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Characterization of potential teratogens in potable waters
Author(s) -
KellerMelin Vanessa Estella,
Etzkorn Felicia A.,
Blodgett Dennis J.,
MagninBissel Geraldine,
Hrubec Terry C.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.25.1_supplement.484.2
Neural tube defects (NTDs) result from incomplete development of the nervous system. Since 2006, mice exposed to tap water have exhibited NTDs. To test for stability in malformation rates over development, exposed CD‐1 mice were necropsied on gestation day 9 and 10. To determine if other species were affected, 2 strains of rats were assessed for NTDs after exposure to tap water. Chemical analysis by purge‐trap GC‐MS and LC‐MS/MS was performed to identify possible teratogenic contaminants. NTDs were present in both 9 &10 day embryonic mice and were not different with water source or gestational stage (ANOVA p> 0.05). NTDs were observed in both rat strains. Rates of NTDs did not vary with strain or water source (ANOVA p> 0.05). Purge‐trap GC‐MS chromatographs identified three compounds of interest, present in tap water: bromodichloromethane, a compound with molecular formula C5H10O, and dibromochloromethane. LC‐MS/MS identified pharmaceutical residues in water samples. NTD rates did not vary with gestational stage, indicating that the malformations are not a result of delayed NT closure. Presence of NTDs in rats indicates the effect is not restricted to a single species. Chemical analysis identified potential contaminants with molecular formulas: BrCl2CH3, C5H10O, and Br2ClCH3. Further testing is necessary to determine if these contaminants are responsible for NTDs. (NIH‐NIHS R21ES016886‐01, Col Vet Med, VA Tech) Grant Funding Source : NIH R21ES016886‐01