be the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for maternal toxicity. Based on lower mean fetal weights at 500 mg/kg/day, a dosage level of 250 mg/kg/day was considered to be the NOAEL for embryo/fetal developmental toxicity when dipropyleneglycol dibenzoate was administered orally by gavage to time-mated New Zealand White rabbits. Since no severe developmental toxicity effects were observed and fetal weights reduction was considered to be due to maternal toxicity effect at 500 mg/kg/d group, the substance is not categorised as developmental toxicant under GHS classification criteria.

Test substance-related effects on survival were noted in the 500 mg/kg/day group, as 1 female was euthanized in extremis on Gestation Day 26 following a severe body weight loss and markedly reduced food consumption, with corresponding incidences of decreased defecation noted at the daily examinations. Adverse clinical observations of rales, labored respiration, decreased respiration rate, and a thin body were also noted for this female at the daily examinations and/or postdosing observations. An additional female in the 500 mg/kg/day group aborted on Gestation Day 25 and was subsequently euthanized. At necropsy, neither female had remarkable macroscopic findings. There were no other test-substance related effects on survival. In the 100 and 500 mg/kg/day groups, 3 and 1 females, respectively, were found dead or euthanized in extremis during Gestation Days 13–26; following macroscopic/microscopic examination, the cause of mortality/moribundity of these females were attributed to or considered likely related to intubation error. All other females survived to the scheduled necropsy. In the 500 mg/kg/day group, there was a slight increase in the incidence of decreased defecation at the daily examinations, which was considered secondary to the reduced mean food consumption noted in this group. Test substance-related lower mean body weight gains or body weight losses were noted in the 500 mg/kg/day group generally during Gestation Days 13–29, resulting in a lower mean body weight gain when the entire treatment period (Gestation Days 7–29) was evaluated compared to the control group. Mean food consumption was also lower in this group during Gestation Days 13–29, which resulted in slightly lower mean food consumption for the overall dosing period (Gestation Days 7–29), and corresponded to the decreased mean body weight gains noted in this group. In addition, mean net body weight loss was also noted compared to the control group at 500 mg/kg/day. Although mean body weights in the 500 mg/kg/day group were comparable to the control group throughout the treatment period, these changes were still considered adverse as they led to the mortality or abortion of 2 females within the group. Mean net body weight and gravid uterine weight were comparable to the control group at 500 mg/kg/day. In the 100 and 250 mg/kg/day groups, mean body weights, body weight changes, net body weights, net body weight changes, gravid uterine weights, and food consumption were unaffected by test substance administration. Hematology and serum chemistry parameters were unaffected by test substance administration at all dosage levels.

Review of the gross necropsy observations revealed no observations that were considered to be associated with administration of the test substance. Test substance-related adrenal cortical hypertrophy was noted for females in the 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg/day groups; however, due to the minimal to mild severity and the lack of other related microscopic and gross findings, this finding was considered non adverse. There were no other test-substance-related microscopic observations at any dosage level. Mean fetal body weights (male, female, and combined) were 8.9% to 11.8% lower in the 500 mg/kg/day group compared to the control group, and were considered test substance-related and adverse. Mean fetal body weights in the 100 and 250 mg/kg/day groups were similar to the control group. Intrauterine survival was unaffected by test substance administration at all dosage levels. No test substance-related effects on fetal morphology were noted at any dosage level.

Endpoint:
developmental toxicity
Type of information:
experimental study
Adequacy of study:
key study
Study period:
21 December 1998 to 14 January 1999
Reliability:
1 (reliable without restriction)
Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:
other: GLP study conducted to appropriate international test guidelines.
Qualifier:
according to guideline
Guideline:
OECD Guideline 414 (Prenatal Developmental Toxicity Study)
Deviations:
no
Qualifier:
according to guideline
Guideline:
EPA OPPTS 870.3700 (Prenatal Developmental Toxicity Study)
Deviations:
no
Qualifier:
according to guideline
Guideline:
other: European Economic Communities Commission Directive 94n9EEC
Deviations:
no
Qualifier:
according to guideline
Guideline:
other: Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries for Japan Noh San No 4200
Deviations:
no
GLP compliance:
yes
Limit test:
no
Species:
rat
Strain:
Sprague-Dawley
Details on test animals or test system and environmental conditions:
TEST ANIMALS
- Source: Charles River (UK) Limited., Margate, Kent, England
- Age at study initiation: 10 - 11 weeks
- Weight at study initiation: 215-270 g
- Fasting period before study: N/A
- Housing: The animals were housed inside a barriered limited access rodent facility. Rats were housed in TRI8 cages from Arrowmight Biosciences Hereford England and RB3 modified cages from North Kent Plastic Cages Ltd Erith Kent England. The cages consisted of stainless steel TRI8 or high density polypropylene RB3 bodies with lids and floors of stainless steel grid and were suspended in batteries over trays covered with absorbent paper which was replaced twice weekly or daily during pairing. The cages were distributed on the racking to equalise as far as possible environmental influences amongst the groups.
- Diet: commercially available pelleted laboratory animal diet SDS Laboratory Animal Diet No 1 (ad libitum)
- Water: Mains water ad libitum
- Acclimation period: 5 days

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
- Temperature (°C): 19-23°C
- Humidity (%): 40-70%
- Air changes (per hr): Not stated, but the animal room had its own supply of filtered air which was passed to the atmosphere without recirculation
- Photoperiod (hrs dark / hrs light): 12 hours dark/12 hours light

IN-LIFE DATES: From: 21 December 1998 To: 14 January 1999
Route of administration:
oral: gavage
Vehicle:
corn oil
Details on exposure:
PREPARATION OF DOSING SOLUTIONS:
The dosages of Benzoflex S-358 were formulated in corn oil on a weekly basis. They were prepared by weighing as solid appropriate amounts of the test substance and then warming them to 60°C to liquefy them. The Benzoflex S-358 was then added to an appropriate amount of corn oil which was also warmed to 60°C and stirred for ten minutes on a magnetic stirrer maintained at a temperature of approximately 45°C to 50°C during preparation and sampling.
The use of equipment containing polar rubber compounds or polyvinyl chloride was avoided during the preparation and dispensing of formulations that were to be dosed.
Dosages were calculated on the basis of the test material as supplied. The dose volume administered to each animal was based on that animals bodyweight on the day up to and including Day 17 after mating for Days 18 and 19 after mating the dose volume was set at the Day 17 value. The formulated dosages were warmed to approximately 45°C to 50°C in a temperature controlled water bath for about an hour before dosing and were kept in this temperature range throughout the dosing procedure. Formulations were stirred using amagnetic stirrer before and during dosing.

VEHICLE:
- Justification for use and choice of vehicle (if other than water): Not stated but preliminary study used same vehicle
- Concentration in vehicle: 50, 100 & 200 mg/mL
- Amount of vehicle (if gavage): 5 mL/kg
- Lot/batch no. (if required): Not stated
- Purity: Not stated
Analytical verification of doses or concentrations:
yes
Details on analytical verification of doses or concentrations:
The homogeneity and re-suspendability of Benzoflex S-358 in corn oil had been previously assessed analytically in trial formulations at concentrations of 10 and 400 mg/mL prepared before the commencement of treatment of the preliminary study VCL/323. The results showed that Benzoflex S-358 produced an homogeneous suspension in corn oil which could be maintained for up to 2 hours while magnetically stirred and which could also be successfully re suspended following ambient temperature storage for 2 days and refrigerated storage for 15 days. The mean concentrations for both formulations at each time point remained close to the time 0 value (within ± 6.5%).
Details on mating procedure:
- Impregnation procedure: cohoused
- If cohoused:
- M/F ratio per cage: 1:1
- Length of cohabitation: Not stated
- Verification of same strain and source of both sexes: yes
- Proof of pregnancy: vaginal plug, sperm in vaginal smear referred to as day 0 of pregnancy
- Any other deviations from standard protocol: None
Duration of treatment / exposure:
From day 6 to day 19 of pregnancy
Frequency of treatment:
Once daily
Duration of test:
14 days
No. of animals per sex per dose:
22 Females per group
Control animals:
yes, concurrent vehicle
Details on study design:
- Dose selection rationale: Based on findings from a preliminary study
- Rationale for animal assignment (if not random): Eighty-eight females showing uneqivocal evidence of mating were allocated to group and cage position in sequence thus ensuring that animals mated on anyone day were evenly distributed amongst the groups Only females showing a sperm positive vaginal smear or at least 3 copulation plugs including vaginal plugs were allocated to the study.
Maternal examinations:
CAGE SIDE OBSERVATIONS: Yes
- Time schedule: Twice daily

DETAILED CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS: Yes
- Time schedule: Observations associated with dosing were also recorded during the treatment period according to the following schedule: 1). Pre-dosing; 2). On return of animal to home cage; 3). After dosing each group; 4). 1 to 2 hours after completion of dosing all groups; 5). As late as possible in the working day.

BODY WEIGHT: Yes
- Time schedule for examinations: Females were weighed on Days 0, 3, 6 to 17 inclusive and 20 after mating.

FOOD CONSUMPTION: Yes
Food consumption was recorded for the periods Days 0-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-11, 12-14, 15-16 and 17-19 after mating

WATER CONSUMPTION: No

POST-MORTEM EXAMINATIONS: Yes
- Sacrifice on gestation day # 20
- Organs examined: On Day 20 after mating the females were weighed at necropsy these were used in the calculation of adjusted bodyweight for gravid uterine weights and then killed by inhaled carbon dioxide for examination of their uterine contents Each animal was first examined macroscopically for evidence of disease or adverse reaction to treatment and specimens of abnormal tissues were retained.
Ovaries and uterine content:
The ovaries and uterine content was examined after termination: Yes
Examinations included:
- Gravid uterus weight: Yes
- Number of corpora lutea: Yes
- Number of implantations: Yes
- Number of early resorptions: Yes
- Number of late resorptions: Yes
- Other: Number and distribution of fetuses in each uterine horn; Individual placental weights and placental abnormalities were recorded
Fetal examinations:
- External examinations: Yes all fetuses
- Soft tissue examinations: Yes: half per litter
- Skeletal examinations: Yes: half per litter
- Head examinations: No data
Statistics:
Dependant on the heterogeneity of variance between treatment groups, parametric tests (analysis of variance Snedecor and Cochran 1967) followed by Williams test (Williams 1971/2) or non parametric tests (Kruskal Wallis, Hollander and Wolfe 1973) followed by Shirley's test (Shirley 1977) were used to analyse these data as appropriate. Where 75% or more of the values for a given variable are the same, a Fisher exact test (Fisher 1950) was used.
Indices:
Bodyweight change, bodyweight change adjusted for gravid uterine weight, food consumption, litter data, litter weight, fetal weight and placental weight.
Historical control data:
Findings compared against historical control data; 13 studies between 1997 & 1999.
Clinical signs:
no effects observed
Mortality:
no mortality observed
Body weight and weight changes:
no effects observed
Gross pathological findings:
no effects observed
Other effects:
no effects observed
Details on maternal toxic effects:
Maternal toxic effects:no effects
Dose descriptor:
NOAEL
Effect level:
1 000 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)
Based on:
test mat.
Basis for effect level:
other: developmental toxicity
Fetal body weight changes:
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
At 1000 mg/kg/day, fetal weights were low compared with Controls (about 4% lower); an increase in the incidence of fetuses with incomplete ossification of the cranial centres, sacrocaudal vertebral arches, pelvic bones and 5th and/or 6th sternebrae when compared with the Control group. Increased incidence of cervical ribs.
Skeletal malformations:
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
The effects on ossification reflects the lower fetal weight recorded at this dosage these findings are consistent with a slight retardation in fetal growth towards the end of gestation and may be related to the extended treatment period; delays in ossification of this nature are generally considered to be transient in nature rather than representing permanent structural changes and therefore judged to be of doubtful toxicological significance.
The finding of an increased incidence of cervical ribs at 1000 mg/kg/day was considered to be of greater toxicological significance as it occurred at a dosage that produced no detectable signs of maternal toxicity. However the presence of cervical ribs was only detected in a small number of fetuses (5 out of 156 examined at this dosage) and there were no accompanying changes in vertebral configuration.
Details on embryotoxic / teratogenic effects:
Embryotoxic / teratogenic effects:yes

Details on embryotoxic / teratogenic effects:
At 1000 mg/kg/day, fetal weights were low compared with Controls (about 4% lower); an increase in the incidence of fetuses with incomplete ossification of the cranial centres, sacrocaudal vertebral arches, pelvic bones and 5th and/or 6th sternebrae when compared with the Control group. Increased incidence of cervical ribs.
Dose descriptor:
NOAEL
Effect level:
500 mg/kg bw/day
Based on:
test mat.
Sex:
male/female
Basis for effect level:
fetal/pup body weight changes
Abnormalities:
not specified
Developmental effects observed:
not specified

The effects on ossification reflects the lower fetal weight recorded at this dosage these findings are consistent with a slight retardation in fetal growth towards the end of gestation and may be related to the extended treatment period; delays in ossification of this nature are generally considered to be transient in nature rather than representing permanent structural changes and therefore judged to be of doubtful toxicological significance.

The finding of an increased incidence of cervical ribs at 1000 mg/kg/day was considered to be of greater toxicological significance as it occurred at a dosage that produced no detectable signs of maternal toxicity. However the presence of cervical ribs was only detected in a small number of fetuses (5 out of 156 examined at this dosage) and there were no accompanying changes in vertebral configuration.

Conclusions:
It was considered that 1000 mg/kg/day was the no effect Ievel for maternal toxicity. Apart from the occurrence of a small number of fetuses with cervical ribs at 1000 mg/kg/day the no adverse effect Ievel for pre-natal development was concluded to be 1000 mg/kg/day. The no-effect Ievel for all aspects of pre-natal development was concluded to be 500mg/kg/day.
Executive summary:

A study was performed to assess the influence of TEGDB on pre-natal development in the CD rat when administered during and beyond the organogenesis phase of gestation. The study was conducted to GLP and to International Test Guidelines, including OECD 414. For this purpose, TEGDB was administered orally by gavage at dosages of 250, 500 or 1000 mg/kg/day to groups of 22 pregnant females from Day 6 to Day 19 of gestation inclusive. A fourth group serving as Controls received the vehicle corn oil throughout the same period. All females were killed on Day 20 of gestation for examination of their uterine contents. Fetuses were initially examined macroscopically followed by detailed internal visceral or skeletal examinations. There were no mortalities and there were no adverse effects of treatment on maternal organs, bodyweights or food consumption. All animals were pregnant and had a live litter at Day 20 of gestation. Litter responses and examination of the fetuses suggested that there was no apparent adverse effects of treatment on embryo fetal survival, although fetal weights at 1000 mg/kg/day were low compared to the Control group. At 1000 mg/kg/day there was an increased incidence of fetuses with incomplete ossification of the cranial centres, sacrocaudal vertebral arches, pelvic bones and 5th and/or 6th sternebrae when compared with the Control group, but this finding was not considered to be of any long term toxicological significance. There was also a small but definite increase in the number of fetuses with cervical ribs at this dosage. In conclusion it was considered that 1000 mg/kg/day was the no-effect level for maternal toxicity. Apart from the occurrence of a small number of fetuses with cervical ribs at 1000 mg/kg/day, the no-adverse-effect-level for pre natal development was concluded to be 1000 mg/kg/day.

The no-effect level for all aspects of pre natal development was concluded to be 500 mg/kg/day.

Endpoint:
developmental toxicity
Type of information:
experimental study
Adequacy of study:
key study
Study period:
30 July 2017 - 25 August 2017
Reliability:
1 (reliable without restriction)
Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:
other: The study was conducted in accordance with US EPA, OECD and EC test guidelines, and in compliance with GLP.
Qualifier:
according to guideline
Guideline:
OECD Guideline 414 (Prenatal Developmental Toxicity Study)
Version / remarks:
Updated Guideline (adopted 22nd January 2001)
Deviations:
no
Qualifier:
according to guideline
Guideline:
EU Method B.31 (Prenatal Developmental Toxicity Study)
Version / remarks:
Council Regulation (EC) No. 440/2008, Published in O.J. L142, 2008
Deviations:
no
Qualifier:
according to guideline
Guideline:
EPA OPPTS 870.3700 (Prenatal Developmental Toxicity Study)
Version / remarks:
EPA 712-C-98-207, August 1998
Deviations:
no
GLP compliance:
yes
Limit test:
no
Species:
rabbit
Strain:
New Zealand White
Details on test animals or test system and environmental conditions:
TEST ANIMALS
- Source: Charles River Chatillon sur Chalaronne, France.
- Age at study initiation: 18-20 weeks of age.
- Weight at study initiation: 2864 to 4177 g.
- Fasting period before study: Not reported.
- Housing: Cages with perforated floors (Ebeco, Germany, dimensions 67x62x55 cm) equipped with water bottles.
- Diet (e.g. ad libitum): Free access to a commercially available pelleted laboratory animal diet. In addition, pressed hay and wooden sticks were provided during the study period.
- Water (e.g. ad libitum): Municipal tap water was freely available to each animal via water bottles.
- Acclimation period: A minimum of 5 days before the commencement of dosing.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
- Temperature (°C): Nominally 21°C (Range 18 - 24°C); achieved 19 - 20°C.
- Humidity (%): Nominally 55% (range 40 - 70%); achieved 59 - 91%.
- Air changes (per hr): At least 10.
- Photoperiod (hrs dark / hrs light): 12 hours dark / 12 hours light.

IN-LIFE DATES: From: 24 and 27 July 2017 (Animals paired for mating) To: 25 August 2017 (completion of necropsy)
Route of administration:
oral: gavage
Vehicle:
arachis oil
Remarks:
Arachis Oil, specific gravity: 0.885
Details on exposure:
PREPARATION OF TEST ITEM DOSING FORMULATIONS:
Test item dosing formulations were homogenized to visually acceptable levels at appropriate concentrations to meet dose level requirements. The dosing formulations were prepared daily as a solution (for the 0 and 75 mg/kg/day dose levels) or as a suspension (for the 200 and 500 mg/kg/day dose levels) and dosed within 5 hours after completion of the preparation of the test item. Formulations were heated to a maximum temperature of 41°C for maximally 25 minutes to obtain visual homogeneity. Test item dosing formulations were kept at room temperature until dosing. If practically possible, the dosing formulations and vehicle were continuously stirred until and during dosing.

VEHICLE
- Concentration in vehicle: 0, 75, 200, and 500 mg/ml (for dose levels of 0, 75, 200, and 500 mg/kg/day, respectively).
- Amount of vehicle (if gavage): 1 ml/kg.
Analytical verification of doses or concentrations:
yes
Details on analytical verification of doses or concentrations:
Dose formulation samples for all the dose levels were collected for concentration analysis. Dose formulation samples for the 75 and 500 mg/ml dose levels were collected for homogeneity analysis. The homogeneity results obtained from the top, middle and bottom preparations were averaged and utilized as the concentration results. All samples were stored on dry ice immediately after sampling. All samples to be analyzed were shipped on dry ice to the analytical laboratory. The analytical laboratory was notified before shipment of the samples. Upon receipt at the analytical laboratory, the samples were stored in a freezer <=70°C until analysis. Duplicate sets of samples for each sampling point were sent for both the concentration and homogeneity analyses. Concentration results were considered as acceptable if mean sample concentration results were within or equal +/- 10% for the solutions (0 and 75 mg/kg/day dose levels), or +/- 15% for the suspensions (200 and 500 mg/kg/day dose levels) of the target concentrations.
Duration of treatment / exposure:
22 days (days 6 to 28 post-coitum, inclusive).
Frequency of treatment:
Once per day administration.
Duration of test:
28 days post-coitum.
Dose / conc.:
0 mg/kg bw/day
Remarks:
control
Dose / conc.:
75 mg/kg bw/day
Remarks:
low dose level
Dose / conc.:
200 mg/kg bw/day
Remarks:
mid dose level
Dose / conc.:
500 mg/kg bw/day
Remarks:
high dose level
No. of animals per sex per dose:
22 females per dose level.
Control animals:
yes, concurrent vehicle
Details on study design:
- The dose level were selected based on the results of a preliminary dose range finder (Test facility study No 516204, Appendix 8 of the Final Study Report), and in an attempt to produce graded responses for the test items. No toxicologically relevant effects were observed by treatment up to 375 mg/kg/day in the dose range finder. A robust summary of the dose range finder can be found in paragraph 7.8.2 of the substance dossier.
- One day after receipt, the animals were assigned to groups by a computer generated random algorithm according to body weights, with all animals within +/- 25% of the mean per subgroups. Females which were mated on the same day were classified in the same subgroup.
Maternal examinations:
CAGE SIDE OBSERVATIONS: Yes
- Throughout the study, animals were observed for general health/mortality and moribundity twice daily, in the morning and at the end of the working day.
- Animals showing pain, distress or discomfort which was considered not transient in nature or was likely to become more severe, were sacrificed for humane reasons. The circumstances of any death were recorded in detail.

DETAILED CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS: Yes
- Time schedule: At least once daily, beginning on day 2 post coitum and lasting up to the day prior to necropsy. During the dosing period, these observations were performed after dosing.
- The time of onset, grade and duration of any observed sign was recorded. Signs were graded for severity and the maximum grade was predefined at 3 or 4. Grades were coded as slight (grade 1), moderate (grade 2), severe (grade 3) and very severe (grade 4).
-Cage debris was examined to detect abortion or premature birth.

BODY WEIGHTS: Yes
- Time schedule for examinations: Weighed on days 2, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27 and 29 post-coitum.
- In order to monitor the health status, one animal receiving a 200 mg/kg/day dose level was also weighted on day 23 post coitum and one animal receiving a 500 mg/kg/day dose level was also weighted on day 22 post coitum.
- The body weight gains were calculated between at least each scheduled interval.
- The corrected body weight gains were calculated by weight on day 29 post-coitum minus the body weight on day 6 post-coitum and the weight of gravid uterus.

FOOD CONSUMPTION AND COMPOUND INTAKE : Yes
- The relative food consumption for each animal was calculated against the body weight for the following scheduled intervals: days 2-6, 6-9, 9-12, 12-15, 15-18, 18-21, 21-24, 24-27 and 27-29 post coitum.

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

POST-MORTEM EXAMINATIONS: Yes
- A necropsy was conducted for animals that died on study, and specified tissues were saved. When necessary, animals were refrigerated before necropsy to minimize autolysis.
- If necessary for humane reasons, animals were euthanized before planned necropsy by intraveneous injection.
- Animals surviving until scheduled euthanasia were euthanized by intraveneous injection on day 29 post coitum.
- All animals ( including animals found dead or sacrificed before planned necropsy) were subjected to an external, thoracic and abdominal examination, with special attention being paid to reproductive organs. All macroscopic abnormalities were recorded, collected and fixed in 10% buffered formalin. No body weight and organs (except for the uterus) were weighted at necropsy.
Ovaries and uterine content:
The ovaries and uterine horn of all animals was dissected and examined as quickly as possible after termination to determine:
- The number of corpora lutea
- The weight of the (gravid) uterus (not for animals found dead or sacrificed before planned necropsy).
- The number and distribution of live and dead foetuses
- The number and distribution of embryo-foetal deaths

For each dose level, the following calculations were performed:
pre-implementation loss (%) = (number of corpora lutea - number of implementation sites)/number of copora lutea x 100
post-implementation loss (%) = (number of implementation sites - number of live foetuses)/number of implementation sites x 100
Fetal examinations:
Live foetuses were euthanized by oral administration of sodium pentobarbital. Foetuses of animals found dead or sacrificed before planned necropsy were externally examined in detail and, if necessary, euthanized. Examination findings were recorded as developmental variations or malformations.

EXTERNAL EXAMINATIONS : Yes (all per litter)

VISCERAL EXAMINATIONS: Yes (all per litter)

HEAD EXAMINATIONS: Yes (all per litter)

SKELETAL EXAMINATIONS: Yes (all per litter)


Statistics:
All statistical tests were conducted at the 5% significance level. All pairwise comparisons were conducted using two sided tests and were reported at the 1% and 5% levels. Numerical data collected on scheduled occasions were reported whenever possible through descriptive statistics. Inferential statistics were performed whenever possible but excluded semi-quantitative data, and any dose level data with less than 3 observations.

Datasets with data from at least the control and 2 dose levels and meeting the requirements for a parametric test, were compared with the Dunnett test (many-to-one-t-test).

Datasets with data from at least the control and 2 dose levels and not meeting the requirements for a parametric tests were compared using a Steel-test (many-to-one rank test).

Mean litter proportions of viable and dead foetuses, early and late resorptions, total resorptions, pre- and post-implementation loss, and sex distribution were compared using the Mann Whitney test.

Mean litter proportions of total foetal malformations and developmental variations, and each particular external, visceral and skeletal malformation or variation were subjected to a Kruskal-Wallis non parametric ANOVA test to determine between-doses differences. If the ANOVA revealed statistically significant (p<0.05) between-doses variance, a Dunn's test was used to compare the data of each dose level to the data of the control.

An overall Fisher's exact test was used to compare all dose levels at the 5% significance level. Pairwise comparisons between each 3 dose levels and control were conducted using a two-sided Fisher's exact test at 5% significance level if the overall test was significant.

No statistics were applied for data on maternal survival, pregnancy status, group mean numbers of dead foetuses, early and late resorptions, and pre- and post-implementation losses.
Clinical signs:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
No toxicologically relevant clinical signs were observed.
Mortality:
mortality observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence):
Treatment at 200 and 500 mg/kg/day resulted in two and nine unscheduled deaths, respectively.
At 500 mg/kg/day, one female was found dead at day 17 post-coitum and eight females were euthanized between days 12 to 24 post-coitum.
At 200 mg/kg/day, two females were euthanized on days 23 and 24 post-coitum as they had a body weight loss of 9-15% over 6 to 11 days and had a remarkably or no food consumption for several consecutive days. Both females showed severely reduced faeces production and lean appearance, and for one female, additionnally piloerection and a pale appearance were noted. Macroscopic findings noted at unscheduled necropsy were limited to beginnning autolysis and several reddish foci on the stomach, both noted for single females.
As this mortality rate showed a clear dose-related response and as no mortality was observed in the control and the 75 mg/kg/day dose level, this was considered treatment-related.
Body weight and weight changes:
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
The significant body weight loss and reduced food consumption in the nine females treated at 500 mg/kg/day that died or were euthanized, resulted in a lower mean body weight, body weight gain, corrected weight gain for gravid uterus and food consumption values for the 500 mg/kg/day dose level from day 6 to day 21-24 post-coitum. During the last week of the treatment, mean values remained in the same range as the controls.For the remaining females treated at 200 and 500 mg/kg/day, and for all females at 75 mg/kg/day, no treatment-related fndings were noted.
Food consumption and compound intake (if feeding study):
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
The significant body weight loss and reduced food consumption in the nine females treated at 500 mg/kg/day that died or were euthanized, resulted in a lower mean body weight, body weight gain, corrected weight gain for gravid uterus and food consumption values for the 500 mg/kg/day dose level from day 6 to day 21-24 post-coitum. During the last week of the treatment, mean values remained in the same range as the controls.For the remaining females treated at 200 and 500 mg/kg/day, and for all females at 75 mg/kg/day, no treatment-related fndings were noted.
Food efficiency:
no effects observed
Water consumption and compound intake (if drinking water study):
no effects observed
Ophthalmological findings:
not examined
Haematological findings:
no effects observed
Clinical biochemistry findings:
no effects observed
Endocrine findings:
not examined
Urinalysis findings:
no effects observed
Behaviour (functional findings):
no effects observed
Immunological findings:
not examined
Organ weight findings including organ / body weight ratios:
no effects observed
Gross pathological findings:
no effects observed
Neuropathological findings:
not examined
Histopathological findings: non-neoplastic:
no effects observed
Histopathological findings: neoplastic:
not examined
Details on maternal toxic effects:
Maternal toxic effects: YES

Details on maternal toxic effects:

Treatment at 200 and 500 mg/kg/day resulted in two and nine unscheduled deaths, respectively.
At 500 mg/kg/day, one female was found dead at day 17 post-coitum and eight females were euthanized between days 12 to 24 post-coitum.
At 200 mg/kg/day, two females were euthanized on days 23 and 24 post-coitum as they had a body weight loss of 9-15% over 6 to 11 days and had a remarkably or no food consumption for several consecutive days. Both females showed severely reduced faeces production and lean appearance, and for one female, additionnally piloerection and a pale appearance were noted. Macroscopic findings noted at unscheduled necropsy were limited to beginnning autolysis and several reddish foci on the stomach, both noted for single females.
As this mortality rate showed a clear dose-related response and as no mortality was observed in the control and the 75 mg/kg/day dose level, this was considered treatment-related.
The significant body weight loss and reduced food consumption in the nine females treated at 500 mg/kg/day that died or were euthanized, resulted in a lower mean body weight, body weight gain, corrected weight gain for gravid uterus and food consumption values for the 500 mg/kg/day dose level from day 6 to day 21-24 post-coitum. During the last week of the treatment, mean values remained in the same range as the controls.
For the remaining females treated at 200 and 500 mg/kg/day, and for all females at 75 mg/kg/day, no treatment-related fndings were noted. No toxicologically relevant clinical signs were observed, individual body weights, and food consumptions were similar to controls and no treatment-related macroscopic findings were observed.
Key result
Dose descriptor:
NOAEL
Effect level:
75 mg/kg bw/day (actual dose received)
Based on:
test mat.
Basis for effect level:
other: Maternal toxicity.
Key result
Abnormalities:
no effects observed
Fetal body weight changes:
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
Treatment at 500 mg/kg/day resulted in significantly lower foetal body weight of both sexes, reaching statistical significance for male foetal weights. Mean foetal body weights (both sexes combined) were about 8% lower compared to controls.
Reduction in number of live offspring:
no effects observed
Changes in sex ratio:
no effects observed
Changes in litter size and weights:
no effects observed
Changes in postnatal survival:
no effects observed
External malformations:
no effects observed
Skeletal malformations:
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
A dose dependent increased litter incidence of unossified metacarpals and/or metatarsals was noted at 200 and 500 mg/kg/day, reaching statistical significance at 500 mg/kg/day. The incidence at 200 mg/kg/day was about two times higher than the 95th percentile of the available historical control data, whereas at 500 mg/kg/day, the incidence was significantly higher than the maximum historical control value. Additionaly, the incidences of other ossification parameters, i.e. unossified tarsals and sternebrae 5/6 were affected at 500 mg/kg/day. The litter incidence of unossified sternebrae 5/6 at 500 mg/kg/day was significantly above the maximum historical control value as well. Although the mean foetal body weights at 200 mg/kg/day were unaffected, there was a trend towards a higher incidence of unossified metacarpals and/or metatarsals in foetuses and/or litters which had a lower foetal body weight. This indicates a test item-related growth retardation effect at 200 and 500 mg/kg/day, which was considered to be adverse.
Visceral malformations:
no effects observed
Details on embryotoxic / teratogenic effects:
Embryotoxic / teratogenic effects: YES

Details on embryotoxic / teratogenic effects:
Treatment at 500 mg/kg/day resulted in significantly lower foetal body weight of both sexes, reaching statistical significance for male foetal weights. Mean foetal body weights (both sexes combined) were about 8% lower compared to controls.
A dose dependent increased litter incidence of unossified metacarpals and/or metatarsals was noted at 200 and 500 mg/kg/day, reaching statistical significance at 500 mg/kg/day. The incidence at 200 mg/kg/day was about two times higher than the 95th percentile of the available historical control data, whereas at 500 mg/kg/day, the incidence was significantly higher than the maximum historical control value. Additionaly, the incidences of other ossification parameters, i.e. unossified tarsals and sternebrae 5/6 were affected at 500 mg/kg/day. The litter incidence of unossified sternebrae 5/6 at 500 mg/kg/day was significantly above the maximum historical control value as well. Although the mean foetal body weights at 200 mg/kg/day were unaffected, there was a trend towards a higher incidence of unossified metacarpals and/or metatarsals in foetuses and/or litters which had a lower foetal body weight. This indicates a test item-related growth retardation effect at 200 and 500 mg/kg/day, which was considered to be adverse.

No toxicologically relevant changes in the number of pregnant females, corpora lutea, and implementation sites, or pre- or post-implementation loss, litter size and sex ratio were noted by treatment up to 500 mg/kg/day and no treatment-related foetal external and visceral malformations and variations, and skeletal malformations were noted.
Key result
Dose descriptor:
NOAEL
Effect level:
75 mg/kg bw/day (actual dose received)
Based on:
test mat.
Sex:
male/female
Basis for effect level:
other: unossified metacarpals and/or metatarsals in foetuses and/or litters
Remarks on result:
other: The occurrence of a small number of foetuses and/or litters with unossified metacarpals and/or metatarsals at 200 mg/kg/day precludes defining this dosage as a no observed effect Ievel for developmental anomalies.
Key result
Abnormalities:
not specified
Key result
Developmental effects observed:
not specified
Conclusions:
The maternal and developmental No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) for Diethylene Glycol Dibenzoate was established as being 75 mg/kg/day.
Executive summary:

An OECD 414 developmental toxicity study in rabbits was conducted to determine the effect of the test material Dietheylene Glycol Dibenzoate when administered during and beyond the organogenesis phase of gestation. The study was conducted according to US EPA, OECD, and EC test guidelines, and in compliance with GLP.

Groups of 22 time-mated female New Zealand White rabbits were treated by oral gavage from days 6 to 28 post-coitum, inclusive, with Diethylene Glycol Dibenzoate. According to preliminary results obtained in a rabbit dose range-finding (DRF) study, doses up to 375 mg/kg/day during gestation days 6 to 28 resulted in no toxicologically relevant effects on dams or foetuses. Selected dose levels for the main study were therefore 0 (vehicle control), 75, 200 and 500 mg/kg/day. The rabbits of the control group received the vehicle, arachis oil, alone. 

In the main study, treatments at 200 and 500 mg/kg/day resulted in two and nine unscheduled maternal deaths, respectively. As this mortality rate showed a clear dose-related response and as no mortality was observed in the control and 75 mg/kg/day groups, this was considered as treatment-related. For the remaining females treated at 200 and 500 mg/kg/day surviving to scheduled necropsy, and for all females at 75 mg/kg/day, no treatment-related findings were noted. No toxicologically relevant changes in the number of pregnant females, corpora lutea and implementation sites, or pre- or post-implementaiton loss, litter size and sex ratio were noted by treatment up to 500 mg/kg/day. No treatment-related foetal external and visceral malformations and variations, and skeletal malformations were noted at the same dose levels. The evaluation of developmental effects at 500 mg/kg/day was slightly compromised by the low number of litters (n=13) available at scheduled necropsy, due to maternal mortality in the high dose group. As consistent results were observed in the available litters, sufficient data was available for a proper toxicological evaluation of developmental toxicity.Treatment at 500 mg/kg/day resulted in significant lower foetal body weights of both sexes, reaching statistical significance for the male foetal weights. In addition, a dose-dependent increased litter incidence of unossified metacarpals and/or metatarsals was noted at 200 and 500 mg/kg/day, reaching statistical significance at 500 mg/kg/day. The incidence at 200 mg/kg/day was higher than the available historical control data.

In conclusion, based on the results in this prenatal developmental toxicity study in New Zealand White rabbits,the maternal and developmental No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) for Diethylene Glycol Dibenzoate was established as 75 mg/kg/day. 

Effect on developmental toxicity: via oral route
Dose descriptor:
NOAEL
75 mg/kg bw/day
Species:
rabbit
Effect on developmental toxicity: via inhalation route
Endpoint conclusion:
no study available
Effect on developmental toxicity: via dermal route
Endpoint conclusion:
no study available
Additional information

This substance is a reaction mass of dipropylene glycol dibenzoate (DPGDB), diethylene glycol dibenzoate (DEGDB) and triethylene glycol dibenzoate (TEGDB). No testing has been performed on the reaction mass itself but data are available for DPGDB, DEGDB and TEGDB. 

All studies were conducted in compliance with GLP and according to Japanaese, OECD and EPA test guidelines. Groups of 22 female rats were selected after mating and were dosed by oral gavage with corn oil between day 6 and day 19 of gestation. Dose levels were 0 (vehicle control), 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg bw/day in each case. The studies are described separately for each of the components of the reaction mass. The key value for the chemical safety assessment is highlighted.

 

DEGDB

According to preliminary results obtained in rats in a dose range-finding study doses up to 1000 mg/kg bw/day during gestation days 6 to 19 gave no adverse effect on dams or fetuses. The highest dose tested in this preliminary study (1500 mg/kg/day) induced a reduction in fetal bodyweight, and was therefore not advised in the main study.

In the key study, clinical signs related to treatment were limited to post-dosing salivation; a dose-response effect was seen, but was thought to be due to the palatability of the test material. All animals survived to termination and were pregnant with live young in utero. A slight reduction in mean fetal weights and an increased incidence in the number of fetuses showing cervical ribs was seen in the 1000 mg/kg bw/day group when compared to the control. In each case the effects seen were slight, but could not be ruled out as being evidence of a toxicological effect. A slight increase in the incidence of incomplete ossification was seen in the 500 mg/kg bw/day level, however when compared to the background data a relationship to treatment was considered equivocal. There were no obvious indications of an adverse effect of treatment in the 250 mg/kg/day level.

The NOEL for maternal toxicity was concluded to be 1000 mg/kg bw/day. The NOAEL for fetal growth and development was 500 mg/kg bw/day and the NOEL was 250 mg/kg bw/day.

 

An OECD 414 developmental toxicity study in rabbits was conducted to determine the effect of the test material Dietheylene Glycol Dibenzoate when administered during and beyond the organogenesis phase of gestation. According to preliminary results obtained in a rabbit dose range-finding (DRF) study, doses up to 375 mg/kg/day during gestation days 6 to 28 resulted in no toxicologically relevant effects on dams or foetuses. Selected dose levels for the main study were therefore 0 (vehicle control), 75, 200 and 500 mg/kg/day. A dose-dependent increased litter incidence of unossified metacarpals and/or metatarsals was noted at 200 and 500 mg/kg/day, reaching statistical significance at 500 mg/kg/day. The incidence at 200 mg/kg/day was higher than the available historical control data. The developmental No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) for diethylene glycol dibenzoate was established as 75 mg/kg/day.

DPGDB

According to preliminary results obtained in rats in a dose range-finding study, doses up to 1500 mg/kg/day during gestation days 6 to 19 gave no adverse effect on dams or foetuses, but maternal toxicity was observed at the highest dose. The highest dose used in the main study was therefore 1000 mg/kg bw/day.

As first key study, a pre-natal development study in rats was conducted to determine the effect of the test material DPGDB when administered during and beyond the organogenesis phase of gestation. The study was conducted according to Japanese, US EPA and OECD test guidelines, and in compliance with GLP (HLS 2000, VCL314/993005). Groups of 22 female rats were selected after mating, and were dosed by oral gavage with corn oil fortified with the test material between day 6 and day 19 of gestation. Dose levels examined were 0 (vehicle control), 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg bw/day.

In this key study, an association between treatment at 1000 and 500 mg/kg bw/day and the greater number of fetuses with incomplete ossification of the 5th and or 6th sternebrae cannot be discounted particularly since a delay in ossification would be expected to be the most sensitive marker of an effect on pre-natal development where treatment has continued through to the day before sacrifice (treatment period: Days 6 to 19 of gestation). The assessment of fetal ossification on Day 20 of gestation represents a snapshot in time as the ossification will continue as the animals grow and mature. Although the relationship of these findings to treatment is uncertain they are considered to be transient in nature rather than representing permanent structural changes and therefore are considered to be of no long-term toxicological importance.

The increase in cervical ribs at 1000 mg/kg bw/day is considered to be of greater toxicological significance as it occurred at a dosage which did not produced any detectable signs of maternal toxicity, however, cervical ribs were only found in a small number of fetuses (10/155) at the limit dosage of 1000 mg/kg bw/day and there was no concomitant change in vertebral configuration.

Salivation after dosing was observed at all dosages of benzoflex, the incidence was dose related but this finding was not considered to be of toxicological importance. At 1000 mg/kg/d, there were no detectable signs of maternal toxicity, there were no maternal deaths and all females had a live litter scarifice. It was concluded that the 1000 mg/kg/d is the NOAEL for maternal toxicity.There were no treatment related effects observed at prenatal survival or growth. At 1000 mg/kg/d, treatment related small but definite increase in the number of fetus with cervical ribs were observed.

The no-observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) for all aspects of pre-natal development is concluded to be 500 mg/kg bw/day and the no-observed effect level (NOEL) for fetal growth and development was 250 mg/kg bw/day.

 

The second Key Prenatal Developmental GLP Toxicity Study in rabbits was conducted according to test guideline 414. The test substance, dipropyleneglycol dibenzoate (DPGDB), in the vehicle (0.5% carboxymethylcellulose in deionized water) was administered orally by gavage to 3 groups of 24 time-mated female New Zealand White [Hra:(NZW)SPF] rabbits once daily from Gestation Days 7–28. Dosage levels were 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg/day administered at a dose volume of 5 mL/kg. No fetal malformations were attributed to the test substance. Other fetal developmental variations occurred infrequently or at a frequency similar to that in the control group, did not occur in a dose-related manner, and/or were within the Charles River Ashland historical control data ranges, and therefore were not attributed to the test substance. Adverse effects on maternal survival, mean body weight changes, and food consumption were noted in the 500 mg/kg/day group; therefore, a dosage level of 250 mg/kg/day was considered to be the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for maternal toxicity. Based on lower mean fetal weights at 500 mg/kg/day, a dosage level of 250 mg/kg/day was considered to be the NOAEL for embryo/fetal developmental toxicity when dipropyleneglycol dibenzoate was administered orally by gavage to time-mated New Zealand White rabbits. Importantly, a 10.5% decrease in fetal body weight in the 500 mg/kg/day dosage group reflects the 17% decrease in feed consumption in the dams during the fetal period and therefore this reduced fetal body weight is related to the maternal toxicity that was observed at that dose level.

TEGDB

According to preliminary results obtained in rats in a dose range-finding study, doses up to 500 mg/kg bw/day during gestation days 6 to 19 gave no adverse effect on dams or fetuses. The highest dose tested in this preliminary study (2000 mg/kg/day) induced a reduction in fetal bodyweight, and was therefore not advised in the main study.

In the key study, all females were killed on Day 20 of gestation for examination of their uterine contents. There were no mortalities and there were no adverse effects of treatment on maternal organs, bodyweights or food consumption. All animals were pregnant and had a live litter at Day 20 of gestation. Litter responses and examination of the fetuses suggested that there was no apparent adverse effects of treatment on embryo fetal survival, although fetal weights at 1000 mg/kg bw/day were low compared to the Control group. At 1000 mg/kg bw/day there was an increased incidence of fetuses with incomplete ossification of the cranial centres, sacrocaudal vertebral arches, pelvic bones and 5th and/or 6th sternebrae when compared with the Control group, but this finding was not considered to be of any long term toxicological significance. There was also a small but definite increase in the number of fetuses with cervical ribs at this dosage. In conclusion it was considered that 1000 mg/kg/day was the no-effect level for maternal toxicity. Apart from the occurrence of a small number of fetuses with cervical ribs at 1000 mg/kg bw/day, the no-adverse-effect-level for pre natal development was concluded to be 1000 mg/kg bw/day.

The NOEL for all aspects of pre natal development was concluded to be 500 mg/kg bw/day.

Toxicity to reproduction: other studies

Description of key information

No specific testing was performed on the reaction mass to assess the other effects on reproduction. However, studies in rats were performed on the components of the reaction mass (dipropylene glycol dibenzoate, DPGDB, diethylene glycol dibenzoate, DEGDB and triethylene glycol dibenzoate, TEGDB). The studies were conducted to investigate whether the test substances, diethylene glycol dibenzoate (DEGDB), dipropylene glycol dibenzoate (DPGDB) or triethylene glycol dibenzoate (TEGDB), had the potential for estrogenic activity when evaluated in a seven day rat vaginal cornification/uterine weight bioassay. The studies were conducted to GLP but no formal international test guidelines were applicable.

DEGDB, DPGDB and TEGDB did not stimulate a uterine weight increase or an increase in the uterine weight to final body weight ratio at doses of 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 mg/ kg/day x 7 days.

Collectively, these data demonstrate that DEGDB, DPGDB and TEGDB did not possess estrogenic activity up to and including the maximally tolerated dose.

Link to relevant study records

Referenceopen allclose all

Endpoint:
toxicity to reproduction: other studies
Type of information:
experimental study
Adequacy of study:
key study
Study period:
Not reported
Reliability:
1 (reliable without restriction)
Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:
other: Well documented study conducted to GLP and although no International Test guideline available
Qualifier:
no guideline available
Principles of method if other than guideline:
Adult ovariectomised rats (8 per group) were treated orally for 7 days (4 test groups + 1 vehicle control + 3 groups for positive control Diethylstilbestrol)
All rats were subjected to vaginal lavage daily during the 7 day dosing period in order to detect vaginal cornification.
All surviving rats were euthanized 24 hours after the final dose when final bodyweights and uterine weights were recorded.
GLP compliance:
yes
Type of method:
in vivo
Species:
rat
Strain:
Sprague-Dawley
Sex:
female
Details on test animals or test system and environmental conditions:
TEST ANIMALS
- Source: Charles River Laboratories, Kingston, NY, USA.
- Age at study initiation: (P) x 9 wks
- Weight at study initiation: (P) Females: 170 -200 g
- Fasting period before study: Not applicable
- Housing: Individually in stainless steel hanging wire cages.
- Diet: Purina rodent chow (#5001), ad libitum
- Water: Mains (Montgomery County) tap water, ad libitum
- Acclimation period: 3 days prior to ovariectomy. Following a 6-7 days post surgery recovery period, evaluation of cell types was conducted daily for one week prior to initiation of treatment.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
- Temperature (°C): Ranged 61°F to 76°F
- Humidity (%): Ranged 41% - 69%
- Photoperiod (hrs dark / hrs light): 10 hours dark/14 hours light
Route of administration:
oral: gavage
Vehicle:
corn oil
Details on exposure:
PREPARATION OF DOSING SOLUTIONS:
No details are available on the method of preparation of the dose solutions

VEHICLE
- Justification for use and choice of vehicle (if other than water): Test substance is poorly soluble in water
- Amount of vehicle (if gavage): 5 mL/kg/day
- Lot/batch no. (if required): Mazola corn oil purchased from a local supermarket.
- Purity: Not stated but food grade
Analytical verification of doses or concentrations:
no
Duration of treatment / exposure:
Dosed once per day
Frequency of treatment:
Daily
Duration of test:
7 days
Dose / conc.:
500 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)
Dose / conc.:
1 000 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)
Dose / conc.:
1 500 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)
Dose / conc.:
2 000 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)
No. of animals per sex per dose:
8 females per group
Control animals:
yes, concurrent vehicle
other: Positive control: ethylstilbestrol (DES) at 2.5, 5 & 10 µg/kg/day
Details on study design:
Eight ovariectomised rats per group (4 test groups + 1 vehicle control + 3 groups positive control diethylstilbestrol) were orally dosed for 7 days. All rats were observed daily for clinical signs and subjected to vaginal lavage daily during the 7 day dosing period in order to detect vaginal cornification. All surviving rats were euthanized 24 hours after the final dose when final bodyweights and uterine weights were recorded.
Statistics:
The occurrence of vaginal cornification was expressed as the number of rats showing vaginal cornification (for one or more days) over the number of rats treated. A z-test of proportions was used to compare the test groups to the control animals. The group means ± SE were calculated for body weights on day 0 and day 7 and a parametric one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed. For a significant F value (p< 0.05), a Student-Newman-Keuls multiple range test was performed to determine differences among groups. Group means ± SE were also calculated for the uterine weights and uterine weight/final body weight ratios. These data were compared using a non parametric one way ANOVA on ranks followed by Dunn's comparison to the designated control group.
Dose descriptor:
other: estrogenic activity
Effect level:
> 2 000 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)
Based on:
test mat.
Sex:
female
Basis for effect level:
other: Based on induction of vaginal cornification compared to vehicle & positive controls
Dose descriptor:
other: estrogenic activity
Effect level:
> 2 000 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)
Based on:
test mat.
Sex:
female
Basis for effect level:
other: Based on increase in uterine weight to final bodyweight
Clinical signs of toxicity were apparent in 5 out of 8 ovariectomized adult rats treated with DEGDB at 2000 mg/kg/day.
These observations included aggressiveness, rapid shallow breathing, red or brown discharge on the muzzle, piloerection, tremors, kyphosis, lethargy, scruffy coat, convulsions, hypothermia, vocalization and discharge around the eyes. Of the five affected animals, two rats were found dead, two moribund animals were euthanized and one rat survived to day 7. At necropsy the four animals found dead or euthanized prior to day 7 had considerable weight loss and exhibited abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract. In most cases, the stomach was distended with a solid sticky material resembling food and the duodenum contained little or no food (primarily gas and some liquid). The feces within the lower gastrointestinal tract tended to be either hardened tacky/sticky. All four rats appeared to be in or a dehydrated condition (decreased peritoneal fluid hardened feces in colon). The 4 surviving rats treated with 2000 mg/kg/day had no gross abnormalities at necropsy on day 7. The rats treated with 500, 1000 and 1500 mg/kg/day appeared normal during the study and at necropsy on day 7.

With respect to estrogenic activity, DES (the positive control) stimulated a dose dependent induction of vaginal cornification. The 2.5 µg DES/kg/day dose was a threshold dose for this endpoint, in that the onset for the cornification response was of longer duration and more variable than in the 5.0 and 10.0 µg/kg/day groups. In addition, unlike the mid and high dose DES groups, not all rats in the low dose DES group gave a vaginal cornification response. Further, in the low dose DES group the number of rats cornified per number treated was significantly increased (p<0.05) only on days 4, 6 and 7 of the study, whereas for the mid and high dose DES groups this endpoint was significantly increased (p<0.05) from study days 3 through 7 and days 2 through 7, respectively.

In contrast DEGDB did not induce vaginal cornification at doses of 500, 1000, 1500 or 2000 mg/kg/day x 7 days. Hence by this endpoint DEGDB did not sjhow estrogenic activity.

DES tended to suppress body weight gain in a dose-dependent manner over the 7 day dosing period. Suppression of body weight gain or loss is a well known biological effect of potent estrogens. Only the high dose of DEGDB tended to decrease bodyweight gain but this effect was not significantly different for animals surviving 7 days of dosing.

DES induced a dose-dependent increase in uterine weight and uterine weight to final body weight ratio. Both parameters were increased significantly (p<0.05) at all dose levels of DES as compared to the vehicle control group. In contrast DEGDB did not stimulate an uterine weight increase or an increase in the uterine weight to final body weight ratio at doses of 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 mg/ kg/day x 7 days.

Collectively, these data demonstrate that DEGDB did not possess estrogenic activity up to and including the maximally tolerated dose.

Conclusions:
Diethylylene glycol dibenzoate did not possess estrogenic activity up to and including the maximally tolerated dose.
Executive summary:

A study was performed to investigate whether the test substance, diethylylene glycol dibenzoate, had the potential for estrogenic activity when evaluated in a seven day rat vaginal cornification/uterine weight bioassay. The study was conducted to GLP but no formal international test guidelines were applicable.

Eight ovariectomised rats per group (4 test groups + 1 vehicle control + 3 groups positive control Diethylstilbestrol (DES)) were orally dosed for 7 days. All rats were subjected to vaginal lavage daily during the 7 day dosing period in order to detect vaginal cornification. All surviving rats were euthanized 24 hours after the final dose when final bodyweights and uterine weights were recorded.

DES, the positive control, resulted in a dose dependent induction of vaginal cornification. In contrast DEGDB did not induce vaginal cornification at doses of 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 mg/kg/day x 7 days. Hence by this endpoint the test compound showed no estrogenic activity.

DES also induced a dose dependent increase in uterine weight and uterine weight to final body weight ratio. Conversely, DEGDB did not stimulate a uterine weight increase or an increase in the uterine weight to final body weight ratio at doses of 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 mg/ kg/day x 7 days.

Collectively, these data demonstrate that DEGDB did not possess estrogenic activity up to and including the maximally tolerated dose.

Endpoint:
toxicity to reproduction: other studies
Type of information:
experimental study
Adequacy of study:
key study
Reliability:
1 (reliable without restriction)
Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:
other: Well documented study conducted to GLP and although no International Test guideline available
Qualifier:
no guideline available
Principles of method if other than guideline:
Adult ovariectomised rats (8 per group) were treated orally for 7 days (4 test groups + 1 vehicle control + 3 groups for positive control Diethylstilbestrol)
All rats were subjected to vaginal lavage daily during the 7 day dosing period in order to detect vaginal cornification.
All surviving rats were euthanized 24 hours after the final dose when final bodyweights and uterine weights were recorded.
GLP compliance:
yes
Type of method:
in vivo
Species:
rat
Strain:
Sprague-Dawley
Sex:
female
Details on test animals or test system and environmental conditions:
TEST ANIMALS
- Source: Charles River Laboratories, Kingston, NY, USA.
- Age at study initiation: (P) x 9 wks
- Weight at study initiation: (P) Females: 170 -200 g
- Fasting period before study: Not applicable
- Housing: Individually in stainless steel hanging wire cages.
- Diet: Purina rodent chow (#5001), ad libitum
- Water: Mains (Montgomery County) tap water, ad libitum
- Acclimation period: 3 days prior to ovariectomy. Following a 6-7 days post surgery recovery period, evaluation of cell types was conducted daily for one week prior to initiation of treatment.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
- Temperature (°C): Ranged 61°F to 76°F
- Humidity (%): Ranged 41% - 69%
- Photoperiod (hrs dark / hrs light): 10 hours dark/14 hours light


Route of administration:
oral: gavage
Vehicle:
corn oil
Details on exposure:
PREPARATION OF DOSING SOLUTIONS:
No details are available on the method of preparation of the dose solutions

VEHICLE
- Justification for use and choice of vehicle (if other than water): Test substance is poorly soluble in water
- Amount of vehicle (if gavage): 5 mL/kg/day
- Lot/batch no. (if required): Mazola corn oil purchased from a local supermarket.
- Purity: Not stated but food grade
Analytical verification of doses or concentrations:
no
Duration of treatment / exposure:
Dosed once per day
Frequency of treatment:
Daily
Duration of test:
7 days
Dose / conc.:
500 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)
Dose / conc.:
1 000 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)
Dose / conc.:
1 500 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)
Dose / conc.:
2 000 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)
No. of animals per sex per dose:
8 females per group
Control animals:
yes, concurrent vehicle
other: Positive control: ethylstilbestrol (DES) at 2.5, 5 & 10 µg/kg/day
Details on study design:
Eight ovariectomised rats per group (4 test groups + 1 vehicle control + 3 groups positive control diethylstilbestrol) were orally dosed for 7 days. All rats were observed daily for clinical signs and subjected to vaginal lavage daily during the 7 day dosing period in order to detect vaginal cornification. All surviving rats were euthanized 24 hours after the final dose when final bodyweights and uterine weights were recorded.
Statistics:
The occurrence of vaginal cornification was expressed as the number of rats showing vaginal cornification (for one or more days) over the number of rats treated. A z-test of proportions was used to compare the test groups to the control animals. The group means ± SE were calculated for body weights on day 0 and day 7 and a parametric one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed. For a significant F value (p< 0.05), a Student-Newman-Keuls multiple range test was performed to determine differences among groups. Group means ± SE were also calculated for the uterine weights and uterine weight/final body weight ratios. These data were compared using a non parametric one way ANOVA on ranks followed by Dunn's comparison to the designated control group.
Dose descriptor:
other: estrogenic activity
Effect level:
> 2 000 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)
Based on:
test mat.
Sex:
female
Basis for effect level:
other: Based on induction of vaginal cornification compared to vehicle & positive controls
Dose descriptor:
other: uterine weight increase
Effect level:
> 2 000 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)
Based on:
test mat.
Sex:
female
Basis for effect level:
other: Based on increase in uterine weight to final bodyweight
Clinical signs of toxicity were apparent in 8 out of 8 ovariectomized adult rats treated with DPGDB at 2000 mg/kg/day.
These observations included rapid and or shallow breathing, tremors, piloerection, thinness, lethargy, discharge around the eyes, nose and mouth - often red in appearance, hypothermia and ataxia. One of the eight rats was found dead and two moribund animals were euthanized. The necropsy findings for these three rats included weight loss and abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract. At necropsy no gross abnormalities were observed in the 5 surviving rats.
One rat dosed at 1500 mg/kg/day had a scruffy coat but survived the 7 days of dosing and no gross abnormalities were noted at necropsy. All other animals appeared normal during the study and at necropsy.

With respect to estrogenic activity, DES (the positive control) stimulated a dose dependent induction of vaginal cornification. The 2.5 µg DES/kg/day dose was a threshold dose for this endpoint, in that the onset for the cornification response was of longer duration and more variable than in the 5.0 and 10.0 µg/kg/day groups. In addition, unlike the mid and high dose DES groups, not all rats in the low dose DES group gave a vaginal cornification response. Further, in the low dose DES group the number of rats cornified per number treated was significantly increased (p<0.05) only on days 4, 6 and 7 of the study, whereas for the mid and high dose DES groups this endpoint was significantly increased (p<0.05) from study days 3 through 7 and days 2 through 7, respectively.

In contrast DPGDB did not induce vaginal cornification at doses of 500, 1000, 1500 or 2000 mg/kg/day x 7 days. Hence by this endpoint DPGDB did not show estrogenic activity.

DES tended to suppress body weight gain in a dose-dependent manner over the 7 day dosing period. Suppression of body weight gain or loss is a well known biological effect of potent estrogens. Only the high dose of DPGDB tended to decrease bodyweight gain but this effect was not significantly different for animals surviving 7 days of dosing.

DES induced a dose-dependent increase in uterine weight and uterine weight to final body weight ratio. Both parameters were increased significantly (p<0.05) at all dose levels of DES as compared to the vehicle control group. In contrast DPGDB did not stimulate an uterine weight increase or an increase in the uterine weight to final body weight ratio at doses of 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 mg/ kg/day x 7 days.

Collectively, these data demonstrate that DPGDB did not possess estrogenic activity up to and including the maximally tolerated dose.

Conclusions:
Dipropylene glycol dibenzoate did not possess estrogenic activity up to and including the maximally tolerated dose.
Executive summary:

A study was performed to investigate whether the test substance, dipropylene glycol dibenzoate, had the potential for estrogenic activity when evaluated in a seven day rat vaginal cornification/uterine weight bioassay. The study was conducted to GLP but no formal international test guidelines were applicable.

Eight ovariectomised rats per group (4 test groups + 1 vehicle control + 3 groups positive control Diethylstilbestrol (DES)) were orally dosed for 7 days. All rats were subjected to vaginal lavage daily during the 7 day dosing period in order to detect vaginal cornification. All surviving rats were euthanized 24 hours after the final dose when final bodyweights and uterine weights were recorded.

DES, the positive control, resulted in a dose dependent induction of vaginal cornification. In contrast DPGDB did not induce vaginal cornification at doses of 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 mg/kg/day x 7 days. Hence by this endpoint the test compound showed no estrogenic activity.

DES also induced a dose dependent increase in uterine weight and uterine weight to final body weight ratio. Conversely, DPGDB did not stimulate a uterine weight increase or an increase in the uterine weight to final body weight ratio at doses of 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 mg/ kg/day x 7 days.

Collectively, these data demonstrate that DPGDB did not possess estrogenic activity up to and including the maximally tolerated dose.

Endpoint:
toxicity to reproduction: other studies
Type of information:
experimental study
Adequacy of study:
key study
Study period:
09 August 1997 to 30 August 1997
Reliability:
1 (reliable without restriction)
Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:
other: Well documented study conducted to GLP and although no International Test guideline available, the parameters are closely comparable to a guideline method.
Qualifier:
no guideline available
Principles of method if other than guideline:
10 ovariectomised rats per group (5 Test groups + 1 vehicle control + 3 groups positive control Diethylstilbestrol) orally dosed for 7 days. All rats were subjected to vaginal lavage daily during the 7 day dosing period in order to detect vaginal cornification. All surviving rats were euthanized 24 hours after the final dose when final bodyweights and uterine weights were recorded.
GLP compliance:
yes
Type of method:
in vivo
Species:
rat
Strain:
Sprague-Dawley
Sex:
female
Details on test animals or test system and environmental conditions:
TEST ANIMALS
- Source: Charles River Laboratories, Kingston, NY, USA.
- Age at study initiation: (P) x 9 wks
- Weight at study initiation: (P) Females: 180-200g
- Fasting period before study: Not applicable
- Housing: Individually instainless steel hanging wire cages.
- Diet: Purina rodent chow (#5001), ad libitum
- Water: Mains (Montgomery County) tap water, ad libitum
- Acclimation period: 3 days prior to ovariectomy. Following a 6-7 days post surgery recovery period, evaluation of cell types was conducted daily for one week prior to initiation of treatment.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
- Temperature (°C): Ranged 65°f to 75°F
- Humidity (%): Ranged 41% - 69%
- Photoperiod (hrs dark / hrs light): 10 hours dark/14 hours light

Route of administration:
oral: gavage
Vehicle:
corn oil
Details on exposure:
PREPARATION OF DOSING SOLUTIONS:
Benzoflex S-358 was a solid at room temperature and had to be melted (ca. 45°C) in order to be formulated in Mazola corn oil. The amount of liquefied Benzoflex S-358 required for formulation was converted from weight to volume based on the specific gravity of Benzoflex S-358 (1.168 g/mL) and was transferred into a clean beaker using a 25 mL disposable pipet. The liquefied Benzoflex S-358 was dissolved in the appropriate volume of corn oil using a magnetic stir bar and plate to achieve a concentration of 560 mg/mL. The lower four concentrations were formulated by serial dilution of the initial 560 mg/mL formulation. In order to keep the Benzoflex S-358 formulations from solidifying, they were stored in an incubator that was set at 37°C for the first day of the study. Since the two highest concentrations started to solidify the temperature of the incubator was increased to 45°C for the remaining 6 days. The formulations remained in a liquid state at this temperature setting.

VEHICLE
- Justification for use and choice of vehicle (if other than water): Previous studies
- Concentration in vehicle:
- Amount of vehicle (if gavage):
- Lot/batch no. (if required): Not available but was Mazola corn oil purchased from a local supermarket.
- Purity: Not stated but Food grade
Analytical verification of doses or concentrations:
no
Duration of treatment / exposure:
Dosed once per day
Frequency of treatment:
Daily
Duration of test:
7 days
Dose / conc.:
250 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)
Dose / conc.:
700 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)
Dose / conc.:
1 400 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)
Dose / conc.:
2 100 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)
Dose / conc.:
2 800 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)
No. of animals per sex per dose:
10 females per group
Control animals:
yes, concurrent vehicle
other: Positive control: Diethylstilbestrol (DES) at 2.5, 5 & 10 µg/kg/day
Details on study design:
The study was conducted to determine whether Benzoflex S-358 plasticizer possessed estrogenic activity when evaluated in a seven day rat vaginal cornification/uterine weight bioassay. Ten ovariectomised rats per group (5 Test groups + 1 vehicle control + 3 groups positive control Diethylstilbestrol) were orally dosed for 7 days. All rats were observed daily for clinical signs and subjected to vaginal lavage daily during the 7 day dosing period in order to detect vaginal cornification. All surviving rats were euthanized 24 hours after the final dose when final bodyweights and uterine weights were recorded.
Statistics:
The group means SE were calculated for body weights on day 0 and day 7 and a parametric one way analysis of variance ANOVA was performed. For a significant F value (p< 0.05) a Student-Newman-Keuls multiple range test was performed to determine differences among groups. Group means SE were also calculated for the uterine weights and uterine weight final body weight ratios. These data were compared using a non parametric one way ANOVA on ranks followed by Dunn's comparison to the designated control group.
Dose descriptor:
other: estrogenic activity
Effect level:
<= 2 800 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)
Sex:
female
Basis for effect level:
other: Based on induction of vaginal cornification compared to vehicle & positive controls
Dose descriptor:
other: estrogenic activity
Effect level:
<= 2 800 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)
Sex:
female
Basis for effect level:
other: Based on increase in uterine weight to final bodyweight
Clinical signs of toxicity were apparent in 5 of 10 ovariectomized adult rats treated with Benzoflex S-358 at 2800 mg/kg/day. These observations included Piloerection, red discharge on the muzzle, tremors, lethargy, scruffy coat, pale color, convulsions, hyperactive and vocalization. Of the five affected animals, two were found dead and three rats survived to day 7. One rat died prior to dosing on day 5 of the study. This rat appeared to have a seizure (flopping/falling over, vocalization, hyperactive and died within 15 minutes of the onset of these clinical signs. At necropsy no gross lesions were observed except for yellow staining of the fur in the anal region and opaque eyes. The other rat found dead in this group had a white caked powdery substance on the muzzle; no food was present in the duodenum which contained a greenish fluid whereas the remainder of the intestines contained tacky sticky feces. The rat appeared to be in a dehydrated condition (decreased peritoneal fluid, hardened feces in colon) and had lost 50 g in body weight since dosing began. The 8 surviving rats treated with 2800 mg/kg/day had no gross abnormalities at necropsy on day 7.

In life there were fewer clinical signs of toxicity in rats treated with Benzoflex S-358 at 2100, 1400 and 700 mg kg day than in the high dose group (2800 mg/kg bw/day). With respect to estrogenic activity, DES (the positive control) stimulated a dose dependent induction of vaginal cornification. The 2.5 µg DES/kg/day dose was a threshold dose for this endpoint, in that the onset for the cornification response was of longer duration and more variable than in the 5.0 and 10.0 µg/kg/day groups. Further, in the low dose DES group, the number of rats cornified per number treated was increased significantly (p<0.05) only on treatment days 4 through 7 of the study, whereas for the mid and high dose DES groups this endpoint was increased significantly (p<0.05) from study days 2 through 7.

In contrast Benzoflex S- 358 did not induce vaginal cornification at doses of 250, 700, 1400, 2100 or 2800 mg/kg/day x 7 days. DES also tended to suppress body weight gain in a dose dependent manner over the 7 day dosing period. Suppression of body weight gain or loss is a well known biological effect of potent estrogens. Benzoflex S-358 did not affect body weight gain at any dose level in rats surviving the 7 days of oral dosing. DES induced a dose dependent increase in uterine weight and uterine weight to final body weight ratio.

Both parameters were increased significantly (p<0.05) at all dose levels of DES as compared to the vehicle control group. Conversely, Benzoflex S-358 did not stimulate an uterine weight increase or an increase in the uterine weight to final body weight ratio at doses of 250, 700, 1400, 2100 and 2800 mg/ kg/day x 7 days. Collectively, these data demonstrate that Benzoflex S-358 did not possess estrogenic activity up to and including the maximally tolerated dose.

Conclusions:
Benzoflex S-358 did not possess estrogenic activity up to and including the maximally tolerated dose.
Executive summary:

A study was performed to investigate whether the test substance, triethylene glycol dibenzoate (TEGDB), had the potential for estrogenic activity when evaluated in a seven day rat vaginal cornification/uterine weight bioassay. The study was conducted to GLP but no formal international test guidelines were applicable. Ten ovariectomised rats per group (5 Test groups + 1 vehicle control + 3 groups positive control Diethylstilbestrol (DES)) were orally dosed for 7 days. All rats were subjected to vaginal lavage daily during the 7 day dosing period in order to detect vaginal cornification. All surviving rats were euthanized 24 hours after the final dose when final bodyweights and uterine weights were recorded.

DES, the positive control, resulted in a dose dependent induction of vaginal cornification. In contrast Benzoflex S-358 did not induce vaginal cornification at doses of 250, 700, 1400, 2100 and 2800 mg/kg/day x 7 days. Hence by this endpoint the test compound showed no estrogenic activity. The positive control also tended to suppress body weight gain in a dose dependent manner over the 7 day dosing period whereas Benzoflex S-358 did not affect body weight gain at any dose level, since the final body weights were not significantly different (p>0.05) from the vehicle control group. DES also induced a dose dependent increase in uterine weight and uterine weight to final body weight ratio. Indeed, both parameters were increased significantly (p<0.05) at all dose levels of DES as compared to the vehicle control group. Conversely, Benzoflex S-358 did not stimulate a uterine weight increase or an increase in the uterine weight to final body weight ratio at doses of 250, 700, 1400, 2100 and 2800 mg/ kg/day x 7 days. Collectively, these data demonstrate that Benzoflex S-358 did not possess estrogenic activity up to and including the maximally tolerated dose.

Additional information

This substance is a reaction mass of dipropylene glycol dibenzoate (DPGDB), diethylene glycol dibenzoate (DEGDB) and triethylene glycol dibenzoate (TEGDB). No testing has been performed on the reaction mass itself but data are available for DPGDB, DEGDB and TEGDB. Studies were conducted to investigate whether the test substances had the potential for estrogenic activity when evaluated in a seven day rat vaginal cornification/uterine weight bioassay. Studies were performed to GLP but no formal international test guidelines were applicable.

Eight ovariectomised rats per group for DPGDB and DEGDB (4 test groups + 1 vehicle control + 3 groups positive control Diethylstilbestrol (DES)) and ten rats per group for TEGDB (5 test groups) were orally dosed for 7 days. All rats were subjected to vaginal lavage daily during the 7 day dosing period in order to detect vaginal cornification. All surviving rats were euthanized 24 hours after the final dose when final bodyweights and uterine weights were recorded.

DES, the positive control, resulted in a dose dependent induction of vaginal cornification. In contrast DPGDB and DEGDB did not induce vaginal cornification at doses of 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 mg/kg/day x 7 days. TEGDB did not induce vaginal cornification at doses of 250, 700, 1400, 2100 and 2800 mg/kg/day x 7 days. Hence by this endpoint the test compounds showed no estrogenic activity.

DES also induced a dose dependent increase in uterine weight and uterine weight to final body weight ratio. Conversely, DPGDB and DEGDB did not stimulate a uterine weight increase or an increase in the uterine weight to final body weight ratio at doses of 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 mg/ kg/day x 7 days. TEGDB did not stimulate a uterine weight increase or an increase in the uterine weight to final body weight ratio at doses of 250, 700, 1400, 2100 and 2800 mg/ kg/day x 7 days.

Collectively, these data demonstrate that DEGDB, DEGDB and TEGDB did not possess estrogenic activity up to and including the maximally tolerated dose.

Justification for classification or non-classification

On the basis of the findings in the reported studies, and according to the criteria laid down in EU Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures (CLP) Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008, the reaction mass is not a concern for humans owing to possible developmental toxic effects and is therefore not classified regarding developmental toxicity.

Additional information