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TREATOGENIC ACTIVITY OF TRICHOLORACETIC ACID IN THE RATE
Citation:
Smith, M., J. Randall, E. Read, AND J. Stober. TREATOGENIC ACTIVITY OF TRICHOLORACETIC ACID IN THE RATE. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/J-89/333.
Description:
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is a by-product of the chlorine disinfection of water containing natural organic material. t is detectable in finished drinking water at levels comparable to the trihalomethanes (930-160 ug/L). CA is also formed in vivo after ingestion of hypochelorite and has been identified as a major metabolite of chlorinated hydrocarbons such as trichlo-identified as a major metabolite of chlorinated hydrocarbons such as trichloroethylene. he developmental effects of TCA were evaluated in the pregnant Long-Evans rat. nimals were dosed by oral intubation on gestation days 6-15 (plug = 0) with 0,330, 800, 1,200 or 1,800 mg/kg/day. he vehicle control was distilled water. aternal observations included clinical signs, weight change, and gross evaluation of organ weights and uterine contents at necropsy (day 20). ive fetuses were examined for external, skeletal, and soft tissue malformations. There were no maternal deaths associated with toxicity prior to sacrifice. eight gain during treatment was reduced at 800, 1,200, and 1,800 mg/kg, respectively. ive fetuses showed dose-dependent reductions in wight and length. he mean frequency of soft tissue malformations ranged from 9% at the low dose to 97% at the high dose. hese were principally in the cardiovascular system (interventricular septal defect, levocardia). keletal malformations were found only at 1,200 and 1,800 mg/kg and were mainly in the orbit. ased on these observations TCA was considered to be developmentally toxic in the pregnant rat at doses of 330mg/kg and above.