Toxicity evaluation of petroleum blending streams: reproductive and developmental effects of light catalytic reformed naphtha distillate in rats

J Toxicol Environ Health A. 2000 Jun 9;60(3):169-84. doi: 10.1080/009841000156475.

Abstract

A distillate of light catalytic reformed naphtha (CAS number 64741-63-5, LCRN-D) administered by inhalation was tested for reproductive and developmental toxicity in Sprague-Dawley rats, following a modified OECD Guideline 421, Reproductive/Developmental Toxicity Screening protocol. LCRN-D was administered as a vapor, 6 h/d, 7 d/wk at target concentrations of 0, 750, 2500 or 7500 ppm to female rats for approximately 6 wk from 2 wk prior to mating, during mating through gestational d 19, and to males beginning 2 wk prior to mating for approximately 7 consecutive weeks. Dams and litters were sacrificed on postnatal d 4 and males were sacrificed within the week after the last litter was necropsied. Parental systemic effects observed at the 7500 ppm exposure level included slightly lower body weights for males throughout the study. Increased kidney to body weight and increased liver to body weight ratio in male rats exposed to 7500 ppm LCRN-D may be related to slightly lower final mean body weights. Body and organ weight data for female rats in all exposure groups were comparable to controls. No test-material-related microscopic changes were observed in the reproductive organs or nasal turbinate tissue of either sex. Reproductive performance was unaffected by exposure to LCRN-D. The mating and fertility indices were 100% in all groups. There were no significant exposure-related differences in implantation sites or live pups per litter, and no gross abnormalities were observed in pups from treated dams. Pups born from LCRN-D-exposed dams showed comparable body weights and weight gain to control pups. The viability index on postpartum d 4 was > or =97%. Under conditions of this study, the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for exposure to light catalytic reformed naphtha distillate for parental effects was 2500 ppm and the NOAEL for reproductive and developmental toxicity was 7500 ppm.

MeSH terms

  • Alkanes / toxicity*
  • Animals
  • Body Weight
  • Catalysis
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Female
  • Growth / drug effects*
  • Inhalation Exposure
  • Male
  • No-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level
  • Petroleum / toxicity*
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Reproduction / drug effects*
  • Sex Factors

Substances

  • Alkanes
  • Petroleum
  • naphtha