Reproductive and developmental toxicity screening test of 3-cyanopyridine in rats

Crl:CD(SD)rats were given 3-cyanopyridine by gavage at 0, 5, 30 or 180 mg/kg/day. Males were dosed for 42 days beginning 14 days before mating, and females for 40–53 days beginning 14 days before mating to day 3 of lactation, including throughout the mating and gestation periods. General toxicity, mainly liver damage, was observed in males at ≥30 mg/kg/day and in females at ≥5 mg/kg/day. Sertoli cell vacuolation was observed at 180 mg/kg/day, and spermatocyte damages were observed at ≥30 mg/kg/day. Effects on estrous cycles, corpora lutea and implantations, and unsuccessfully mated females, despite additional mating, were observed at 180 mg/kg/day. Delayed initiation of delivery, dystocia, and deaths or moribundities of pregnant females were observed at 180 mg/kg/day, and only two pregnant rats delivered live pups at that dose. The NOAEL for reproductive/developmental toxicity was concluded to be 30 mg/kg/day.

► 3-Cyanopyridine was evaluated for reproductive and developmental toxicity in rats.
► Histopathology findings in male reproductive organs were observed at 180 mg/kg/day.
► Toxicological effects on female reproduction were observed at 180 mg/kg/day.
► At 180 mg/kg/day, abnormal deliveries were found and only two females had live pups.
► NOAEL for reproductive/developmental toxicity was concluded to be 30 mg/kg/day.