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Combined two‐generation reproduction‐teratogenesis study of zearalenone in the rat
Author(s) -
Becci Peter J.,
Johnson William D.,
Hess Frederick G.,
Gallo Michael A.,
Parent Richard A.,
Taylor Jean M.
Publication year - 1982
Publication title -
journal of applied toxicology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.784
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1099-1263
pISSN - 0260-437X
DOI - 10.1002/jat.2550020406
Subject(s) - zearalenone , litter , offspring , endocrine system , teratology , biology , medicine , endocrinology , toxicity , physiology , fetus , pregnancy , mycotoxin , hormone , botany , genetics , agronomy
The toxicity of zearalenone was studied in two generations of Wistar rats over approximately 10 months. Zearalenone was administered in the diet; the dose levels used were 0, 0.1, 1.0 and 10.0 mg per kg body weight per day in all generations. Animals in the F0 generation were bred twice to produce F1A and F1B generations. The F1A generation was bred to produce the F2A generation. The only lesion found at necropsy that could be attributed to zearalenone administration was increased medullary trabeculation of the femur in animals given the high dose. A dose‐related increase in absolute and relative thyroid, pituitary and adrenal gland weights occurred in male and female rats of both the F1 and F1A generation. The alteration in the weights of these endocrine organs is probably a result of the estrogenic activity of zearalenone. Feeding of zearalenone caused decreases in fertility, number of viable offspring per litter and numbers of corpora lutea, implantations and resorptions per dam. Statistically significant differences were noted in the incidences of a number of skeletal and soft tissue abnormalities in both the F1B and F2A1 fetuses, especially at doses of 1.0 and 10.0 mg kg −1 . These lesions most likely indicate a delay in fetal development. Unequivocal teratogenic effects could not be defined.