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MATERNAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL TOXICITY OF PERFLUOROOCTANE SULFONATE IN THE RAT
Citation:
Lau, C S. AND J M. Rogers. MATERNAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL TOXICITY OF PERFLUOROOCTANE SULFONATE IN THE RAT. Presented at International Society of Exposure Analysis, Piemonte, Italy, September 21-25, 2003.
Description:
MATERNAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL TOXICITY OF PERFLUOROOCTANE SULFONATE IN THE RAT.
C. Lau and J.M. Rogers, Reproductive Toxicology Division, NHEERL, ORD, USEPA, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), an environmentally persistent compound used as surfactants, is found to be present in humans and wildlife populations. In this study, maternal and developmental toxicity of PFOS were evaluated. Timed-pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were given 1, 2, 3, 5, or 10 mg/kg/day PFOS/K+ by gavage on GD 2 through term. Controls received 0.5% Tween-20 vehicle (1 ml/kg). Some rats were killed on GD 21 for teratological examination, others were allowed to deliver, and pups were monitored for growth and development. PFOS levels in maternal serum increased proportionally with administered doses, and accumulations in the liver (3-4 fold above serum level) were noted. Maternal weight gain and serum thyroid hormones were suppressed by PFOS treatment. PFOS did not alter the number of implantations or live fetuses at term. Cleft palate, anasarca and ventricular septal defect were detected, primarily in the 5- and 10-mg/kg groups. Serum PFOS levels in newborns approximated those in maternal circulation, but hepatic accumulation was not evident at this age. Live birth was observed in all groups; however, postnatal survival was related to PFOS exposure. Newborns in the 10-mg/kg group became moribund and died within 4-6 h; while those in the 5-mg/kg group appeared viable, >95% were found dead within 24 h. Cross-fostering of pups to control dams at birth did not improve the survival rate. Neonatal mortality appeared to be related to immaturity of the lung. Postnatal growth among survivors in lower dose groups was impaired, delays in eye-opening were noted, and hypothyroxinemia was detected. Our results thus indicate both maternal and developmental toxicity of PFOS in the rat. This abstract does not reflect EPA policy.