Two generation reproduction and teratogenicity studies of feeding quinocetone fed to Wistar rats

To investigate the reproductive toxicity and teratogenic potential of quinocetone, a growth promoting agent, Wistar rats were fed different diets containing 0, 50, 300 and 1800 mg/kg quinocetone or 300 mg/kg olaquindox. Groups of 15 males and 30 females (F0) were fed through a 10-week prebreed period as well as during mating, gestation, parturition and lactation. At weaning, 12 males and 24 females of F1 generation weanlings per group were selected randomly as parents for F2 generation. Selected F1 weanlings were exposed to the same diet and treatment as their parents. At the highest quinocetone group, body weights in F0 and F1 rats, fetal body weight on day 21 after birth and number of viable fetuses in F0 and F1 generation significantly decreased. In teratogenicity study, groups of 12 males and 24 females were fed with the same diets through a 12-week prebreed period and matting periods. Pregnant rats were subjected to cesarean section on GD 20 for teratogenic examination. At the highest quinocetone group, body weights and feed efficiency, fetal body lengths, tail lengths, litter weights and number of viable fetuses significantly decreased. The NOAEL for reproduction/development of quinocetone for rats was estimated to be 300 mg/kg diet.

► High level of quinocetone depressed the development of fetus and fertility of rats. ► Slight teratogenicity or reproductive toxicity was revealed. ► Olaquindox had higher toxicities in rats than quinocetone at the same dose. ► The NOAEL for reproduction/development of quinocetone was 300 mg/kg diet for rats.