Systemic and developmental toxicity of dermally applied syntower bottoms in rats

Syntower bottoms (STB) was evaluated for subchronic and developmental toxicity. In the subchronic study, undiluted STB was applied on the shaved backs of male and female rats at dose levels of 0, 8, 30, 125, and 500 mg/kg for 13 weeks, 5 days per week. Exposure sites were not covered. In the developmental toxicity study, STB was similarly applied, but to pregnant rats at dose levels of 0, 8, 30, and 125 mg/kg on Gestation Days 0-19. In addition, 4 mg/kg was dosed as 8 mg/kg every other day, starting on Gestation Day 0, and 500 mg/kg was dosed on Gestation Days 10-12. Evidence of toxicity observed in the subchronic study included death, decreased body weights, aberrant serum chemistry and hematology values, altered organ weights, and histopathologic changes in a variety of organs. A no observed adverse effect level for systemic toxicity could not be established. Evidence of maternal toxicity was observed at all exposure levels in the development study. Regardless of the length of the exposure period, STB was toxic to the developing conceptus. Evidence of developmental toxicity observed included increased resorptions with a concomitant decrease in litter size and reduced fetal body weights. Cleft palate was observed in fetuses exposed in utero to STB during Gestation Days 10-12 at 500 mg/kg. No evidence of teratogenicity was observed when the exposure period was throughout gestation. Ossification delays were observed in fetuses exposed in utero to STB at doses in excess of 4 mg/kg. A no observed adverse effect level for maternal and developmental toxicity could not be established. (C) 1997 Society of Toxicology.