Multigenerational effects in deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) exposed to hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitroso-1,3,5-triazine (TNX)

Contamination by hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) has been identified at areas of explosive manufacturing, processing, storage, and usage. Anaerobic conversion of RDX to N-nitroso metabolites (hexahydro-1-nitroso-3,5-dinitro-1,3,5-triazine (MNX), hexahydro-1,3-dinitroso-5-nitro-1,3,5-triazine (DNX), and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitroso-1,3,5-triazine (TNX)) has been demonstrated in the environment and in gastrointestinal tracts of mammals in vivo. Thus, potential exists for exposure to these N-nitroso compounds. While exposed to TNX via drinking water ad libitum, deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) were bred in three generations to produce cohorts F1A-D, F2A-B, and F3A. TNX was administered at four exposure levels: control (0 μg L−1), 10 μg L−1, 100 μg L−1, and 1000 μg L−1. Endpoints investigated include: offspring production, offspring survival, offspring weight gain, and offspring organ weights. TNX exposure decreased litter size and increased postpartum mortality of offspring at the highest exposure level.