Prenatal developmental toxicity of polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) in the rat

The aim of the study was to assess the maternal toxicity of polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) and embryotoxic, fetotoxic, and teratogenic effects after administration of the PCN mixture to pregnant rats in four (0.3-9.0 mg/kg bw) daily doses during organogenesis (days 6-15 of gestation). For dams, a dose of 0.3 mg/kg bw, administered during organogenesis, has been established as NOAEL of PCNs, and a dose of 1 mg/kg bw, administered in the same period, as LOAEL. The dose-related fetotoxic (reduced body weight and length of the fetus, extension of renal pelvis and lateral brain ventricles, signs of delayed ossification and retardation in development of internal organs), and teratogenic effects (cleft palate and hydronephrosis) were recorded at all dose levels, also at the dose non-toxic to mothers. PCNs have been concluded to be potent fetotoxic and teratogenic agents producing similar effects to those of other toxic dioxin-like compounds.