Reaction mass of bis(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate, butyl 2-ethylhexyl terephthalate, and dibutyl terephthalate

Endpoint summary

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Toxic effect type:

dose-dependent

Effects on fertility

Description of key information

In conclusion, oral administration of GL500 to Han Wistar rats at dose levels of 100, 330 or 1000 mg/kg/day for five weeks to males and for two weeks before pairing, throughout gestation and up to Day 14 of lactation in females was generally well-tolerated in the adult animals but did elicit a reduction in body weight gain in animals receiving 330 or 1000 mg/kg/day.  

The kidney was identified as the primary target organ with adverse effects reported in males and females given 330 or 1000 mg/kg/day (cortical tubular basophilia in males and females and cortical tubular necrosis/degeneration and/or cortical tubular dilatation in females).  In the females these changes were accompanied by findings in the urinary bladder at 1000 mg/kg/day; transitional cell hyperplasia reported in four females and in one of these females mucosal ulceration was also seen.  

Reproductive performance, fertility and offspring survival were unaffected by parental treatment but the mean number of implantations in females treated at 330 or 1000 mg/kg/day was slightly low and this resulted in a lower total litter size on Day 1 in these groups.  From Day 4 of age growth was slightly impaired for offspring in the group receiving 1000 mg/kg/day.

In the context of this study, GL500 showed no evidence of being an endocrine disruptor.

The no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) for systemic toxicity and also for reproductive/developmental toxicity was considered to be 100 mg/kg/day.

Toxicity to Reproduction (Two generation/extended one-generation reproductive toxicity)

Read-across to DOTP (CAS No. 6422-86-2) - Two generation reproductive toxicity (oral):

The NO(A)EL (F0, F1) for reproductive toxicity predicted for GL500 is 530 mg/kw bw/day for males and 868 mg/kg bw/day for females. The NOAEL (parental, pup) for systemic toxicity predicted for GL500 is was 158 mg/kg bw/day for males and 273 mg/kg bw/day for females (OECD 416).

Link to relevant study records

Reference

Reference 1

Endpoint:

screening for reproductive / developmental toxicity

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

key study

Study period:

This study was conducted between 21 December 2016 and 10 March 2017

Reliability:

1 (reliable without restriction)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

guideline study

Qualifier:

according to guideline

Guideline:

OECD Guideline 422 (Combined Repeated Dose Toxicity Study with the Reproduction / Developmental Toxicity Screening Test)

Version / remarks:

29 July 2016

Deviations:

no

GLP compliance:

yes (incl. QA statement)

Limit test:

no

Justification for study design:

The purpose of this study was to assess the general systemic toxic potential in rats, including a screen for reproductive/developmental effects and assessment of endocrine disruptor relevant endpoints, with administration of GL500, a plasticizer, by oral gavage administration for at least four weeks.
Animal Model
The rat was chosen as the test species because of the requirement for a rodent species by regulatory agencies. The RccHan™;WIST strain was used because of the historical control data available at this laboratory.
Route of Administration
The oral gavage route of administration was chosen to simulate the conditions of potential human exposure during manufacture, handling or use of the test item.
Rationale for Dose Level Selection
The doses used in this study (0, 100, 330 and 1000 mg/kg/day) were selected in conjunction with the Sponsor.
The dose levels were based on the results of a 2-week preliminary toxicity study in the Han Wistar rat (Envigo Study NO. LD61QW).
In the 2-week study the animals were dosed at 250, 500 or 1000 mg/kg/day. There were no deaths, the general appearance and behavior of the animals were unaffected by treatment, body weight, food consumption and water intake were also unaffected and the macroscopic examination did not reveal any findings of significance. The only change of note seen in the study was that the liver weights of males and females given 1000 mg/kg/day were slightly high after two weeks of treatment.
Based on the above findings the dose levels selected for this study were 0, 100, 330 and 1000 mg/kg/day. 330 mg/kg/day was selected in preference to 300 mg/kg/day since a dose of  300 mg/kg/day is a guidance value for Category 2 classification for specific target organ toxicity following repeated exposure (UN GHS classification system 2013).

Specific details on test material used for the study:

Test item: GL500.
Test item identity (including alternative names): LGflex GL500, GL500, GL520.
CAS number: 1571954-81-8.
Intended use: Plasticizer.
Appearance: Clear colorless liquid.
Storage conditions: At ambient temperature (10 to 30C) and protected from light (although may be used and formulated in light).
Supplier: Sponsor.
Batch number: GLFG160607.
Expiry date: 1 June 2017.
Purity: 99.8%.
Supplier’s responsibilities: Characterization of the test item and the documentation of the methods of synthesis, fabrication or derivation and stability.
Archive sample: A 0.5 g representative sample was taken from the batch of test item, placed in a well closed glass container and stored in the archives under the same conditions as the bulk material.

Species:

rat

Strain:

Wistar

Remarks:

RccHan™;WIST ra

Sex:

male/female

Details on test animals or test system and environmental conditions:

Animals
Strain/Species RccHan™;WIST rat.
Supplier Envigo RMS (UK) Ltd.
Number of animals ordered 44 males and 48 females.
Spare animals were removed from the study room after treatment commenced.

Duration of acclimatization Males: eight days prior to the commencement of treatment.
Females: 22 days prior to the commencement of treatment.
Age of the animals at the start of treatment Males 86 to 92 days old.
Females 100 to 106 days old.
Weight range of the animals at the start of the study Males 311 to 366 g.
Females 207 to 253 g.

Allocation and Identification
Allocation On arrival and non-selective allocation to cages.
Estrous cycles were evaluated pre-treatment. After 14 days evaluation, animals that failed to exhibit typical 4-5 days cycles were not allocated to the study.
On Day 1 of study all animals were weighed and body weights were reviewed before dosing commenced by Study Management to ensure variations in body weight of animals did not exceed  20% of the mean for each sex. Groups were adjusted to reduce inter-/intra-group variation.
Identification of animals Each adult animal was assigned a number and identified uniquely within the study by a tail tattoo before Day 1 of treatment. The offspring were numbered individually within each litter on Day 1 of age, using a toe tattoo.
Identification of cages Each cage label was color-coded according to group and was numbered uniquely with cage and study number, as well as the identity of the occupant(s).

Animal Replacement
Before the commencement of treatment, study allocation was revised to reduce inter/intra group body weight variation by replacement of animals with spares and moving animals within groups. Any individuals rejected during the acclimatization period were replaced with spare animals of suitable weight from the same batch.
Replacement before treatment Body weight range extremes Two females
Irregular estrous cycle One female

Animal Care and Husbandry
Environmental Control
Rodent facility Limited access - to minimize entry of external biological and chemical agents and to minimize the transference of such agents between rooms.
Air supply Filtered fresh air which was passed to atmosphere and not recirculated.
Temperature and relative humidity Monitored and maintained within the range of 20-24ºC and 40-70%. There were no deviations from these ranges.
Lighting Artificial lighting, 12 hours light : 12 hours dark.
Electricity supply Public supply with automatic stand-by generators.

Animal Accommodation
Cages Cages comprised of a polycarbonate body with a stainless steel mesh lid; changed at appropriate intervals.
Solid (polycarbonate) bottom cages were used during the acclimatization, pre-pairing, gestation, littering and lactation periods.
Grid bottomed cages were used during pairing. These were suspended above absorbent paper which was changed daily during pairing.
Cage distribution The cages were distributed on the racking to equalize, as far as possible, environmental influences amongst the groups.
Bedding Solid bottom cages contained softwood based bark-free fiber bedding, which was changed at appropriate intervals each week.
Number of animals per cage
Pre-pairing : up to five animals of one sex
Pairing : one male and one female
Males after mating : up to five animals
Gestation : one female
Lactation : one female with litter

Environmental Enrichment
Aspen chew block A soft white untreated wood block; provided to each cage throughout the study (except during pairing and lactation) and replaced when necessary.
Plastic shelter Provided to each cage throughout the study (except during pairing and lactation) and replaced at the same time as the cages.

Diet Supply
Diet SDS VRF1 Certified pelleted diet.
A sample (100 g) of each batch of diet used was retained within Pharmacy (frozen -10 to -30C) until finalization of the report. Samples were discarded after finalization of the report.
The diet contained no added antibiotic or other chemotherapeutic or prophylactic agent.
Availability Non-restricted (removed overnight before blood sampling for adult hematology, blood chemistry and thyroid hormone investigations. For one female, 3F 74, food was removed overnight when there was no requirement for this to occur as the animal was not required for blood sampling).
Water Supply
Supply Potable water from the public supply via polycarbonate bottles with sipper tubes. Bottles were changed at appropriate intervals.
Availability Non-restricted.

Route of administration:

oral: gavage

Vehicle:

corn oil

Details on exposure:

Test Item Preparation
Formulation
Group Treatment Dose (mg/kg/day) Formulated concentration (mg/mL) Volume dose (mL/kg)
1 Vehicle 0 0 5
2 GL500 100 20 5
3 GL500 330 66 5
4 GL500 1000 200 5

Correction factor None.
Vehicle Corn oil.
Method of preparation The required amount of test item was weighed. Approximately 50% of the final volume of vehicle was added and magnetically stirred until the test item was uniformly mixed. The remaining vehicle was added to achieve the required volume and the formulation was mixed using a magnetic stirrer until it appeared homogeneous. A series of formulations at the required concentrations were prepared in ascending order.
Frequency of preparation Weekly.
Storage of formulation Refrigerated (2 to 8°C).
Test item accounting Detailed records of compound usage were maintained. The amount of test item necessary to prepare the formulations and the amount actually used were determined on each occasion. The difference between these amounts was checked before the formulations were dispensed.

Details on mating procedure:

Mating Procedure
Pairing commenced After a minimum of two weeks of treatment.
Male/female ratio 1:1 from within the same treatment groups.
Duration of pairing Up to two weeks.
Daily checks for evidence of mating Ejected copulation plugs in cage tray and sperm in the vaginal smear.
Day 0 of gestation When positive evidence of mating was detected.
Male/female separation Day when mating evidence was detected.
Pre-coital interval Calculated for each female as the time between first pairing and evidence of mating.

Analytical verification of doses or concentrations:

yes

Details on analytical verification of doses or concentrations:

Formulation Analysis
Stability and homogeneity Before commencement of treatment, the suitability of the proposed mixing procedures was determined and specimen formulations at 1 and 200 mg/mL were analyzed to assess the stability and homogeneity of the test item in the liquid matrix. Formulations were found to be homogenous and stable for 15 days when stored refrigerated (2 to 8°C) and for one day when stored at ambient temperature (15 to 25°C).
Achieved concentration Samples of each formulation prepared for administration in Weeks 1, Week 4 of treatment (males only) and on Day 12 of lactation (females only) were analyzed for achieved concentration of the test item.

Preparation of Calibration Standards
A primary standard solution (100µg/mL) was prepared by dissolving an accurately weighed quantity (ca. 50mg) of GL500 in Acetone (50mL). A secondary standard solution (50µg/mL) was prepared by appropriate dilution of the primary standard using acetonitrile/water 90/10 v/v.
Solutions for instrument calibration were prepared by appropriate dilution of the secondary standard using acetonitrile/water 90/10 v/v and contained GL500 at nominal concentrations of 0.5µg/mL, 1.0µg/mL, 2.0µg/mL, 3.0 µg/mL 4.0 µg/mL and 5.0µg/mL.
Calibration solutions were injected onto the HPLC, at the beginning and end of each sample analysis sequence as a minimum, using the conditions detailed in the chromatographic section.

Preparation of Test Samples
A representative sample of test formulation (1 mL, accurately weighed) and dissolved using ultrasonic vibration in a suitable volume ofacetone. The extract was diluted usingacetone and then acetonitrile/water 90/10 v/v, to provide a solution containing GL500 at an expected concentration within the range 1.0µg/mL to 4.0 µg/mL. The concentration of GL500 in the final solution was quantified by HPLC using UV detection as detailed in the chromatographic section.

Preparation of Recovery Samples
Procedural recoveries were prepared by fortifying samples (1 mL) of control matrix (Corn oil) with known amounts of GL500.The prepared procedural recoveries were analyzed in accordance with the analytical procedure.

Instrumentation Parameters
High performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC): Waters Alliance 2695 separation module and 2487 dual wavelength detector
Column: Agilent Poroshell 120 SB-C18, 2.7 µm, 4.6 ×100 mm
Column temperature: 45°C
Sample temperature: Ambient
Mobile Phase A: Acetonitrile/water/ortho-Phosphoric acid 90/10/0.1 v/v/v
Flow rate: 1.0 mL/min
Rinse solvent/Needle wash: Acetonitrile/water 90/10 v/v
Detector wavelength: UV, 241 nm
Injection volume: 10 µL
Run time: 12 minutes
Approximate retention time: Peak 1:2.24 min
Peak 2:3.99 min
Peak 3:8.38min

Calculations
The peak area response for GL500 in each calibration standard chromatogram was measured. Calibration curves were constructed by linear regression of calibration standard response versus calibration standard concentration. The area response of the peak observed at the characteristic retention time for GL500 in sample and procedural recovery chromatograms was measured.

Validation of the Analytical Procedure
The analytical procedure was validated by determining the following parameters:
The specificity of the chromatographic analysis in control sample chromatograms.
The limit of detectionand quantificationwas estimated by examination of control vehicle chromatograms in order to calculate a test itemconcentrati on based on a peak height response equivalent to three times baseline noise.
The linearity of detector response over the calibration standard concentration range.
The repeatabilityof the lowest and highest concentration calibration standards.
The method accuracy and precision, by determining sixprocedural recoveries at nominal concentrations of1 mg/mL and 200 mg/mL during the me thod validation.

Homogeneity and Stability in VehicleFormulations
The homogeneity and stability of GL500 in corn oil formulations was assessed at nominal concentrations of1 mg/mL and200 mg/mL, during ambient and refrigerated storage. Freshly prepared specimen formulations (400 mL) were equally sub divided into 4amber glass screw top bottles by Pharmacy personnel and submitted for analysis.

Ambient Temperature Storage (15-25ºC)
On receipt, the contents of one bottle of each formulation were mixed by 20-fold inversion followed by magnetic stirring. After stirring for 20 minutes (representing 0 hour) 1, and 2hours, single samples (nominally 1 mL) were removed for analysis from the top, middle and bottom of the continuously stirred formulation.
The remainder of the bottle was stored at ambient temperature and after 1 days storage,the contents were remixed and sampled as detailed above.

Refrigerated Storage (2-8ºC)
The remaining bottleswererefrigerated on receipt and on Day1, Day 8 and Day 15;the appropriate bottle was removed from storage and equilibrated to ambient temperature. The contents of the bottle were mixed by 20-fold inversion followed by magnetic stirring for 20minutes and single samples (nominally 1 mL) were removed for analysis from the top, middle and bottom of the stirred formulation.
Following zero hour sampling, 4 additional samples were taken (1 mL, accurately weighed) directly into volumetric flasks and were stored pending future analysis. On Day 8 and Day 15, two samples were removed from storage and analyzed according to the analytical procedure.

Concentration of Dose Formulations
For Week 1, Week 4 and Day 12 of Lactation, freshly prepared test formulations were sampled (4 × 1mL, accurately weighed) by Pharmacy personnel and submitted for analysis. Duplicate samples were analyzed in accordance with the analytical procedure, and the remaining samples were retained for contingency. Samples were disposed of once satisfactory results were achieved.

RESULTS
Method Validation
The analytical procedure was successfully validated for GL500 in corn oilwith respect to the specificity of chromatographic analysis, limit of detectionand quantification, linearity of detector response, repeatability, method accuracy and precision. Results are summarized below:
The specificity of the HPLC assay was demonstrated by the absence of a peak at the characteristic retention time for Test Itemin the control sample chromatogram.
The limit of detection and quantificationwas estimated as 0.332µg/mLand 1.11µg/mLrespectively.
Linearity was confirmed over the nominal concentration range 0.5 µg/mL to 5 µg/mL with a coefficient of determination >0.999;
The repeatability was <1% for six replicate injections of standard solutions containing Test Item at nominal concentrations of 0.5 µg/mL and 5 µg/mL.
Method accuracy and precision were confirmed and with a mean procedural recovery value of 97.2% (CV=0.70%, n=5) for 1mg/mL and 102.9% (CV=0.95%, n=5) for 200 mg/mL.

Homogeneity and Stability of Dose Formulations
The homogeneity and stability of GL500 in corn oilformulations was assessed with respect to the level of concentration at nominal concentrations of 1 mg/mL and 200 mg/mL.
Homogeneity was confirmed during distribution between the bottles, during magnetic stirring for 2hours, and on re-suspension following storage at ambient temperature for 1day and refrigeration for up to 15days. At each time-point, the mean analyzed concentration for the three samples remained within 5% of the initial time zero value and the coefficient of variationwas less than 3%. On Day 8, the high level formulation (200mg/mL) showed a low result for the top sample, which was confirmed by re-dilution of the sample. It is considered that this is a sampling error as the middle and bottom samples are within acceptable limits and the Day 15 samples are all within limits.
Recovery results during the trial remained within ±7.5% of the mean recovery found during validation showing the continued accuracy of the method

Concentration ofDose Formulations
The mean concentrations of GL500 in test formulations analyzed during the study were determined. The mean concentrations were within applied limits +10/-15%, confirming the accuracy of formulation. The % difference from mean values were within 2% confirming precise analysis. Recovery results were within ±7.5% of the validated mean.

CONCLUSION
The analytical procedure was successfully validated with respect to specificity of chromatographic analysis, limit of detectionand quantification, linearity of detector response, repeatability, methodaccuracy and precision.
The homogeneity and stability was confirmed for GL500 in corn oilformulations at nominal concentrations of1 mg/mL and 200 mg/mL during distribution between the bottles, during magnetic stirring for 2hours, ambient temperature storage for1 dayandrefrigerated storage for up to 15 days
The mean concentrations of GL500 in test formulations analyzed for the study were within +10/-15%of nominal concentrations, confirming accurate formulation.

Duration of treatment / exposure:

Duration of Treatment
Males Two weeks before pairing up to necropsy after a minimum of five weeks of treatment (animals were killed in Week 6).
Females Two weeks before pairing, then throughout pairing and gestation until Day 13 of lactation (approximately seven weeks).
Animals of the F1 generation were not dosed.

Frequency of treatment:

Daily

Details on study schedule:

The study consisted of one control and three treated groups identified as follows.
The F0 generation of the study was identified as follows:
Group Treatment Dose (mg/kg/day) Number of animals Animal numbers
Male Female Male Female
1 Control 0 10 10 21-30 61-70
2 GL500 100 10 10 11-20 51-60
3 GL500 330 10 10 31-40 71-80
4 GL500 1000 10 10 1-10 41-50

Some serial observations needed to be performed without the knowledge of the treatment group; therefore the animal numbering system was such that it was not easy to identify a treatment group from the animal number.
The F1 generation received no direct administration of the test item, GL500. Any exposure to the test item or metabolites was through the mother to the offspring in utero and/or through the milk.

Administration
Dosing was restricted to the F0 generation. Animals of the F1 generation were not dosed directly.
Route Oral gavage using a suitably graduated syringe and a rubber catheter inserted via the mouth.
Treated at Constant doses in mg/kg/day.
Volume dose 5 mL/kg body weight.
Individual dose volume Calculated from the most recently recorded scheduled body weight.
Control (Group 1) Vehicle at the same volume dose as treated groups.
Frequency Once daily at approximately the same time each day. (See Section 4 for one deviation that occurred when dosing on one day exceeded the time of dosing on the previous day by more than +2 hours).
Formulation A daily record of the usage of formulation was maintained based on weights. This balance was compared with the expected usage as a check of correct administration. No significant discrepancy was found.
Formulations were stirred using a magnetic stirrer before and throughout the dosing procedure.

Dose / conc.:

100 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)

Remarks:

Calculated from the most recently recorded scheduled body weight

Dose / conc.:

330 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)

Remarks:

Calculated from the most recently recorded scheduled body weight

Dose / conc.:

1 000 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)

Remarks:

Calculated from the most recently recorded scheduled body weight

No. of animals per sex per dose:

10

Control animals:

yes, concurrent vehicle

Details on study design:

Route of Administration
The oral gavage route of administration was chosen to simulate the conditions of potential human exposure during manufacture, handling or use of the test item.
Rationale for Dose Level Selection
The doses used in this study (0, 100, 330 and 1000 mg/kg/day) were selected in conjunction with the Sponsor.
The dose levels were based on the results of a 2-week preliminary toxicity study in the Han Wistar rat (Envigo Study NO. LD61QW).
In the 2-week study the animals were dosed at 250, 500 or 1000 mg/kg/day. There were no deaths, the general appearance and behavior of the animals were unaffected by treatment, body weight, food consumption and water intake were also unaffected and the macroscopic examination did not reveal any findings of significance. The only change of note seen in the study was that the liver weights of males and females given 1000 mg/kg/day were slightly high after two weeks of treatment.
Based on the above findings the dose levels selected for this study were 0, 100, 330 and 1000 mg/kg/day. 330 mg/kg/day was selected in preference to 300 mg/kg/day since a dose of  300 mg/kg/day is a guidance value for Category 2 classification for specific target organ toxicity following repeated exposure (UN GHS classification system 2013).

Parental animals: Observations and examinations:

Serial Observations
Clinical and Behavioral Observations
Animals were inspected visually at least twice daily for evidence of ill-health or reaction to treatment. Cages were inspected daily for evidence of animal ill-health amongst the occupant(s). Any deviation from normal was recorded at the time in respect of nature and severity, date and time of onset, duration and progress of the observed condition, as appropriate.
During the acclimatization period, observations of the animals and their cages were recorded at least once per day.
Signs Associated with Dosing
Detailed observations were performed to establish and confirm a pattern of signs in association with dosing according to the following schedule:
F0 males Week 1 - daily
Week 2 onwards - once each week
F0 females Week 1 - daily
Week 2 - once
Gestation phase - Days 0, 7, 14 and 20
Lactation phase - Days 1, 6 and 12
Detailed observations were recorded at the following times in relation to dose administration:
Pre-dose observation
One to two hours after completion of dosing of all groups
As late as possible in the working day

Detailed physical examination and arena observations
Before treatment commenced, during each week of treatment, on Days 0, 7, 14 and 20 after mating and Days 1, 6 and 12 of lactation, detailed physical examination and arena observations were performed on each animal. On each occasion, the examinations were performed at approximately the same time of day (before dosing during the treatment period), by an observer unaware of the experimental group identities. “Blind” recording was not possible for animals during pairing or for females after mating and during lactation, for logistical reasons; therefore observations were made on these occasions without “blinding”.
After removal from the home cage, animals were assessed for physical condition and behavior during handling and after being placed in a standard arena. Any deviation from normal was recorded with respect to the nature and, where appropriate, degree of severity. Particular attention was paid to possible signs of neurotoxicity, such as convulsions, tremor and abnormalities of gait or behavior.
Findings were either reported as "present" or assigned a severity grade - slight, moderate or marked.

Sensory reactivity and grip strength
Sensory reactivity and grip strength assessments were performed (before dosing) on the five lowest numbered surviving males in each group during Week 5 of treatment and on the five lowest numbered lactating females in each group at Days 7-9 of lactation. Animals were tested by an observer who was unaware of the treatment group to which each animal belonged. Before the start of observations, male cage labels showing the treatment group were replaced by labels stating only the study, animal and cage numbers. For females, animals were removed and returned to their home cages by an assistant, such that the observer was unaware of the treatment group. Animals were not necessarily all tested on the same day, but the numbers of animals and the times of testing were balanced across the groups as far as possible on each day of testing.
The following measurements, reflexes and responses were recorded:
Approach response
A blunt probe was brought towards the animal’s head until it was close to the animal’s nose (but not touching the whiskers). The animal’s reaction was recorded as:
1 No reaction or ignores probe/walks past probe
2 Normal awareness and reaction e.g. approaches and/or sniffs probe
3 Active avoidance, abnormally fearful or aggressive reaction

Pinna reflex
The inside of one ear was touched lightly with a nylon filament and the reaction recorded as:
1 No response
2 Normal response e.g. ear twitches/flattens or animal shakes its head
3 Abnormally fearful or aggressive response

Auditory startle reflex
The animal’s response to a sudden sharp noise was assessed and scored as:
1 No response
2 Weak response e.g. ear twitch only
3 Normal response e.g. obvious flinch or startle
4 Exaggerated response e.g. all feet off floor

Tail pinch response
The animal’s tail was pinched sharply with forceps approximately one third from the tip and the response graded as:
1 No response
2 Weak response e.g. turns around slowly or weak vocalization without moving away
3 Normal response e.g. jumps forward or turns around sharply, usually with vocalization
4 Exaggerated response e.g. excessive vocalization, body movement or aggression

Grip strength
Forelimb and hindlimb grip strength was measured using Mecmesin Basic Force Gauges. Three trials were performed.
At any point during the observations, additional comments were made as free text where considered appropriate.

Motor activity
During Week 5 of treatment for males and at Days 7-9 of lactation for females, the motor activity of the five lowest numbered surviving males and the five lowest numbered lactating females in each group was measured (before dosing) using a Rodent Activity Monitoring System (Version 2.0.6), with hardware supplied by Pearson Technical Services and software developed and maintained by Envigo.
Animals were tested individually in clear polycarbonate cages and motor activity was measured by counting infra-red beam breaks over ten 6-minute intervals (one hour total). Ten beams were set at two height levels (five low and five high) to detect cage floor and rearing activity respectively. Animals were not all necessarily tested on the same day, but the numbers of animals and the times of testing were balanced across the groups as far as possible on each day of testing.

Body Weight
The weight of animals was recorded as follows:
F0 males Weekly during acclimatization.
Before dosing on the day that treatment commenced (Week 0) and weekly thereafter.
On the day prior to necropsy (before withdrawal of food) and on the day of necropsy.
F0 females Weekly during acclimatization.
Before dosing on the day that treatment commenced (Week 0) and weekly before pairing.
Days 0, 6, 13 and 20 after mating.
Day 1, 4, 7 and 13 of lactation.
On the day prior to necropsy (before withdrawal of food, which was Day 13 of lactation) and on the day of necropsy.

Food Consumption
The weight of food supplied to each cage, that remaining and an estimate of any spilled was recorded as follows:
F0 animals Weekly, from the day that treatment commenced.
Food consumption was not recorded for males and females during the period when paired for mating (Week 3), but recommenced for males in Week 4.
For females after mating food consumption was performed to match the body weight recording:
Days 0-5, 6-12 and 13-19 after mating
Days 1-3 , 4-6 and 7-12 of lactation.
From these records the mean weekly or daily consumption per animal (g/animal/week or g/animal/day) was calculated for each phase.

Parturition Observations and Gestation Length
Duration of gestation Time elapsing between the detection of mating and commencement of parturition.
Parturition observations From Day 20 after mating, females were inspected three times daily for evidence of parturition. The progress and completion of parturition was monitored, numbers of live and dead offspring were recorded and any difficulties observed were recorded.

Hematology, Peripheral Blood
Blood samples were collected after overnight withdrawal of food at the following occasion:
Occasion Animals
At termination The five lowest numbered surviving males and the five lowest numbered females with a surviving litter, in each dose group.

Animals were held under light general anesthesia induced by isoflurane. Blood samples (nominally 0.5 mL) were withdrawn from the sublingual vein, collected into tubes containing EDTA anticoagulant and examined for the following characteristics using a Bayer Advia 120 analyzer:
Hematocrit (Hct)*
Hemoglobin concentration (Hb)
Erythrocyte count (RBC)
Absolute reticulocyte count (Retic)
Mean cell hemoglobin (MCH)*
Mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC)*
Mean cell volume (MCV)
Red cell distribution width (RDW)
Total leucocyte count (WBC)
Differential leucocyte count:
Neutrophils (N)
Lymphocytes (L)
Eosinophils (E)
Basophils (B)
Monocytes (M)
Large unstained cells (LUC)
Platelet count (Plt)

* Derived value calculated in ClinAxys

Blood film (prepared for all samples) - Romanowsky stain, examined for abnormalities by light microscopy, in the case of flags from the Advia 120 analyzer. Confirmation or a written description from the blood film was made where appropriate.
Additional blood samples (nominally 0.5 mL) were taken into tubes containing citrate anticoagulant and examined using an ACL series analyzer and appropriate reagent in respect of:
Prothrombin time (PT) - using IL PT Fibrinogen reagent.
Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) - using IL APTT reagent.

Blood Chemistry
Blood samples were collected after overnight withdrawal of food at the following occasion:
Occasion Animals
At termination The five lowest numbered surviving males and the five lowest numbered females with a surviving litter, in each dose group.

Animals were held under light general anesthesia induced by isoflurane. Blood samples (nominally 0.7 mL) were withdrawn from the sublingual vein and collected into tubes containing lithium heparin as anticoagulant. After separation, the plasma was examined using a Roche P Modular Analyzer in respect of:
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
Total bilirubin (Bili)
Bile acids (Bi Ac)
Urea
Creatinine (Creat)
Glucose (Gluc)
Total cholesterol (Chol)
Triglycerides (Trig)
Sodium (Na)
Potassium (K)
Chloride (Cl)
Calcium (Ca)
Inorganic phosphorus (Phos)
Total protein (Total Prot)
Albumin (Alb)

Albumin/globulin ratio (A/G Ratio) was calculated from total protein concentration and analyzed albumin concentration.

Thyroid Hormone Analysis
Blood samples were collected as follows:
Occasion Animals
At termination All surviving F0 adult males and females
Day 4 of age F1 offspring, two females per litter (where possible) - no pups were allocated to these procedures if the resultant live litter size would drop below ten/litter.
- one for T4 (serum)#
- one for TSH (plasma)
# priority given to serum sample
Day 13 of age F1 offspring, two males and two females per litter (where possible)
- two for T4 (serum): where possible one male and one female#
- two for TSH (plasma): where possible one male and one female)
# priority given to serum sample

Sequence of blood sampling on each occasion In order to minimize any potential confounding effect of the time of day of blood sampling, the order of blood sampling was controlled to allow satisfactory inter-group comparisons.
Conditions F0 animals: Following overnight deprivation of food
F1offspring: No overnight deprivation of food
Anesthetic F0 animals: Isoflurane
F1 Day 4 of age offspring: None
F1 Day 13 of age offspring: None
Blood sample site F0 adults: Sublingual vein
F1 Day 4 of age offspring: Decapitation
F1 Day 13 of age offspring: Decapitation
Anticoagulant Plasma samples: K2 EDTA
Microtainers used for collection of samples did not contain separator gel.
Serum samples: None (plain tubes without clotting activators)
Blood volume F0 animals: 2 x 0.5 mL
F1 offspring: maximum possible
Processing Plasma samples: Samples were kept on wet ice prior to centrifugation and commenced within 30 minutes of sampling.
Serum samples: Samples were kept at ambient temperature (15 to 25C) for a minimum of 60 minutes prior to centrifugation.
Centrifugation conditions At 2000g for ten minutes at 4°C.
Number of aliquots per sample All available plasma/serum transferred to appropriately labelled polypropylene “cryo” tubes using plastic disposable pipettes.
Final storage conditions Deep frozen (approximately -60 to -90ºC).
Fate of samples Dispatched to the Department of Biomarkers, Bioanalysis and Clinical Sciences, Envigo.
Thyroid hormone analysis Performed by the Department of Bioanalysis, Envigo.

Oestrous cyclicity (parental animals):

Dry and wet smears were taken as follows:
Dry smears For 15 days before pairing using cotton swabs.
Wet smears Using pipette lavage during the following phases:
For 14 days before treatment (all females including spares); animals that failed to exhibit 4-5 day cycles were not allocated to study.

After pairing until mating.

For four days before scheduled termination (nominally Day 11 to 14 of lactation).

Litter observations:

Records Made During Littering Phase
Clinical observations Examined at approximately 24 hours after birth (Day 1 of age) and then daily thereafter for evidence of ill health or reaction to maternal treatment; these were on an individual offspring basis or for the litter as a whole, as appropriate.
Litter size Daily records were maintained of mortality and consequent changes in litter size from Days 1-13 of age.
Sex ratio of each litter Recorded on Days 1, 4, 7 and 13 of age.
Individual offspring body weights Days 1, 4, 7 and 13 of age.
Ano-genital distance Day 1 - all F1 offspring.
Nipple/areolae count Day 13 of age - male offspring.

Postmortem examinations (parental animals):

Terminal Investigations
Method of Kill
All adult animals Carbon dioxide asphyxiation with subsequent exsanguination.
Offspring - selected for thyroid hormone sampling on Day 4 or 13 of age Decapitation.
Offspring - all other Intraperitoneal injection of sodium pentobarbitone
Sequence To allow satisfactory inter-group comparison.

Necropsy
All adult animals were subject to a detailed necropsy. After a review of the history of each animal, a full macroscopic examination of the tissues was performed. All external features and orifices were examined visually. Any abnormality in the appearance or size of any organ and tissue (external and cut surface) was recorded and the required tissue samples preserved in appropriate fixative.
Time of Necropsy
F0 males After Week 5 investigations completed.
F0 females failing to produce a viable litter Day 25 after mating.
F0 females Day 14 of lactation (following terminal blood sampling)
F1 offspring Selected offspring for thyroid hormone analysis - Day 4 of age.
Scheduled kill - Day 13 of age.
The organs weighed, tissue samples fixed and sections examined microscopically are detailed in Table 1, below.

Postmortem examinations (offspring):

Pathology procedures for F1 offspring on Day 13 of age, premature decedents and grossly abnormal offspring culled on Day 4 of age
Necropsy
Tissue and regions examined Weigh Fix
Abnormalities *
Thyroids *
* Organs weighed, samples fixed or sections examined microscopically

Offspring
Premature deaths Where possible, a fresh macroscopic examination (external and internal) with an assessment of stomach for milk content was performed.
In addition, where possible, thyroid gland tissue was preserved.
F1 offspring on Day 4 of age Blood sampling required (See Section 3.6.10).
Externally normal offspring discarded without examination.
Externally abnormal offspring examined, and tissues retained pending possible future examination.
F1 offspring on Day 13 of age Blood sampling required (See Section 3.6.10).
All animals (but not including those selected for thyroid hormone analysis) were subject to an external macroscopic examination; particular attention was paid to the external genitalia. Thyroid glands were preserved from one male and one female in each litter.
Animals selected for thyroid hormone analysis: externally normal offspring discarded without examination; externally abnormal offspring examined.

Statistics:

See "Any other Information", below

Clinical signs:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

No signs were seen in association with the dosing procedure in males or females. There were no signs seen during the weekly detailed physical examinations that were considered to be treatment related.

Mortality:

no mortality observed

Body weight and weight changes:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

Body weight gains for males receiving GL500 at 1000 mg/kg/day were low, when compared with the controls, during the first two weeks of treatment, were similar to controls from Week 2 to 4 but a mean body weight loss was recorded in Week 4 to 5. These changes resulted in a low overall body weight gain for these animals (60 % of control).
Slight group mean body weight losses were seen in males receiving 100 or 330 mg/kg/day in Week 4 to 5 and the overall gain for males receiving 330 mg/kg/day was 88% of the controls. The overall body weight gain for males receiving 100 mg/kg/day was similar to controls.
Overall body weight and body weight change for females prior to pairing were similar to controls for animals receiving 100 or 1000 mg/kg/day, however, females receiving 330 mg/kg/day had a slight group mean body weight loss in the first week followed by a small weight gain in Week 2.
During gestation the body weight and body weight gains of females receiving 100, 330 or 1000 mg/kg/day were similar to controls from Day 0 to 13 but were lower than controls from Days 13 to 20 (93, 85 and 72 % of control for females receiving 100, 330 or 1000 mg/kg/day, respectively). This resulted in low overall gestational weight gains in females receiving 330 or 1000 mg/kg/day (91 and 82% of control).
During the lactation phase of this study there was no effect on body weight.

Food consumption and compound intake (if feeding study):

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

Males receiving GL500 at 1000 mg/kg/day ate slightly less food in all weeks of treatment, when compared with the controls (approximately 94% of controls).
There was no effect of treatment on food consumption in females prior to pairing, during gestation or during lactation.

Food efficiency:

not examined

Water consumption and compound intake (if drinking water study):

not examined

Haematological findings:

effects observed, non-treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

For the males, the haematological investigation in Week 6 did not identify any toxicologically significant differences from controls. However, the investigation performed for females on Day 14 of lactation revealed the following treatment-related findings:
Eosinophil counts were statistically significantly low for females receiving GL500 at 100, 330 or 1000 mg/kg/day (45% of control for all groups).

Large unstained cell counts were high for females receiving GL500 at 1000 mg/kg/day, (400% of control); statistical significance was not attained.

Activated partial thromboplastin time was slightly reduced for females receiving GL500 at 1000 mg/kg/day (87 %); statistical significance was not attained. The group mean value was influenced by two animals, 4F 43 and 4F 49 (with clotting times of 10.7 and 10.8 seconds, respectively. The lowest value in the control group was 12.9 seconds).

In addition, hematocrit and red blood cell counts were slightly high in all groups of females receiving GL500 (statistical significance attained), however, the differences from control were small and there was no relationship to dose. These changes were therefore attributed to normal biological variation.

Clinical biochemistry findings:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

Blood chemistry investigations, in Week 6 of treatment for males and on Day 14 of lactation for females, revealed the following treatment-related findings, when compared with the controls:
Alkaline phosphatase activities were high in females receiving 1000 mg/kg/day (142% of control); statistical significance attained. The group mean was influenced by two animals, 4F 41 and 4F 49 (with results of 99 and 125 U/L, respectively. The highest value in the control group was 69 U/L).

Bile acid concentrations were high in males and females receiving 1000 mg/kg/day (202 and 313% of control for males and females, respectively). For females, the group mean value was influenced by two animals, 4F 43 and 4F 49 (with results of 160.5 and 135 mmol/L, respectively. The highest value in the control group was 41.5 mmol/L).

Creatinine and triglyceride concentrations were slightly high in males (115 and 136 %, respectively) and females (112 and 173 %, respectively) receiving 1000 mg/kg/day; statistical significance was only attained for triglycerides in males.
Plasma chloride concentrations were slightly high in two females receiving 1000 mg/kg/day (both animals had values of 102 mmol/L). Statistical significance was not attained.

All other differences from controls were minor and were attributed to normal biological variation.

Behaviour (functional findings):

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

Detailed Physical Examination and Arena Observations

There were no signs seen during the weekly detailed physical examinations that were considered to be treatment related.
At the weekly examination on Day 14 of gestation, animal 2F 51 (100 mg/kg/day) had dark red discharge from the vagina. The general condition of the animal was satisfactory and she subsequently gave birth to a live litter.

Sensory Reactivity Observations and Grip Strength
Sensory reactivity observations and grip strength were similar for animals treated at 100, 330 or 1000 mg/kg/day, when compared with the Controls.

Motor Activity
Motor activity, assessed by low and high beam breaks over a 60 minute period, was unaffected by treatment with GL500 in males or females.

Immunological findings:

not examined

Organ weight findings including organ / body weight ratios:

effects observed, treatment-related

Histopathological findings: non-neoplastic:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

Treatment Related Findings
Changes related to treatment with GL500 were seen in the kidneys and urinary bladder.
Kidneys
An increased incidence of cortical tubular hyaline droplets was seen in males given 1000 mg/kg/day. Cortical tubular basophilia was seen in rats given 330 or 1000 mg/kg/day. Cortical tubular necrosis/degeneration and/or cortical tubular dilatation were seen in females given 330 or 1000 mg/kg/day.

Summary of treatment related findings in the kidneys
Group/sex 1M 2M 3M 4M 1F 2F 3F 4F
Dose (mg/kg/day) 0 100 330 1000 0 100 330 1000
Cortical tubular basophilia
Minimal 0 0 1 1 0 0 2 3
Total 0 0 1 1 0 0 2 3
Cortical tubules with hyaline droplets
Minimal 1 0 1 3 0 0 0 0
Slight 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
Total 1 0 1 4 0 0 0 0
Cortical tubular necrosis/ degeneration
Minimal 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2
Total 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2
Cortical tubular dilatation
Minimal 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1
Total 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1
No. of tissues examined 5 5 5 6 5 6 5 5

Urinary bladder
Transitional cell hyperplasia was seen in females given 1000 mg/kg/day. In addition, a case of mucosal ulceration with associated transitional cell hyperplasia was also seen in one female given the same dose.

Summary of treatment related findings in the urinary bladder
Group/sex 1M 2M 3M 4M 1F 2F 3F 4F
Dose (mg/kg/day) 0 100 330 1000 0 100 330 1000
Transitional cell hyperplasia
Minimal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2
Slight 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2
Total 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4
Ulceration
Moderate 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
Total 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
No. of tissues examined 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 6

Other effects:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

Thyroid hormone analysis

There was no effect of treatment on the circulating levels of thyroxine (T4) in adult males.

Mean serum T4 concentrations (pg/mL)
Group Treatment Dose (mg/kg/day) F0 Males
1 Control 0 Mean 40100
SD 6450
CV 16.1
N 10
2
GL500 100 Mean 45300
SD 5970
CV 13.2
N 10
3 GL500 330 Mean 48200
SD 6940
CV 14.4
N 10
4 GL500 1000 Mean 42500
SD 7420
CV 17.5
N 10

Reproductive function: oestrous cycle:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

Estrous Cycles, Pre-Coital Interval, Mating Performance, Fertility and Gestation Length
All females allocated to study showed normal 4/5 day estrous cycles during the acclimatization period.
Estrous cyclicity, pre-coital interval, fertility, mating performance, gestation length and index were unaffected by treatment.
All females were not cycling before termination (Days 11-14 of lactation) and were in diestrous at termination, with the exception of one female treated at 100 mg/kg/day that was found to be in estrous prior to termination.

Reproductive function: sperm measures:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

Seminiferous tubules were evaluated with respect to their stage in the spermatogenic cycle and the integrity of the various cell types present within the different stages. No cell or stage specific abnormalities were noted.

Reproductive performance:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

Litter Size, Sex Ratio and Survival Indices

When compared with the controls, the mean number of implantations in females treated at 330 or 1000 mg/kg/day was slightly low (84 and 86 %, respectively) and this resulted in a lower total litter size on Day 1 in these groups.
There was no effect of treatment on survival indices or the sex ratio of the offspring

Key result

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Effect level:

100 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)

Based on:

test mat.

Sex:

male/female

Basis for effect level:

other: systemic toxicity and reproductive/developmental toxicity

Key result

Critical effects observed:

yes

Lowest effective dose / conc.:

330 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)

System:

other: Renal system

Organ:

kidney

Treatment related:

yes

Dose response relationship:

not specified

Relevant for humans:

not specified

Clinical signs:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

There were no clinical signs related to parental treatment

Body weight and weight changes:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

On Day 1 of age the body weights of male and female offspring in all the GL500 treated groups were essentially similar to the controls and considered unaffected by parental treatment.
Thereafter, the body weights of male and female offspring in the 100 or 330 mg/kg/day group remained similar to the controls but in the 1000 mg/kg/day group the male and female offspring body weights were slightly low from Day 4 to 13 of age. This resulted in the mean overall body weight gains (Day 1 to 13) of male and female offspring in the 1000 mg/kg/day group being slightly low when compared with the controls.

Description (incidence and severity):

Thyroid hormone analysis
There was no effect of treatment on the circulating levels of thyroxine (T4) in offspring on Day 13 of age.
Mean serum T4 concentrations (pg/mL)
Group Treatment Dose(mg/kg/day) F1 female offspring on Day 13 of age F1 male offspring on Day 13 of age
1 Control 0 Mean 46700 43500
SD 7690 8110
CV 16.5 18.6
N 10 10
2
GL500 100 Mean 49200 43600
SD 8850 7230
CV 18.0 16.6
N 10 9
3 GL500 330 Mean 48100 42500
SD 6320 7980
CV 13.1 18.8
N 9 10
4 GL500 1000 Mean 43700 44100
SD 4340 7180
CV 9.9 16.3
N 8 9

Gross pathological findings:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

Offspring Macropathology
There were no signs in the decedent offspring, or offspring at termination on Day 13 of age that were considered related to parental treatment

Other effects:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

Offspring Ano-Genital Distance
Ano-genital distance of both male and female offspring on Day 1 of age showed no adverse effects of parental treatment

Offspring Nipple Count
One male offspring was observed with nipples on Day 13 of age (Group 3, Litter 78, male 1) although this was not confirmed at necropsy. No nipples were observed in all other male offspring.

Key result

Dose descriptor:

LOAEL

Generation:

F1

Effect level:

333 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)

Based on:

test mat.

Sex:

male/female

Basis for effect level:

body weight and weight gain

Key result

Critical effects observed:

no

Key result

Reproductive effects observed:

yes

Lowest effective dose / conc.:

330 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)

Treatment related:

yes

Relation to other toxic effects:

reproductive effects as a secondary non-specific consequence of other toxic effects

Dose response relationship:

not specified

Relevant for humans:

not specified

Formulation Analysis

Homogeneity and stability

The homogeneity and stability of GL500 in corn oil formulations was assessed with respect to

the level of concentration at nominal concentrations of Low nominal concentration (1 mg/mL) and High nominal concentration (200 mg/mL). Homogeneity was confirmed during distribution between the bottles, during magnetic stirring for 2 hours, and on re‑suspension following storage at ambient temperature for 1 day and at refrigerated temperature for up to 15 days. At each time-point, the mean analyzed concentration for the three samples remained within 5% of the initial time zero value and the coefficient of variation was less than 3%. On Day 8, the high level formulation (200 mg/mL) showed a low result for the top sample, which was confirmed by re-dilution of the sample. It was considered that this was a sampling error as the middle and bottom samples were within acceptable limits and the Day 15 samples were all within limits. Recovery results during the trial remained within ±7.5% of the mean recovery found during validation showing the continued accuracy of the method.

 

Achieved concentrations of dose formulations

The mean concentrations of GL500 in test formulations analyzed during the study (samples taken in Week 1, Week 4 and for Day 12 of lactation) were within applied limits +10/-15%, confirming the accuracy of formulation. The percentage differences from the mean values were within 2%, confirming precise analysis. Recovery results were within ±7.5% of the validated mean.

Conclusions:

In conclusion, oral administration of GL500 to Han Wistar rats at dose levels of 100, 330 or 1000 mg/kg/day for five weeks to males and for two weeks before pairing, throughout gestation and up to Day 14 of lactation in females was generally well-tolerated in the adult animals but did elicit a reduction in body weight gain in animals receiving 330 or 1000 mg/kg/day.
The kidney was identified as the primary target organ with adverse effects reported in males and females given 330 or 1000 mg/kg/day (cortical tubular basophilia in males and females and cortical tubular necrosis/degeneration and/or cortical tubular dilatation in females). In the females these changes were accompanied by findings in the urinary bladder at 1000 mg/kg/day; transitional cell hyperplasia reported in four females and in one of these females mucosal ulceration was also seen.
Reproductive performance, fertility and offspring survival were unaffected by parental treatment but the mean number of implantations in females treated at 330 or 1000 mg/kg/day was slightly low and this resulted in a lower total litter size on Day 1 in these groups. From Day 4 of age growth was slightly impaired for offspring in the group receiving 1000 mg/kg/day.
In the context of this study, GL500 showed no evidence of being an endocrine disruptor.
The no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) for systemic toxicity and also for reproductive/developmental toxicity was considered to be 100 mg/kg/day.

Executive summary:

The purpose of this study was to assess the general systemic toxic potential in rats, including a screen for reproductive/developmental effects and assessment of endocrine disruptor relevant endpoints, with administration of GL500, a plasticizer, byoral gavageadministration forat least four weeks.

Three groups of ten male and ten female rats received GL500 at doses of 100, 330 or 1000 mg/kg/day by oral gavage administration. Males were treated daily for two weeks before pairing, up to necropsy after a minimum of five consecutive weeks. Females were treated daily for two weeks before pairing, throughout pairing, gestation and until Day 13 of lactation. Females were allowed to litter, rear their offspring and were killed on Day 14 of lactation. The F1 generation received no direct administration of the test item; any exposure was in utero or via the milk. A similarly constituted Control group received the vehicle, corn oil, at the same volume dose as the treated groups.

During the study, clinical condition, detailed physical examination and arena observations, sensory reactivity observations, grip strength, motor activity, body weight, food consumption, hematology (peripheral blood), blood chemistry, thyroid hormone analysis (T4), estrous cycles, pre-coital interval, mating performance, fertility, gestation length, organ weight and macroscopic pathology and histopathology investigations were undertaken.

The clinical condition, litter size and survival, sex ratio, body weight, ano-genital distance and macropathology for all offspring were also assessed. Nipple counts were performed on male offspring on Day 13 of age.

Results

F0 responses

There were no signs seen during the weekly detailed physical examinations that were considered to be treatment related and no signs were seen in association with dosing. Sensory reactivity, grip strength and motor activity were unaffected by treatment.

There was no effect of treatment on body weight gains in males receiving 100 mg/kg/day.  Among males receiving 330 mg/kg/day low mean body weight loss was recorded in Week 4 to 5 resulting in a low overall mean weight gain (88% of control). Males receiving 1000 mg/kg/day had low weight gains during the first two weeks of treatment and a mean body weight loss was recorded in Week 4 to 5, resulting in a low overall body weight gain (60 % of control). Body weight performance in females prior to pairing was variable with satisfactory gains recorded in females receiving 100 or 1000 mg/kg/day but inferior gains recorded for females receiving 330 mg/kg/day. During gestation the body weight and body weight gains of all groups of females receiving GL500 were similar to controls from Day 0 to 13 but were lower than controls from Days 13 to 20 (93, 85 and 72 % of control for females receiving 100, 330 or 1000 mg/kg/day, respectively). This resulted in low overall gestational weight gains in females receiving 330 or 1000 mg/kg/day (91 and 82% of control). There was no effect on body weight during the lactation phase. 

Males receiving GL500 at 1000 mg/kg/day ate slightly less food in all weeks of treatment, when compared with the controls (approximately 94% of controls). Food consumption in females was not affected by treatment.

Estrous cycles, pre-coital interval, mating performance, fertility and gestation length and index were unaffected by treatment. When compared with the controls, the mean number of implantations in females treated at 330 or 1000 mg/kg/day was slightly low (84 and 86 %, respectively) and this resulted in a lower total litter size on Day 1 in these groups.

Haematological investigations revealed no effects of treatment in males but did identify the following changes in the females: eosinophil counts were low for females treated at 100, 330 or 1000 mg/kg/day (45% of control for all groups); large unstained cell counts were high for females treated at 1000 mg/kg/day (400% of control); activated partial thromboplastin time was slightly reduced for females treated at 1000 mg/kg/day (87 %).

Blood chemistry investigations revealed the following changes which were attributed to treatment with GL500: high alkaline phosphatase activities in females treated at 1000 mg/kg/day (142% of control); high bile acid concentrations in males and females treated at 1000 mg/kg/day (202 and 313% of control for males and females, respectively); high creatinine and triglyceride concentrations in males (115 and 136 %, respectively) and females (112 and 173 %, respectively) treated at 1000 mg/kg/day; high plasma chloride concentrations in two females treated at 1000 mg/kg/day.

There was no effect of treatment on the circulating levels of thyroxine (T4) in adult males.

The evaluation of organ weights for males after 6 weeks of treatment and for females on Day 14 of lactation revealed effects in animals given 1000 mg/kg/day. These comprised: slightly high adjusted liver weights in males and females (116% of controls for both sexes; low unadjusted (absolute) ovary weights in females (85 % of control) and slightly low adjusted thymus weights in males and females (87 % of control). In addition, males given 1000 mg/kg/day had slightly low body weight adjusted levator ani‑bulbocavernosus muscle complex, prostate and seminal vesicle weights (90%, 90% and 87% of controls, respectively).

Macroscopic examination of the males performed after 5 weeks of treatment revealed no test‑item related lesions. At the examination of the females, killed on Day 14 of lactation, pale kidneys were reported for one female given 330 mg/kg/day and two females given 1000 mg/kg/day.

At microscopic examination, changes related to treatment with GL500 were seen in the kidneys and urinary bladder. In the kidneys, an increased incidence of cortical tubular hyaline droplets was seen in males given 1000 mg/kg/day. Cortical tubular basophilia was seen in males and females given 330 or 1000 mg/kg/day and cortical tubular necrosis/degeneration and/or cortical tubular dilatation were seen in females given 330 or 1000 mg/kg/day. Transitional cell hyperplasia was seen in the urinary bladder of females given 1000 mg/kg/day and, in one female at this dose, mucosal ulceration with associated transitional cell hyperplasia was also reported.

F1 responses

The clinical condition of the offspring, offspring survival and sex ratio were unaffected by parental treatment.

There was no effect of parental treatment on the circulating levels of thyroxine (T4) in offspring on Day 4 or 13 of age.

Ano-genital distance of both male and female offspring on Day 1 of age and male nipple counts on Day 13 of age showed no adverse effects of parental treatment.

On Day 1 of age the body weights of male and female offspring in all the GL500 treated groups were similar to the controls. However, in the 1000 mg/kg/day group the male and female offspring body weights were slightly low from Day 4 to 13 of age, reflecting the mean overall body weight gains (Day 1 to 13) being slightly low when compared with the controls.

Macroscopic examination of offspring that died prior to scheduled termination or were killed at Day 13 of age did not reveal any findings that could be related to parental treatment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, oral administration of GL500 to Han Wistar rats at dose levels of 100, 330 or 1000 mg/kg/day for five weeks to males and for two weeks before pairing, throughout gestation and up to Day 14 of lactation in females was generally well-tolerated in the adult animals but did elicit a reduction in body weight gain in animals receiving 330 or 1000 mg/kg/day. 

The kidney was identified as the primary target organ with adverse effects reported in males and females given 330 or 1000 mg/kg/day (cortical tubular basophilia in males and females and cortical tubular necrosis/degeneration and/or cortical tubular dilatation in females). In the females these changes were accompanied by findings in the urinary bladder at 1000 mg/kg/day; transitional cell hyperplasia reported in four females and in one of these females mucosal ulceration was also seen. 

Reproductive performance, fertility and offspring survival were unaffected by parental treatment but the mean number of implantations in females treated at 330 or 1000 mg/kg/day was slightly low and this resulted in a lower total litter size on Day 1 in these groups. From Day 4 of age growth was slightly impaired for offspring in the group receiving 1000 mg/kg/day.

In the context of this study, GL500 showed no evidence of being an endocrine disruptor.

The no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) for systemic toxicity and also for reproductive/developmental toxicity was considered to be 100 mg/kg/day.

Reference 2

Endpoint:

two-generation reproductive toxicity

Type of information:

read-across from supporting substance (structural analogue or surrogate)

Adequacy of study:

key study

Justification for type of information:

See attached justification

Reason / purpose for cross-reference:

read-across source

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Remarks:

reproductive toxicity

Effect level:

530 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)

Sex:

male

Basis for effect level:

other: no effects

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Remarks:

reproductive toxicity

Effect level:

858 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)

Sex:

female

Basis for effect level:

other: no effects

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Remarks:

systemic toxicity

Effect level:

158 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)

Sex:

male

Basis for effect level:

body weight and weight gain

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Remarks:

systemic toxicity

Effect level:

273 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)

Sex:

female

Basis for effect level:

mortality

body weight and weight gain

Critical effects observed:

no

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Remarks:

reproductive toxicity

Effect level:

530 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)

Sex:

male

Basis for effect level:

other: oxicity no effects

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Remarks:

reproductive toxicity

Effect level:

858 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)

Sex:

female

Basis for effect level:

other: no effects

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Remarks:

systemic toxicity

Effect level:

158 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)

Sex:

male

Basis for effect level:

body weight and weight gain

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Remarks:

systemic toxicity

Effect level:

273 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)

Sex:

female

Basis for effect level:

mortality

body weight and weight gain

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Remarks:

reproductive toxicity

Generation:

F1

Effect level:

530 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)

Sex:

male

Basis for effect level:

other: no effects

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Remarks:

reproductive toxicity

Generation:

F1

Effect level:

858 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)

Sex:

female

Basis for effect level:

other: no effects

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Remarks:

systemic toxicity

Generation:

F1

Effect level:

158 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)

Sex:

male

Basis for effect level:

body weight and weight gain

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Remarks:

systemic toxicity

Generation:

F1

Effect level:

273 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)

Sex:

female

Basis for effect level:

mortality

body weight and weight gain

Critical effects observed:

no

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Remarks:

systemic toxicity

Generation:

F2

Effect level:

158 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)

Sex:

male

Basis for effect level:

body weight and weight gain

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Remarks:

systemic toxicity

Generation:

F2

Effect level:

273 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)

Sex:

female

Basis for effect level:

body weight and weight gain

Critical effects observed:

no

Reproductive effects observed:

no

Reference 3

Endpoint:

two-generation reproductive toxicity

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

key study

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

guideline study without detailed documentation

Qualifier:

according to guideline

Guideline:

OECD Guideline 416 (Two-Generation Reproduction Toxicity Study)

Qualifier:

according to guideline

Guideline:

EPA OPPTS 870.3800 (Reproduction and Fertility Effects)

GLP compliance:

not specified

Limit test:

no

Specific details on test material used for the study:

SOURCE OF TEST MATERIAL
- Source and lot/batch No.of test material: Eastman Chemical Company, Kingsport, TN, USA
- Purity test date: >97% via HPLC/UVD

STABILITY AND STORAGE CONDITIONS OF TEST MATERIAL
- Storage condition of test material: The DOTP was stored at room temperature.

OTHER SPECIFICS:
- other information: 1.99% 2-ethylhexyl methyl terephthalate (CAS No. 63468-13-3) impurity

Species:

rat

Strain:

other: Crl:CD(SD)IGS BR

Sex:

male/female

Details on test animals or test system and environmental conditions:

TEST ANIMALS
- Source: Charles River Laboratories (Raleigh, NC)
- Age at study initiation: Rats were approximately 42 days in age when received from supplier
- Housing: Until pairing, all F0 and F1 parental test animals were individually housed in clean, wire-mesh cashes suspended above cage-board. After evidence of mating, the males were again housed individually until the scheduled necropsy of the parental generations, and the females were transferred to plastic maternity cages with nesting material (Bed-O’Cobs; The Andersons, Industrial Products Division, Maumee, OH).
- Diet: PMI Nutrition International, Inc., Certified Rodent LabDiet 5002 ad libitum
- Water: Municipal water was reverse osmosis- treated (on-site) and delivered by an automatic watering system ad libitum
- Acclimation period: 10 days

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Animals were housed throughout the study in an environmentally-controlled room.

Route of administration:

oral: feed

Vehicle:

unchanged (no vehicle)

Details on exposure:

DIET PREPARATION
- Rate of preparation of diet (frequency): Test diet was prepared every 2 weeks, and DOTP was stable in the diet during that time period (data not shown).

Details on mating procedure:

Until pairing, all F0 and F1 parental test animals were individually housed. During cohabitation, the animals were paired for mating in the home cage of the male. After evidence of mating, the males were again housed individually until the scheduled necropsy of the parental generations, and the females were transferred to plastic maternity cages. The dams were housed in these cages until weaning on LD 21.

Mating pairs were examined daily for the presence of a copulatory plug or the presence of sperm in a vaginal smear. The day when evidence of mating was identified was termed Day 0 of gestation. When evidence of mating was not apparent after 14 days, the female was placed in an individual plastic cage with nesting material with no further opportunity for mating. If these females did not deliver after 25 days, they were transferred to individual suspended wire-mesh cages until euthanasia. Pre-coital intervals were calculated according to the number of 12-hr dark cycles before evidence of mating.

Analytical verification of doses or concentrations:

yes

Details on analytical verification of doses or concentrations:

Stability, homogeneity, and verification of DOTP concentration in the feed was confirmed by HPLC/UVD (data not shown).

Duration of treatment / exposure:

At least 70 consecutive days before mating for the F0 and F1 generations. Exposure for the F0 and F1 males continued throughout the mating period until euthanasia. Exposure for the F0 and F1 females continued throughout mating, gestation, and lactation. The F1 and F2 pups were weaned on postnatal day (PND) 21.

Frequency of treatment:

Daily

Details on study schedule:

Selection for F1: Each F0 dam and its litter remained housed together until weaning on PND 21 when a computerized randomization procedure was used to select one F1 male and one F1 female weanling per litter (30/sex/group). These pups consumed diets containing the same concentration of the test article as their parents

Dose / conc.:

0.3 other: %

Remarks:

F0 (m/f): 158/273 mg/kg bw/day
F1 (m/f):208/306 mg/kg bw/day

Dose / conc.:

0.6 other: %

Remarks:

F0 (m/f): 316/545 mg/kg bw/day
F1 (m/f): 422/630 mg/kg bw/day

Dose / conc.:

1 other: %

Remarks:

F0 (m/f): 530/868 mg/kg bw/day
F1 (m/f): 723/1034 mg/kg bw/day

No. of animals per sex per dose:

30/sex/dose

Control animals:

yes, plain diet

Positive control:

No

Parental animals: Observations and examinations:

DETAILED CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS: Yes
- Time schedule: All animals were observed twice daily for moribundity, appearance, behavior, and mortality. Detailed physical examinations were recorded weekly for all F0 and F1 parental animals throughout the study period. Mated F0 and F1 females were also observed twice daily during the period of expected parturition and at parturition.

BODY WEIGHT: Yes
- Time schedule for examinations: Individual F0 and F1 male body weights were recorded weekly throughout the study and just before necropsy. Individual F0 and F1 female body weights were recorded weekly until evidence of copulation was observed. Once evidence of mating was observed, female body weights were recorded on GD 0, 4, 7, 11, 14, 17, and 20 and on LD
1, 4, 7, 14, and 21.

FOOD CONSUMPTION AND COMPOUND INTAKE (if feeding study):
Individual F0 and F1 male and female feed consumption was measured on a weekly basis except during the mating period. Female feed consumption was also recorded on GD 0, 4, 7, 11, 14, 17, and 20 and LD 1, 4, 7, 14, and 21.

Oestrous cyclicity (parental animals):

Estrous cycle lengths were recorded for F0 and F1 females. Vaginal smears were carried out on all females on the day of euthanasia to determine the stage of estrus.

Sperm parameters (parental animals):

Spermatogenic assessment parameters (concentration, motility, morphology) were recorded in F0 and F1 males. Sperm motility was assessed using the Hamilton-Thorne HTMIVOS Version 12 computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system. Sperm morphology was evaluated by light microscopy via a modification of the wet-mount evaluation technique. A sample from the left testis and cauda epididymis from all F0 and F1 males from all exposure groups was evaluated for determination of homogenization-resistant spermatid count and sperm production rate (Blazak et al., 1985) using a DNA-specific fluorescent dye and the HTM-IVOS CASA system.

Litter observations:

All females were allowed to deliver naturally and rear their young to weaning (PND 21). On the day parturition was judged complete (PND 0), the pups were sexed and examined for gross malformations, and the numbers of stillborn and live pups were recorded. Individual gestation lengths were calculated using the date delivery started. All pups were identified individually and sexed on PND 0 and examined twice daily for survival and signs of toxicity. A detailed physical examination including body weight of each pup was carried out on PND 1, 4, 7, 14, and 21.

Postmortem examinations (parental animals):

All F0 and F1 adult animals were euthanized between 6–10 days after weaning of their litters. Female animals that experienced total litter loss were euthanized within 24 hr. All surviving F1 weanlings not selected for test article exposure and all F2 pups were euthanized on PND 21. A complete necropsy was conducted on all parental animals and weanlings, selected organs were weighed, and selective histopathologic examination was carried out on 10 parental animals per gender in the control and high dose groups. The organs weighed were brain, liver, kidneys, spleen, thymus, adrenal and pituitary glands for males/females; prostate, seminal vesicles, testes, epididymis for males; uterus and ovaries for females.

Uteri and vaginas from all F0 and F1 adult female animals in the control and high-dose groups were examined histopathologically. In addition, uteri and vaginas from all F0 and F1 adult female animals in the low- and mid-dose groups with uterine weights >1 g were also examined. A bilateral evaluation of one section of each ovary was carried out for 10 F0 females in the control and high dose groups. A quantitative histopathologic evaluation of five sections (at least 100 mm apart) from the inner third of each ovary was conducted on 10 F1 females in the control and high dose group. This examination included enumeration of the total number of primordial follicles and corpora lutea.

Immediately after euthanasia the right epididymis of each F0 and F1 male was exposed, excised, and weighed. The left testis and cauda epididymis from all F0 and F1 males from all exposure groups were weighed.

Postmortem examinations (offspring):

Offspring that died between PND 0–4 were necropsied using a fresh dissection technique. A detailed gross necropsy was carried out on any pup dying after PND 4 and before weaning. To reduce variability among litter size, 8 F1 and F2 pups from each litter were selected randomly, with equal gender distribution, when possible, on PND 4. The remaining F1 and F2 offspring were weighed and euthanized. Balanopreputial separation and vaginal perforation were used to assess attainment of sexual maturation of the selected F1 pups (1/sexlitter). Individual pups were weighed on the day of sexual maturation.

Statistics:

All analyses were two-tailed using a minimum significance level of 5%. The following statistical analyses were carried out: Chi squared test with Yates’ correction factor for parental mating and fertility indices; one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Dunnett’s test for body weights (adult and pup from PND 4–21), feed consumption, organ weights, sperm numbers, pre-coital intervals, live litter size, and acquisition of developmental landmarks; Kruskal-Wallis test with Mann-Whitney U-test for sperm motility, sperm morphology, pup gender ratio, and postnatal survival; Fisher’s exact test for histopathologic data; and analysis of covariance (with litter size as the covariate) and Student’s t-test for offspring weights before standardization of litters on PND 4.

Reproductive indices:

Mating and fertility indices (%), Live litter size on PND 1,4,7,14,21 in F1 and F2, Gender ratio (% per litter)

Offspring viability indices:

Pup survival (% per litter)

Clinical signs:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

No treatment-related clinical signs were detected in males and females that survived to scheduled euthanasia.

Dermal irritation (if dermal study):

not examined

Mortality:

mortality observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence):

2–8 days after weaning of the pups, three F0 dams in the 1.0% DEHT/DOTP group were either found dead or were euthanized in extremis. The unusual timing and occurrence of these deaths in the high dose group suggest they were related to DEHT/DOTP exposure. Single male deaths occurred in the F0 control and 0.6% groups; these deaths were not dose- or treatment-related.

Body weight and weight changes:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

Mean weekly body weight gain in the F0 males in the 1.0% group was reduced (15–25%) during weeks 3–4, 4–5, and 6–7 (data not shown), resulting in a slightly reduced (5%) mean body weight at termination in this group. No other differences in body weight or body weight gain were observed in the remaining groups of F0 males and females during the pre-mating period. Mean body weights in the 0.3 and 0.6% F0 males and females were similar to the control group throughout the generation (data not shown).

During the entire gestation period, body weight gain in the 1.0% group F0 females was reduced (12%; data not shown) resulting in reduced mean body weights in this group throughout gestation and lactation.

Food consumption and compound intake (if feeding study):

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

Feed consumption for the F0 male and female rats was unaffected by DEHT/DOTP exposure throughout the entire generation (males) or during the pre-mating period (females; data not shown).

Correlating with the reduced mean body weight gains during gestation, feed consumption in the F0 females in the 1.0% group was reduced statistically significantly throughout gestation and lactation. Feed consumption in the 0.3% and 0.6% F0 females during gestation and lactation was unaffected by test article administration.

Food efficiency:

not examined

Water consumption and compound intake (if drinking water study):

not examined

Ophthalmological findings:

not examined

Haematological findings:

not examined

Clinical biochemistry findings:

not examined

Urinalysis findings:

not examined

Behaviour (functional findings):

not examined

Immunological findings:

not examined

Organ weight findings including organ / body weight ratios:

effects observed, treatment-related

Histopathological findings: non-neoplastic:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

No DEHT/DOTP-related microscopic findings were observed for the parental animals.

Histopathological findings: neoplastic:

not examined

Other effects:

not examined

Reproductive function: oestrous cycle:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

Estrous cycle lengths were not affected by test item treatment.

Reproductive function: sperm measures:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

Spermatogenic assessment parameters (concentration, motility, morphology) in the F0 males were unaffected by DEHT/DOTP exposure.

Reproductive performance:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

Reproductive performance parameters for the F0 generation were unaffected by test diet administration of DEHT/DOTP at all concentrations. Parameters evaluated included mating and fertility indices, pre-coital intervals, gestation lengths, gender ratios, live litter size, and postnatal survival.

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Remarks:

reprodutive toxicity

Effect level:

530 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)

Sex:

male

Basis for effect level:

other: No effects

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Remarks:

reproductive toxicity

Effect level:

868 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)

Sex:

female

Basis for effect level:

other: No effects

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Remarks:

systemic toxicity

Effect level:

158 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)

Sex:

male

Basis for effect level:

body weight and weight gain

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Remarks:

systemic toxicity

Effect level:

273 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)

Sex:

female

Basis for effect level:

mortality

body weight and weight gain

Critical effects observed:

no

Clinical signs:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

No treatment-related clinical signs were detected in males and females that survived to scheduled euthanasia.

Dermal irritation (if dermal study):

not examined

Mortality:

mortality observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence):

2–8 days after weaning of the pups, seven F1 dams in the 1.0% DOTP group were either found dead or were euthanized in extremis. The unusual timing and occurrence of these deaths in the high dose group suggest they were related to DOTP exposure. Single male deaths occurred in the F1 1.0% group; these deaths were not dose- or treatment-related.

Body weight and weight changes:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

Reduced mean body weight gain in the 0.6% and 1.0% F1 males groups (data not shown), along with lower mean birth weights and decreased growth before weaning from the F0 maternal animals, resulted in reduced mean body weights throughout the generation for the F1 males in the 0.6% and 1.0% group (Fig. 2). Similar to the F0 females, F1 female body weight gain after weaning in the 0.6% and 1.0% groups was similar to the control group (data not shown). However, as a result of reduced mean body weights during the pre-weaning period in the 0.6% and 1.0% F1 female group, pre-mating body weights in these groups were decreased relative to the control group (Fig. 3), although only the 1.0% group was significant statistically. No test article-related effects on mean weekly body weights were observed in the 0.3% group F1 males and female groups.

Mean body weight gain during the entire gestation period was reduced in the 1.0% F1 dams (data not shown). The mean body weights in this group were also reduced throughout gestation and lactation. The mean body weights from the 0.3% and 0.6% F0 groups were unaffected during gestation and lactation. The mean body weights for the 0.6% F1 female group were also reduced during GD 11–20 and LD 1–14. Body weights during the F1 gestation and lactation periods were unaffected in the 0.3% treatment group.

Food consumption and compound intake (if feeding study):

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

Correlating with the reduced mean body weights, feed consumption in the 0.6% and 1.0% F1 males was slightly reduced (10%) during the first week after weaning (0.6% group) or throughout the generation (1.0% group); the differences from the control group were often significant statistically.

Correlating with the reduced mean body weight gains during gestation, feed consumption in both the F1 females in the 1.0% group was reduced statistically significantly throughout gestation and lactation. Feed consumption in the 0.3% and 0.6% F1 females during gestation and lactation was unaffected by test article administration except for a decrease in feed consumption noted in the F1 0.6% group female group from PND 7–14

Food efficiency:

not examined

Water consumption and compound intake (if drinking water study):

not examined

Ophthalmological findings:

not examined

Haematological findings:

not examined

Clinical biochemistry findings:

not examined

Urinalysis findings:

not examined

Behaviour (functional findings):

not examined

Immunological findings:

not examined

Organ weight findings including organ / body weight ratios:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

Liver weight relative to final body weight was increased in the F1 females from the 0.6% and 1.0% groups (P<0.05; data not shown). The increases in liver weight were attributed to DOTP exposure. Several statistically significant decreases were observed in mean absolute organ weights in the F1 adults. In most cases, however, these changes disappeared when compared relative to the body weights of the animals suggesting the differences were due to the decreased body weights.

Uterine weights in the F1 control group were unusually high due to a large number of these females being in estrus or proestrus on the day of necropsy. The similarity of the uterine weights from the treated F1 groups with the F0 control uterine weight suggested that this finding was unrelated to treatment.

Primordial follicle counts in the 1.0% group F1 females were similar to the concurrent control group values (data not shown).

Gross pathological findings:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

No DOTP-related macroscopic findings were observed for the parental animals.

Neuropathological findings:

not examined

Histopathological findings: non-neoplastic:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

No DOTP-related microscopic findings were observed for the parental animals.

Histopathological findings: neoplastic:

not examined

Other effects:

not examined

Reproductive function: oestrous cycle:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

Estrous cycle lengths were not affected by test item treatment.

Reproductive function: sperm measures:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

Spermatogenic assessment parameters (concentration, motility, morphology) in the F1 males were unaffected by DOTP exposure.

Reproductive performance:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

Reproductive performance parameters for the F1 generation were unaffected by test diet administration of DOTP at all concentrations. Parameters evaluated included mating and fertility indices, pre-coital intervals, gestation lengths, gender ratios, live litter size, and postnatal survival.

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Remarks:

reproductive toxicity

Effect level:

530 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)

Sex:

male

Basis for effect level:

other: no effects

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Remarks:

reproductive toxicity

Effect level:

868 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)

Sex:

female

Basis for effect level:

other: no effects

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Remarks:

systemic toxicity

Effect level:

158 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)

Sex:

male

Basis for effect level:

body weight and weight gain

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Remarks:

systemic toxicity

Effect level:

273 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)

Sex:

female

Basis for effect level:

mortality

body weight and weight gain

Critical effects observed:

no

Clinical signs:

not specified

Dermal irritation (if dermal study):

not examined

Mortality / viability:

no mortality observed

Description (incidence and severity):

The live litter size for the F0 control, 0.3%, 0.6%, and 1.0% groups were 13.0, 14.4, 14.3, and 13.3 pups/litter, respectively.

Body weight and weight changes:

effects observed, non-treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

F1 male and female pup weights in the 0.3, 0.6, and 1.0% groups were significantly reduced on PND 1 and 4. However, the mean pup weights from these groups were essentially equivalent the F2 generation control group values and to historic control values from the performing laboratory.

Food consumption and compound intake (if feeding study):

not specified

Food efficiency:

not examined

Water consumption and compound intake (if drinking water study):

not examined

Ophthalmological findings:

not examined

Haematological findings:

not examined

Clinical biochemistry findings:

not examined

Urinalysis findings:

not examined

Sexual maturation:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

The mean age of attainment of balanopreputial separation in the 0.3 and 0.6% F1 male weanlings was similar to the control group, whereas the 1.0% group was significantly increased relative to the control group. This same group also had a reduction in mean body weight.

In the F1 female weanlings, the mean age of attainment of vaginal patency was similar between the control group and all the treated groups. The body weights on the day of attainment were decreased (significant statistically) at all dose levels reflecting either the slightly younger age of the animals (0.3% group) or the reduced body weights noted above (0.6 and 1.0% groups).

Anogenital distance (AGD):

not examined

Nipple retention in male pups:

not examined

Organ weight findings including organ / body weight ratios:

effects observed, non-treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

Although several changes in the PND 21 absolute organ weights from the 0.6% group were observed in the F1 pups, these changes disappeared when they were adjusted for the decreased body weights of these animals (data not shown). Changes in mean F1 male and female pup organ weights on PND 21 that were unrelated to decreased body weights included a reduced (13%) mean relative spleen weight in the F1 male 1.0% group. In addition, mean relative brain weights were increased for both sexes in the F1 (25%) 1.0% group and the F1 0.6% female group (12%).

Gross pathological findings:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

No macroscopic findings attributable to parental exposure to DOTP were noted at the scheduled necropsy of F1 pups euthanized on PND 21.

Histopathological findings:

not examined

Other effects:

not examined

Behaviour (functional findings):

not examined

Developmental immunotoxicity:

not examined

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Remarks:

reproductive toxicity

Generation:

F1

Effect level:

530 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)

Sex:

male

Basis for effect level:

other: no effects

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Remarks:

reprodutive toxicity

Generation:

F1

Effect level:

868 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)

Sex:

female

Basis for effect level:

other: no effects

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Remarks:

systemic toxicity

Generation:

F1

Effect level:

158 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)

Sex:

male

Basis for effect level:

body weight and weight gain

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Remarks:

systemic toxicity

Generation:

F1

Effect level:

273 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)

Sex:

female

Basis for effect level:

body weight and weight gain

Critical effects observed:

no

Clinical signs:

not specified

Dermal irritation (if dermal study):

not examined

Mortality / viability:

no mortality observed

Description (incidence and severity):

The live litter size for the F1 control, 0.3%, 0.6%, and 1.0% groups were 13.9, 14.0, 14.2, and 13.7 pups/litter, respectively.

Body weight and weight changes:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

In the F2 generation, the mean pup body weights in the 0.3% and 0.6% groups for PND 1 and 4 were comparable to concurrent control values. Although the PND 1 and 4 mean pup weights in the F2 1.0% group were reduced significantly when compared to the concurrent control value, they were slight (3–4%) and equivalent essentially to historic control values. The mean pup weights in both the F1 and F2 1.0% groups start to fall below the historic control group values by PND 7, with further reductions throughout the lactation period (coincidentally with decreases in feed consumption by the F1 and F2 1.0% group dams). On PND 14 and 21, the mean pup weights from the F2 0.6% group were reduced significantly when compared to the concurrent control values but were higher than the corresponding historic control values. Mean pup body weights for the F2 0.3% group were comparable to concurrent control and historic control values at all time points. Despite the similarities with historic control group values, the replication of reduced mean pup body weights from PND 14–21 in the 0.6% and 1.0% group from both the F1 and F2 generation pups were considered related to treatment.

Food consumption and compound intake (if feeding study):

not examined

Food efficiency:

not examined

Water consumption and compound intake (if drinking water study):

not examined

Ophthalmological findings:

not examined

Haematological findings:

not examined

Clinical biochemistry findings:

not examined

Urinalysis findings:

not examined

Sexual maturation:

not examined

Anogenital distance (AGD):

not examined

Nipple retention in male pups:

not examined

Organ weight findings including organ / body weight ratios:

effects observed, non-treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

Although several changes in the PND 21 absolute organ weights from the 0.6% group were observed in the F2 pups, these changes disappeared when they were adjusted for the decreased body weights of these animals (data not shown). Changes in mean F2 male and female pup organ weights on PND 21 that were unrelated to decreased body weights included a reduced mean relative spleen weight the F2 male (8%) and female (11%) 1.0% groups, and a reduced (12%) mean relative thymus weight in the F2 female 1.0% group. In addition, mean relative brain weights were increased for both sexes in the F2 (23–25%) 1.0% group.

Gross pathological findings:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

No macroscopic findings attributable to parental exposure to DOTP were noted at the scheduled necropsy of F2 pups euthanized on PND 21.

Histopathological findings:

not examined

Other effects:

not examined

Behaviour (functional findings):

not examined

Developmental immunotoxicity:

not examined

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Remarks:

systemic toxicity

Generation:

F2

Effect level:

158 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)

Sex:

male

Basis for effect level:

body weight and weight gain

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Remarks:

systemic toxicity

Generation:

F2

Effect level:

273 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)

Sex:

female

Basis for effect level:

body weight and weight gain

Critical effects observed:

no

Reproductive effects observed:

no

Analysis of diets containing DOTP indicated that the formulations were stable, homogenous, and within 10% of the target concentration (data not shown).

Conclusions:

In a two-generation reproductive toxicity study in Crl:CD(SD) IGS BR rats with DOTP, the NOAEL (F0, F1) for reproductive toxicity was the highest dose tested, 530 mg/kw bw/day for males and 868 mg/kg bw/day for females. The NOAEL (parental, pup) was 158 mg/kg bw/day for males and 273 mg/kg bw/day for females.

Executive summary:

In a two-generation reproductive toxicity study (OECD 416), Crl:CD(SD) IGS BR rats (30/sex/dose) were administered DOTP (>97%) continuously in the diet at target concentrations of 0, 0.3, 0.6 or 1.0%. Males were exposed for at least 70 days prior to and during mating, and females were exposed for at least 70 days prior to mating, during mating and through gestation and lactation. Male and female pups from the F1 generation from each litter were exposed under similar conditions beginning on postnatal day (PND) 22. Average doses for F0 animals based on the mean calculated compound consumption for various periods during the study as reported by the authors were 0, 158, 316, and 530 mg/kg bw/day for males and 0, 273, 545, and 868 mg/kg bw/day for females. Similarly, average doses for F1 animals were 0, 208, 422 and 723 mg/kg bw/day for males and 0, 306, 630 and 1034 mg/kg bw/day for females. Analysis of diets containing DOTP indicated that the formulations were stable, homogenous, and within 10% of the target concentration.

No treatment-related clinical signs were detected in males and females in either generation that survived to scheduled euthanasia. However, 2–8 days after weaning of the pups, 3 F0 dams and 7 F1 dams in the high dose group died or were euthanized in extremis. Pathology did not indicate a cause of death in these dams, but the unusual timing of mortality suggested that these deaths were related to treatment with DOTP. Single male deaths occurred in the F0 control and 0.6% groups and in the F1 1.0% group; these deaths were not dose- or treatment-related. High-dose males of the F0 generation demonstrated significant reductions in mean weekly body weight gain (15-25%) during weeks 3 through 7, which resulted in a slight reduction (5%) in mean terminal body weights. Mid- and high-dose F1 males demonstrated lower mean birth weights compared to controls, and decreased growth before weaning resulting in reduced mean body weights throughout the generation. Feed consumption in these male rats was also slightly reduced (10%) during the first week after weaning for the mid-dose group and throughout the generation for the high-dose group, suggesting that taste aversion was the reason for the decreased body weight, at least at the high dose.

The rate of maternal body weight gain through gestation, feed consumption, and mean maternal body weights on gestation day (GD) 20 and throughout lactation were significantly reduced in the high-dose F0 dams. Similar effects were observed among the high-dose F1 dams, although the reductions in mean maternal body weights were found throughout gestation and were of greater severity than that observed in the F0 dams. Mean body weights and feed consumption among mid-dose F1 dams were also significantly reduced during lactation days 7-14. F1 male and female pup weights in the 0.3, 0.6, and 1.0% groups were significantly reduced on PND 1 and 4. However, the mean pup weights from these groups were essentially equivalent to the F2 generation control group values and to historic control values from the performing laboratory. The reductions in feed consumption and body weight gain in the F1 1.0% dams during gestation may have contributed to the slight (3–4%) decrease in F2 mean pup birth weights, although the weights were similar to historic control values. As there was concordance of both the F1 and F2 mean pup weights with the F2 control group value and the historic control group value, and a very slight decrement in the 1.0% F2 mean pup birth weights, these findings were not considered significant biologically. The study authors noted that it was not possible to distinguish whether the decreased pup weight was due to taste aversion (from pup consumption of feed), an indirect effect mediated through decreased lactation capacity of the dam, or a direct toxic effect of DOTP, although they suggested that the observation of pup weight decreases on PND 4-7 indicated that at least part of the effect was mediated through lactation.

No DOTP-related macroscopic or microscopic findings were observed for the parental animals in either generation. Significant increases were observed in absolute (F0) and mean relative liver weights (both generations) among the mid- and high-dose females. However, no morphological changes indicative of liver damage were observed in either generation, indicating that the observed increases in liver weights were most likely adaptive changes rather than adverse effects.  Uterine weights in the F1 control group were unusually high due to a large number of these females being in oestrus or proestrus on the day of necropsy. The similarity of the uterine weights from the treated F1 groups with the F0 control uterine weight suggested that this finding was unrelated to treatment. No macroscopic findings attributable to exposure to DOTP were noted at the scheduled necropsy of F1 and F2 pups euthanized on PND 21. Treatment-related effects in F1 and F2 pups included reduced mean relative spleen weight in the high-dose F1 males (13%) and the high-dose F2 males (8%) and females (11%), reduced mean relative thymus weight in the high-dose F2 females (12%), and increased mean relative brain weights for both sexes in the high-dose F1 (25%) and F2 (23-25%) pups and the mid-dose F1 females (12%). Increases in relative brain weights were considered to be related to the decreased terminal body weights of these animals rather than a direct effect of DOTP exposure.

Reproductive performance parameters for the F0 and F1 generations were unaffected by test diet administration of DOTP at all concentrations. Parameters evaluated included mating and fertility indices, estrous cycle lengths, pre-coital intervals, gestation lengths, gender ratios, live litter, and postnatal survival. Spermatogenic assessment parameters (concentration, motility, morphology) in the F0 and F1 males were unaffected by DOTP exposure and there were no histopathological findings in any male reproductive organs. There was no effect on the mean age of attainment of vaginal patency F1 females. In F1 males, there was no effect on the mean age of attainment of balanopreputial separation in the two lower dose groups, but a significant (p<0.05) delay was seen at the high dose. The delay was considered to be secondary to the decreased pup body weight. The percent increase in age of balanopreputial separation was comparable to the percent decrease in pup mean body weight, and the delayed age was within the historical control range and control rats of the same strain. Therefore, this was not considered an adverse effect.

The following peer-reviewed NOAEL values were accepted (ANSES (2016), US Consumer Product Safety Commission (2014)):

The NOAEL (F0, F1) for reproductive toxicity was the highest dose tested, 530 mg/kw bw/day for males and 868 mg/kg bw/day for females. The NOAEL (parental, pup) was 158 mg/kg bw/day for males and 273 mg/kg bw/day for females. There was no evidence of developmental effects other than decreased pup weight, which could be due to maternal toxicity (i.e. significant decreases in feed consumption in the female animals during gestation and lactation).

ANSES (2016). Risk Management Option Analysis (RMOA) for Di ethyl hexyl terephthalate (DEHTP), EC number: 229-176-9. France.

US Consumer Product Safety Commission (2014). Chronic hazard advisory panel on phthalates and phthalate alternatives. Directorate for Health Sciences Bethesda, MD 20814.

Effect on fertility: via oral route

Endpoint conclusion:

no adverse effect observed

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

100 mg/kg bw/day

Study duration:

subacute

Species:

rat

Additional information

Toxicity to Reproduction (Two generation/extended one-generation reproductive toxicity)

There is no toxicity to reproduction (Two generation/extended one-generation reproductive toxicity) study available for GL500. Read-across to an existing oral Two generation reproductive toxicity study in rats with DOTP (CAS No. 6422-86-2) was performed.

In a two-generation reproductive toxicity study (OECD 416), Crl:CD(SD) IGS BR rats (30/sex/dose) were administered DOTP (>97%) continuously in the diet at target concentrations of 0, 0.3, 0.6 or 1.0%. Males were exposed for at least 70 days prior to and during mating, and females were exposed for at least 70 days prior to mating, during mating and through gestation and lactation. Male and female pups from the F1 generation from each litter were exposed under similar conditions beginning on postnatal day (PND) 22. Average doses for F0 animals based on the mean calculated compound consumption for various periods during the study as reported by the authors were 0, 158, 316, and 530 mg/kg bw/day for males and 0, 273, 545, and 868 mg/kg bw/day for females. Similarly, average doses for F1 animals were 0, 208, 422 and 723 mg/kg bw/day for males and 0, 306, 630 and 1034 mg/kg bw/day for females. Analysis of diets containing DOTP indicated that the formulations were stable, homogenous, and within 10% of the target concentration.

No treatment-related clinical signs were detected in males and females in either generation that survived to scheduled euthanasia. However, 2–8 days after weaning of the pups, 3 F0 dams and 7 F1 dams in the high dose group died or were euthanized in extremis. Pathology did not indicate a cause of death in these dams, but the unusual timing of mortality suggested that these deaths were related to treatment with DOTP. Single male deaths occurred in the F0 control and 0.6% groups and in the F1 1.0% group; these deaths were not dose- or treatment-related. High-dose males of the F0 generation demonstrated significant reductions in mean weekly body weight gain (15-25%) during weeks 3 through 7, which resulted in a slight reduction (5%) in mean terminal body weights. Mid- and high-dose F1 males demonstrated lower mean birth weights compared to controls, and decreased growth before weaning resulting in reduced mean body weights throughout the generation. Feed consumption in these male rats was also slightly reduced (10%) during the first week after weaning for the mid-dose group and throughout the generation for the high-dose group, suggesting that taste aversion was the reason for the decreased body weight, at least at the high dose.

The rate of maternal body weight gain through gestation, feed consumption, and mean maternal body weights on gestation day (GD) 20 and throughout lactation were significantly reduced in the high-dose F0 dams. Similar effects were observed among the high-dose F1 dams, although the reductions in mean maternal body weights were found throughout gestation and were of greater severity than that observed in the F0 dams. Mean body weights and feed consumption among mid-dose F1 dams were also significantly reduced during lactation days 7-14. F1 male and female pup weights in the 0.3, 0.6, and 1.0% groups were significantly reduced on PND 1 and 4. However, the mean pup weights from these groups were essentially equivalent to the F2 generation control group values and to historic control values from the performing laboratory. The reductions in feed consumption and body weight gain in the F1 1.0% dams during gestation may have contributed to the slight (3–4%) decrease in F2 mean pup birth weights, although the weights were similar to historic control values. As there was concordance of both the F1 and F2 mean pup weights with the F2 control group value and the historic control group value, and a very slight decrement in the 1.0% F2 mean pup birth weights, these findings were not considered significant biologically. The study authors noted that it was not possible to distinguish whether the decreased pup weight was due to taste aversion (from pup consumption of feed), an indirect effect mediated through decreased lactation capacity of the dam, or a direct toxic effect of DOTP, although they suggested that the observation of pup weight decreases on PND 4-7 indicated that at least part of the effect was mediated through lactation.

No DOTP-related macroscopic or microscopic findings were observed for the parental animals in either generation. Significant increases were observed in absolute (F0) and mean relative liver weights (both generations) among the mid- and high-dose females. However, no morphological changes indicative of liver damage were observed in either generation, indicating that the observed increases in liver weights were most likely adaptive changes rather than adverse effects.  Uterine weights in the F1 control group were unusually high due to a large number of these females being in oestrus or proestrus on the day of necropsy. The similarity of the uterine weights from the treated F1 groups with the F0 control uterine weight suggested that this finding was unrelated to treatment. No macroscopic findings attributable to exposure to DOTP were noted at the scheduled necropsy of F1 and F2 pups euthanized on PND 21. Treatment-related effects in F1 and F2 pups included reduced mean relative spleen weight in the high-dose F1 males (13%) and the high-dose F2 males (8%) and females (11%), reduced mean relative thymus weight in the high-dose F2 females (12%), and increased mean relative brain weights for both sexes in the high-dose F1 (25%) and F2 (23-25%) pups and the mid-dose F1 females (12%). Increases in relative brain weights were considered to be related to the decreased terminal body weights of these animals rather than a direct effect of DOTP exposure.

Reproductive performance parameters for the F0 and F1 generations were unaffected by test diet administration of DOTP at all concentrations. Parameters evaluated included mating and fertility indices, estrous cycle lengths, pre-coital intervals, gestation lengths, gender ratios, live litter, and postnatal survival. Spermatogenic assessment parameters (concentration, motility, morphology) in the F0 and F1 males were unaffected by DOTP exposure and there were no histopathological findings in any male reproductive organs. There was no effect on the mean age of attainment of vaginal patency F1 females. In F1 males, there was no effect on the mean age of attainment of balanopreputial separation in the two lower dose groups, but a significant (p<0.05) delay was seen at the high dose. The delay was considered to be secondary to the decreased pup body weight. The percent increase in age of balanopreputial separation was comparable to the percent decrease in pup mean body weight, and the delayed age was within the historical control range and control rats of the same strain. Therefore, this was not considered an adverse effect.

The following peer-reviewed NOAEL values were accepted (ANSES (2016), US Consumer Product Safety Commission (2014)):The NOAEL (F0, F1) for reproductive toxicity was the highest dose tested, 530 mg/kw bw/day for males and 868 mg/kg bw/day for females. The NOAEL (parental, pup) was 158 mg/kg bw/day for males and 273 mg/kg bw/day for females. There was no evidence of developmental effects other than decreased pup weight, which could be due to maternal toxicity (i.e. significant decreases in feed consumption in the female animals during gestation and lactation).

The NOAEL (F0, F1) for reproductive toxicity predicted for GL500 is 530 mg/kw bw/day for males and 868 mg/kg bw/day for females. The NOAEL (parental, pup) for systemic toxicity predicted for GL500 is was 158 mg/kg bw/day for males and 273 mg/kg bw/day for females. A full read-across justification is attached.

Effects on developmental toxicity

Description of key information

Based on the results of the preliminary study it was concluded that the limit dose level of 1000 mg/kg/day would be suitable for use as the high dose level on the subsequent main embryo-fetal study in the pregnant Han Wistar rat.

It is concluded from the developmental toxicity study that the dosage of GL500 at 330 mg/kg/day was the maternal no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) and 1000 mg/kg/day was the no observed adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) for embryo-fetal survival and development.

Link to relevant study records

Reference

Reference 1

Endpoint:

developmental toxicity

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

key study

Study period:

This study was conducted between 24 March 2017 and 06 June 2017

Reliability:

1 (reliable without restriction)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

guideline study

Qualifier:

according to guideline

Guideline:

OECD Guideline 414 (Prenatal Developmental Toxicity Study)

Deviations:

no

Qualifier:

according to guideline

Guideline:

EPA OPPTS 870.3700 (Prenatal Developmental Toxicity Study)

Deviations:

no

Qualifier:

according to guideline

Guideline:

other: Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Test Data for Registration of Agricultural Chemicals, 12 Nohsan No. 8147, Agricultural Production Bureau, November 24, 2000.

Deviations:

no

GLP compliance:

yes (incl. QA statement)

Limit test:

no

Specific details on test material used for the study:

Test item: GL500
Test item identity (including alternative names): LGFlex GL500, GL500, GL520
CAS number: 1571954-81-8
Intended use: Plasticizer
Appearance : Clear colorless liquid.
Storage conditions: At ambient temperature (15 to 25°C) and protected from light (although may be used and formulated in light).
Supplier: Sponsor
Batch number: GLFG160607
Expiry date: 1 June 2017.
Purity: 99.8%
Supplier’s responsibilities: Characterization of the test item and the documentation of the methods of synthesis, fabrication or derivation and stability.
Archive sample: A 0.5 g representative sample was taken and placed in a well closed glass container and stored in the archives under the same conditions as the bulk material.

Species:

rat

Strain:

Wistar

Remarks:

RccHan™;WIST

Details on test animals or test system and environmental conditions:

Animals
Strain/Species RccHan™;WIST rat.
Supplier Envigo RMS Limited.
Number of animals ordered 90 females.
Spare animals were removed from the study room after treatment commenced.
Duration of acclimatization Six days before commencement of pairing.
Age of the animals at the start of the study (Day 0 of gestation) 78 to 84 days old.
Weight range of the animals at the start of the study (Day 0 of gestation) 181 to 214 g.

Animal Care and Husbandry
Environmental Control
Rodent facility Limited access - to minimize entry of external biological and chemical agents and to minimize the transference of such agents between rooms.
Air supply Filtered fresh air which was passed to atmosphere and not recirculated.
Temperature and relative humidity Monitored and maintained within the range of 20-24ºC and 40-70%. There were no deviations from these ranges.
Lighting Artificial lighting, 12 hours light : 12 hours dark.
Electricity supply Public supply with automatic stand-by generators.

Animal Accommodation
Cages Cages comprised of a polycarbonate body with a stainless steel mesh lid; changed at appropriate intervals.
Solid (polycarbonate) bottom cages were used during the acclimatization and gestation periods.
Grid bottomed cages were used during pairing. Cages were suspended above absorbent paper which was changed daily during pairing.
Cage distribution The cages constituting each group were blocked by group and mounted in batteries.
Bedding Solid bottom cages contained softwood based bark-free fiber bedding, which was changed at appropriate intervals each week.
Number of animals per cage
Acclimatization up to four animals
During pairing one (stock) male and one female
Gestation one female

Environmental Enrichment
Aspen chew block A soft white untreated wood block; provided to each cage throughout the study (except during pairing) and replaced when necessary.
Plastic shelter Provided to each cage throughout the study (except during pairing) and replaced at the same time as the cages.

Diet Supply
Diet SDS VRF1 Certified pelleted diet. The diet contained no added antibiotic or other chemotherapeutic or prophylactic agent.
Availability Non-restricted.

Water Supply
Supply Potable water from the public supply via polycarbonate bottles with sipper tubes. Bottles were changed at appropriate intervals.
Availability Non-restricted.

Route of administration:

oral: gavage

Vehicle:

corn oil

Details on exposure:

The study consisted of one control and three treated groups identified as follows:
Group Treatment Dose# Number of animals Animal numbers
(mg/kg/day) Female Female
1 Control 0 20 1-20
2 GL500 100 20 21-40
3 GL500 330 20 41-60
4 GL500 1000 20 61-80
# Expressed in terms of material as supplied

Administration
Route Oral gavage using a suitably graduated syringe and a rubber catheter inserted via the mouth.
Treated at Constant doses in mg/kg/day.
Volume dose 5 mL/kg body weight.
Individual dose volume Calculated from the most recently recorded scheduled body weight.
Control (Group 1) Vehicle at the same volume dose as treated groups.
Frequency Females were treated from Day 6 to Day 19 (inclusive) after mating, once daily at approximately the same time each day.
(On one day there was a lag in dosing time from the previous day of more than ± 2 hours. Refer to Section 4 of this report for further information).
Formulation A daily record of the usage of formulation was maintained based on weights. This balance was compared with the expected usage as a check of correct administration. No significant discrepancy was found.
Formulations were stirred using a magnetic stirrer before and throughout the dosing procedure.

Analytical verification of doses or concentrations:

yes

Details on analytical verification of doses or concentrations:

Analytical Procedure
The samples were analyzed in accordance with the validated Envigo Analytical Procedure Method No.DFA/M116/16.
The analytical methodinvolved extraction in acetoneand dilution inacetonitrile/water 90/10v/v followed by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatographic analysis with ultra violet detection at 241 nm. Sample concentrations were determined with reference to external standards prepared in the concentration range 0.5 µg/mLto 5.0 µg/mL

Concentration of Dose Formulations
The formulations for Week 1(GD6) and the Final Week(GD19)of treatment were sampled. For Groups 2, 3 and 4, 4 × 1mL (accurately weighed) was sampled from the middle of the formulation by Pharmacy personnel. For Group1, 2 × 3 mL (accurately weighed) was sampled from the middle of the formulation by Pharmacy personnel.
Two samples from Groups 2, 3 and 4 and duplicate aliquots from one Group 1 sample were analyzed in accordance with the analytical procedure. The remaining samples were retained for contingency. Samples were disposed of once satisfactory results were achieved.
Re-dilution of the original results and contingency sample analysis was performed for Group 3MF (GD6 and GD19) to confirm a low result. This was confirmed to be a dilution error in the initial analysis and the mean of all 4 results of reported.

RESULTSAND CONCLUSION
The mean concentrations were within ±3% of the nominal concentration, confirming the accuracy of formulation. The % difference from mean (or coefficient of variation for Group 3MF) was found to be within 5% confirming precise analysis

Details on mating procedure:

Mating
Male/female ratio 1:1 with identified stock males.
Daily checks for evidence of mating Ejected copulation plugs in cage tray and vaginal smears were checked for the presence of sperm.
Day 0 of gestation When positive evidence of mating was detected.
A colony of stud males was maintained specifically for the purpose of mating; these animals were not part of the study and were maintained as stock animals.

Duration of treatment / exposure:

Females were treated from Day 6 to Day 19 (inclusive) after mating, once daily at approximately the same time each day

Frequency of treatment:

Females were treated once daily at approximately the same time each day

Duration of test:

20 days

Dose / conc.:

100 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)

Remarks:

Calculated from the most recently recorded scheduled body weight

Dose / conc.:

330 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)

Remarks:

Calculated from the most recently recorded scheduled body weight

Dose / conc.:

1 000 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)

Remarks:

Calculated from the most recently recorded scheduled body weight

No. of animals per sex per dose:

20

Control animals:

yes, concurrent vehicle

Details on study design:

The study consisted of one control and three treated groups identified as follows:
Group Treatment Dose# Number of animals Animal numbers
(mg/kg/day) Female Female
1 Control 0 20 1-20
2 GL500 100 20 21-40
3 GL500 330 20 41-60
4 GL500 1000 20 61-80
# Expressed in terms of material as supplied

Administration
Route Oral gavage using a suitably graduated syringe and a rubber catheter inserted via the mouth.
Treated at Constant doses in mg/kg/day.
Volume dose 5 mL/kg body weight.
Individual dose volume Calculated from the most recently recorded scheduled body weight.
Control (Group 1) Vehicle at the same volume dose as treated groups.
Frequency Females were treated from Day 6 to Day 19 (inclusive) after mating, once daily at approximately the same time each day.
(On one day there was a lag in dosing time from the previous day of more than ± 2 hours. Refer to Section 4 of this report for further information).
Formulation A daily record of the usage of formulation was maintained based on weights. This balance was compared with the expected usage as a check of correct administration. No significant discrepancy was found.
Formulations were stirred using a magnetic stirrer before and throughout the dosing procedure.

Maternal examinations:

Clinical Observations
Animals were inspected visually at least twice daily for evidence of ill-health or reaction to treatment. Cages and cage-trays were inspected daily for evidence of animal ill-health amongst the occupant(s). Any deviation from normal was recorded at the time in respect of nature and severity, date and time of onset, duration and progress of the observed condition, as appropriate.
During the acclimatization period, observations of the animals and their cages were recorded at least once per day.
Signs Associated with Dosing
Detailed observations were recorded daily at the following times in relation to dose administration:
Pre-dose observation.
One to two hours after completion of dosing of all groups.
As late as possible in the working day.

Clinical Signs
A detailed physical examination was performed on each animal on Days 0, 5, 12, 18 and 20 after mating to monitor general health.
Body Weight
The weight of each adult was recorded on Days 0, 3 and 6-20 after mating.
Food Consumption
The weight of food supplied to each adult, that remaining and an estimate of any spilled was recorded for the periods Days 0-2, 3-5, 6-9, 10-13, 14-17 and 18-19 after mating inclusive.

Terminal Investigations

Method of Kill
Method of kill for all adult animals Carbon dioxide asphyxiation.
Method of kill for fetuses Chilling on a cool plate (approximately 0C)

Necropsy
All adult animals were subject to a detailed necropsy. After a review of the history of each animal, a full macroscopic examination of the tissues was performed. All external features and orifices were examined visually. Any abnormality in the appearance or size of any organ and tissue (external and cut surface) was recorded and the required tissue samples preserved in appropriate fixative.
Schedule Animals were killed on Day 20 after mating.
Sequence To allow satisfactory inter-group comparison.

Reproductive Assessment
The following were recorded for all animals:
Uterus Gravid uterine weight (including cervix and ovaries).
For each ovary/uterine horn Number of: Corpora lutea.
Implantation sites.
Resorption sites (classified as early or late).
Fetuses (live and dead).
Apparently non pregnant animals and for apparently empty uterine horns The number of uterine implantation sites was checked after staining with ammonium sulphide (modification of the Salewski staining technique (Salewski, E, 1964)).

Fetal examinations:

Fetal Examination and Processing
Examination of all viable fetuses and placentae Dissected from the uterus, individually weighed and identified within the litter using a coding system based on their position in the uterus. Examined externally with abnormalities recorded. The sex of each fetus was recorded.
Examination of nominally 50% of fetuses in each litter Sexed internally and eviscerated.
Fixation Fetuses eviscerated were fixed in Industrial Methylated Spirit (IMS).
Remaining fetuses were fixed whole in Bouin’s fluid.
Processing Bouin’s fixed fetuses were subject to free-hand serial sectioning.
IMS fixed fetuses were processed and stained with Alizarin Red.

Fetal Pathology Examination
Bouin’s fixed fetuses Serial sections were examined for visceral abnormalities.
Alizarin Red stained fetuses Assessed for skeletal development and abnormalities.

Statistics:

See below

Clinical signs:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

There were no signs observed in association with the dosing procedure and no signs at routine physical examination that were considered to be related to treatment. There were no deaths.
Slight piloerection was seen in one female receiving 1000 mg/kg/day (Animal No. 67) on Day 12 after dosing. Piloerection was also seen in one female receiving 330 mg/kg/day (Animal No. 56) and this animal was placed on special attention on Days 14 to 17 due to low food consumption and body weight loss. This animal was subsequently found to be not pregnant.

Dermal irritation (if dermal study):

not examined

Mortality:

no mortality observed

Body weight and weight changes:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

Overall body weight gain (GD 6 - 20) for females treated at 1000 mg/kg/day was slightly low (87 %) when compared with Control. Overall body weight gains for females receiving 100 or 330 mg/kg/day were similar to those of the Control and were considered unaffected by treatment.
The adjusted mean body weight gain (Days 6-20, adjusted for gravid uterine weight) was markedly low in females receiving 1000 mg/kg/day (63% of Control: a gain of 17 grams for females given 1000 mg/kg/day compared with a gain of 27 grams for the Control female group).
Mean gravid uterine weights were generally similar to Control at 100, 330 or 1000 mg/kg/day.

Food consumption and compound intake (if feeding study):

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

The overall food consumption during gestation (Days 6-19) was similar to Control at 100, 330 or 1000 mg/kg/day.
Food consumption was marginally low in females receiving 1000 mg/kg/day on Days 6-9 (88% of Control) and Days 18-19 (89% of Control) of gestation

Food efficiency:

not examined

Water consumption and compound intake (if drinking water study):

not examined

Ophthalmological findings:

not examined

Gross pathological findings:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

There were no macroscopic findings, considered to be related with treatment, in the adults.

Number of abortions:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

One control female 1F 09 and one female receiving either 100 mg/kg/day (2F 23) or 330 mg/kg/day (3F 56) were found to be not pregnant, therefore there were 19, 19, 19 and 20 females at 0, 100, 330 or 1000 mg/kg/day respectively, with live fetuses at necropsy for evaluation.

Pre- and post-implantation loss:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

There were considered to be no test item related effects on numbers of implantations, resorptions (early or late), live young, sex ratio and pre or post-implantation loss.

Early or late resorptions:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

There were considered to be no test item related effects on numbers of implantations, resorptions (early or late), live young, sex ratio and pre or post-implantation loss.

Key result

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Effect level:

330 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)

Based on:

test mat.

Basis for effect level:

body weight and weight gain

food consumption and compound intake

Fetal body weight changes:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

There was no effect of treatment on placental, litter or fetal weights in animals receiving GL500 at doses up to 1000 mg/kg/day.

Skeletal malformations:

effects observed, non-treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

There were no major fetal abnormalities related to treatment.
At 330 and 1000 mg/kg/day there was an increased incidence of supernumerary 14th ribs (minor skeletal abnormality), compared with the concurrent Control, but the incidences were within the HCD and were therefore considered to be unrelated to treatment.

Other effects:

effects observed, non-treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

At 1000 mg/kg/day there was also an increased incidence of brain haemorrhages compared with concurrent Control (recorded in six fetuses compared with two fetuses with this finding in the Control group). However, similar incidences of brain haemorrhages were evident in the HCD and therefore this finding was also considered to be unrelated to treatment.
There was some evidence of ossification delays in the fetuses of females given 1000 mg/kg/day. When compared with the Control, such findings included an increased incidence of delayed/incomplete ossificiation/unossified cranial bones and 5th/6th sternebrae and also a decrease in the incidence of ossified cervical vertebral centra. The incidences of these findings were outside the HCD. In addition, when compared with the Control, there was an increased incidence of partially undescended thymus and this finding was also outside the HCD. Ossification delays are a transient stage in fetal development and are not considered adverse. They are, together with the finding reported in the thymus, indicative of a slight delay in fetal development.

Key result

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Effect level:

1 000 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)

Based on:

test mat.

Basis for effect level:

reduction in number of live offspring

fetal/pup body weight changes

skeletal malformations

other: Other effects

Key result

Developmental effects observed:

no

Conclusions:

It is concluded from this study that the dosage of GL500 at 330 mg/kg/day was the maternal no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) and 1000 mg/kg/day was the no observed adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) for embryo-fetal survival and development.

Executive summary:

The purpose of this study was the assessment of the influence of GL500, a plasticizer, on embryo-fetal survival and development when administered during the organogenesis and fetal growth phases of pregnancy in theHan Wistar rat.

Three groups of 20 females received GL500 at doses of 100, 330 or 1000 mg/kg/day by oral gavage administration, from Day 6 to 19 after mating. A similarly constituted Control group received the vehicle, corn oil, at thesame volume dose as treated groups and for the same duration. Animals were killed on Day 20 of mating for reproductive assessment and fetal examination.

Clinical observations, body weight and food consumption were recorded. Adult females were examined macroscopically at necropsy on Day 20 after mating and the gravid uterus weight recorded. All fetuses were examined macroscopically at necropsy and subsequently by detailed internal visceral examination or skeletal examination.

Results

Maternal clinical condition, body weight, food consumption and macroscopic evaluation were not adversely affected by treatment with GL500 at doses of 100 or 330 mg/kg/day. At 1000 mg/kg/day, there was a reduction in overall mean body weight gain (87% of Control) and also the adjusted mean body weight gain (adjusted for gravid uterine weight) was reduced (63% of Control).  At1000 mg/kg/day, mean food consumption was reduced during Days 6-9 and 18-19 of gestation.

There wasno effect on mean gravid uterine weight and adults were macroscopically normal. 

The number of implantations (including pre or post-implantation loss), resorptions (early or late), live young, sex ratio of males to females and placental and fetal weights were unaffected by treatment.

The pathological examination of the fetuses revealed, when compared with the Controls, higher incidences of the minor findings of delayed ossification of some fetal bones and undescended thymus at 1000 mg/kg/day. These effects were considered to represent a transient stage in development and not to be detrimental to the growth, development and survival of the fetuses.

Conclusion

It is concluded from this study that the dosage of GL500 at 330 mg/kg/day was the maternal no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) and 1000 mg/kg/day was the no‑observed‑adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) for embryo-fetal survival and development.

Reference 2

Endpoint:

developmental toxicity

Remarks:

Preliminary Study

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

other information

Study period:

This study was conducted between 20 February 2017 and 25 March 2017

Reliability:

1 (reliable without restriction)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

test procedure in accordance with generally accepted scientific standards and described in sufficient detail

Qualifier:

no guideline required

Version / remarks:

The purpose of this study was the assessment of the influence of GL500, a plasticizer, on embryo-fetal survival and development in the Han Wistar rat and to establish suitable doses for a main embryo-fetal toxicity study

Principles of method if other than guideline:

The purpose of this study was the assessment of the influence of GL500, a plasticizer, on embryo-fetal survival and development in the Han Wistar rat and to establish suitable doses for a main embryo-fetal toxicity study.
Route of Administration
The oral gavage route of administration was chosen to simulate the conditions of potential human exposure.
Rationale for Dose Level Selection
The doses used in this study (0, 100, 330 or 1000 mg/kg/day) were selected in conjunction with the Sponsor based on the interim results from Envigo Study No. SJ14LX, an OECD 422 study (2016 Guideline) conducted in Han Wistar rats, in which four groups of 10 males and 10 females were treated at 0, 100, 330 or 1000 mg/kg/day. The in-life results from that study indicated slightly low body weight gains in females treated at 1000 mg/kg/day during late gestation and, when compared with controls, slightly low ‘live litter sizes’ on Day 1 for females treated at 330 or 1000 mg/kg/day.
Therefore, given that no animals died and there were no adverse clinical signs seen on the OECD 422 study, doses of 100, 330 and 1000 mg/kg/day were considered suitable for investigation in this study.

GLP compliance:

yes (incl. QA statement)

Limit test:

no

Specific details on test material used for the study:

Test item: GL500
Test item identity (including alternative names): LGFlex GL500, GL500, GL520
CAS number: 1571954-81-8
Intended use: Plasticizer
Appearance : Clear colorless liquid
Storage conditions: At ambient temperature (15 to 25°C) and protected from light (although may be used and formulated in light)
Supplier: Sponsor
Batch number: GLFG160607
Expiry date: 1 June 2017
Purity: 99.8%
Supplier’s responsibilities: Characterization of the test item and the documentation of the methods of synthesis, fabrication or derivation and stability.

Species:

rat

Strain:

Wistar

Remarks:

RccHan™;WIST

Details on test animals or test system and environmental conditions:

Animals
Strain/Species RccHan™;WIST rat.
Supplier Envigo RMS Limited.
Number of animals ordered 29 females.
Spare animals were removed from the study room after treatment commenced.
Duration of acclimatization Five days before commencement of pairing.
Age of the animals at the start of the study (Day 0 of gestation) 76 to 82 days old.
Weight range of the animals at the start of the study (Day 0 of gestation) 185 to 204 g.

Environmental Control
Rodent facility Limited access - to minimize entry of external biological and chemical agents and to minimize the transference of such agents between rooms.
Air supply Filtered fresh air which was passed to atmosphere and not recirculated.
Temperature and relative humidity Monitored and maintained within the range of 20-24ºC and 40-70%. There were no deviations from these ranges.
Lighting Artificial lighting, 12 hours light : 12 hours dark.
Electricity supply Public supply with automatic stand-by generators.

Animal Accommodation
Cages Cages comprised of a polycarbonate body with a stainless steel mesh lid; changed at appropriate intervals.
Solid (polycarbonate) bottom cages were used during the acclimatization and gestation periods.
Grid bottomed cages were used during pairing. Cages were suspended above absorbent paper which was changed daily during pairing.
Cage distribution The cages constituting each group were blocked by group and mounted in batteries.
Bedding Solid bottom cages contained softwood based bark-free fiber bedding, which was changed at appropriate intervals each week.
Number of animals per cage
Acclimatization up to four animals
During pairing one (stock) male and one female
Gestation one female

Environmental Enrichment
Aspen chew block A soft white untreated wood block; provided to each cage throughout the study (except during pairing) and replaced when necessary.
Plastic shelter Provided to each cage throughout the study (except during pairing) and replaced at the same time as the cages.

Diet Supply
Diet SDS VRF1 Certified pelleted diet.
The diet contained no added antibiotic or other chemotherapeutic or prophylactic agent.
Availability Non-restricted.

Water Supply
Supply Potable water from the public supply via polycarbonate bottles with sipper tubes. Bottles were changed at appropriate intervals.
Availability Non-restricted.

Route of administration:

oral: gavage

Vehicle:

corn oil

Details on exposure:

Administration
Route Oral gavage using a suitably graduated syringe and a rubber catheter inserted via the mouth.
Treated at Constant doses in mg/kg/day.
Volume dose 5 mL/kg body weight.
Individual dose volume Calculated from the most recently recorded scheduled body weight.
Control (Group 1) Vehicle at the same volume dose as treated groups.
Frequency Females were treated from Day 6 to Day 19 (inclusive) of gestation, once daily at approximately the same time each day.

Analytical verification of doses or concentrations:

yes

Details on analytical verification of doses or concentrations:

Stability and homogeneity The homogeneity and stability of formulations during storage were confirmed as part of another study, Envigo Study Number SJ14LX.
Formulations prepared at 1 and 200 mg/mL were found to be homogeneous and stable in corn oil for up to 15 days when stored refrigerated (2 to 8°C) and for 1 day at ambient storage (15 to 25°C).
Achieved concentration Samples of each formulation prepared for administration on Day 6 and 19 of gestation were analyzed for achieved concentration of the test item.

Analytical Procedure
The samples were analyzed in accordance with the validated Envigo Analytical Procedure Method No.DFA/M116/16.
The analytical method involved extraction in acetone and dilution in acetonitrile/water 90/10 v/v followed by reverse phase high performance liquidchromatographic analysis with ultraviolet detection. Sample concentrations were determined with reference to external standards prepared in the concentration range 0.5µg/mLto 5µg/mL.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The mean concentrations were within 3% of the nominal concentration, confirming the accuracy of formulation. The % difference from meanswere within 1%, confirming precise analysis.
Procedural recoveries remained within the validated limits of 92.6% and 107.6% throughout the study, confirming the continued accuracy and precision of the analytical method.

Details on mating procedure:

Mating
Male/female ratio 1:1 with identified stock males.
Daily checks for evidence of mating Ejected copulation plugs in cage tray and vaginal smears were checked for the presence of sperm.
Day 0 of gestation When positive evidence of mating was detected.
A colony of stud males was maintained specifically for the purpose of mating; these animals were not part of the study and were maintained as stock animals.

Duration of treatment / exposure:

Females were treated from Day 6 to Day 19 (inclusive) of gestation,

Frequency of treatment:

once daily at approximately the same time each day.

Duration of test:

20 days

Dose / conc.:

100 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)

Remarks:

Calculated from the most recently recorded scheduled body weight

Dose / conc.:

330 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)

Remarks:

Calculated from the most recently recorded scheduled body weight

Dose / conc.:

1 000 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)

Remarks:

Calculated from the most recently recorded scheduled body weight

No. of animals per sex per dose:

6

Control animals:

yes, concurrent vehicle

Details on study design:

The study consisted of one control and three treated groups identified as follows:
Group Treatment Dose Number of animals Animal numbers
(mg/kg/day) Female Female
1 Control 0 6 1-6
2 GL500 100 6 7-12
3 GL500 330 6 13-18
4 GL500 1000 6 19-24

Administration
Route Oral gavage using a suitably graduated syringe and a rubber catheter inserted via the mouth.
Treated at Constant doses in mg/kg/day.
Volume dose 5 mL/kg body weight.
Individual dose volume Calculated from the most recently recorded scheduled body weight.
Control (Group 1) Vehicle at the same volume dose as treated groups.
Frequency Females were treated from Day 6 to Day 19 (inclusive) of gestation, once daily at approximately the same time each day.
Formulation A daily record of the usage of formulation was maintained based on weights. This balance was compared with the expected usage as a check of correct administration. No significant discrepancy was found.
Formulations were stirred using a magnetic stirrer before and throughout the dosing procedure.

Maternal examinations:

Serial Observations
Clinical Observations
Animals were inspected visually at least twice daily for evidence of ill-health or reaction to treatment. Cages and cage-trays were inspected daily for evidence of animal ill-health amongst the occupant(s). Any deviation from normal was recorded at the time in respect of nature and severity, date and time of onset, duration and progress of the observed condition, as appropriate.
During the acclimatization period, observations of the animals and their cages were recorded at least once per day.
Signs Associated with Dosing
Detailed observations were recorded daily at the following times in relation to dose administration:
Pre-dose observation.
One to two hours after completion of dosing of all groups.
As late as possible in the working day.

Clinical Signs
A detailed physical examination was performed on each animal on Days 0, 5, 12, 18 and 20 after mating to monitor general health.

Body Weight
The weight of each adult was recorded on Days 0, 3 and 6-20 after mating.

Food Consumption
The weight of food supplied to each adult, that remaining and an estimate of any spilled was recorded for the periods 0-2, 3-5, 6-9, 10-13, 14-17 and 18-19 after mating inclusive.

Terminal Investigations
Method of Kill
Method of kill for all adult animals Carbon dioxide asphyxiation.
Method of kill for fetuses Chilling on a cool plate (approximately 0C).

Necropsy
All adult animals were subject to a detailed necropsy. After a review of the history of each animal, a full macroscopic examination of the tissues was performed. All external features and orifices were examined visually. Any abnormality in the appearance or size of any organ and tissue (external and cut surface) was recorded and the required tissue samples preserved in appropriate fixative.
Schedule Animals were killed on Day 20 of gestation.
Sequence To allow satisfactory inter-group comparison.

Reproductive Assessment
The following were recorded for all animals:
Uterus Gravid uterine weight (including cervix and ovaries).
For each ovary/uterine horn Number of: Corpora lutea.
Implantation sites.
Resorption sites (classified as early or late).
Fetuses (live and dead).

Fetal examinations:

3.7.4 Fetal Examination
All fetuses and placentae were dissected from the uterus and weighed individually. Fetuses were individually identified within the litter, using a coding system based on their position in the uterus. Each fetus and placenta was externally examined and any abnormalities were recorded, sampled as appropriate and retained in appropriate fixative. The sex of each fetus was recorded. Grossly normal fetuses were discarded

Statistics:

See below

Clinical signs:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

There were no signs observed in association with the dosing procedure and no signs at physical examination that were considered to be related to treatment.

Mortality:

no mortality observed

Body weight and weight changes:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

The group mean body weight and body weight gains were considered unaffected by treatment with GL500 at doses up to 1000 mg/kg/day when compared with the controls.
The overall mean body weight gain of females receiving 100 or 1000 mg/kg/day was slightly low when compared with the controls but, given that the mean overall gain of females receiving 330 mg/kg/day was similar to the controls, this was considered due to normal biological variation.
When mean values of body weight and body weight gain were adjusted for the contribution
of the gravid uterus, overall maternal mean body weight gain during Days 6-20 of gestation
was slightly low for females given 330 or 1000 mg/kg/day, when compared with the controls.

Food consumption and compound intake (if feeding study):

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

Food consumption was unaffected by treatment.

Food efficiency:

not examined

Water consumption and compound intake (if drinking water study):

not examined

Ophthalmological findings:

not examined

Haematological findings:

not examined

Clinical biochemistry findings:

not examined

Urinalysis findings:

not examined

Behaviour (functional findings):

not examined

Immunological findings:

not examined

Organ weight findings including organ / body weight ratios:

not examined

Gross pathological findings:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

The macroscopic examination of females treated with GL500 at doses up to 1000 mg/kg/day did not reveal any findings considered related to treatment.
The macroscopic examination of fetuses did not reveal any findings that could be related to treatment with GL500.

Neuropathological findings:

not examined

Histopathological findings: non-neoplastic:

not examined

Histopathological findings: neoplastic:

not examined

Other effects:

not examined

Number of abortions:

no effects observed

Pre- and post-implantation loss:

effects observed, non-treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

in the group of females given 100 mg/kg/day there were two atypical litters (Animals 8 and 10). In these litters the numbers of implantations and live young were slightly low. These two animals also had slightly high pre-implantation losses with the post implantation loss also slightly high for Animal 10.
Given that females receiving the lowest dose (100 mg/kg/day) appeared to be the most affected group, these effects are not ascribed to treatment and it is very likely that they arose by chance.

Total litter losses by resorption:

no effects observed

Key result

Dose descriptor:

dose level:

Effect level:

1 000 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)

Based on:

test mat.

Basis for effect level:

body weight and weight gain

clinical signs

food consumption and compound intake

haematology

mortality

number of abortions

pre and post implantation loss

total litter losses by resorption

Description (incidence and severity):

Migrated Data from removed field(s)
Field "Fetal/pup body weight changes" (Path: ENDPOINT_STUDY_RECORD.DevelopmentalToxicityTeratogenicity.ResultsAndDiscussion.ResultsFetuses.FetalPupBodyWeightChanges): no effects observed
Field "Description (incidence and severity)" (Path: ENDPOINT_STUDY_RECORD.DevelopmentalToxicityTeratogenicity.ResultsAndDiscussion.ResultsFetuses.DescriptionIncidenceAndSeverityFetalPupBodyWeightChanges): Group mean placental, litter and fetal weights (male, female and overall) were unaffected by treatment with GL500

Changes in sex ratio:

effects observed, non-treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

The mean sex ratio of the litters of females receiving 100 mg/kg/day was biased towards males and the sex ratio of the litters of females receiving 1000 mg/kg/day was biased towards females.

Changes in litter size and weights:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

Group mean placental, litter and fetal weights (male, female and overall) were unaffected by treatment with GL500

Formulation Analysis

Samples of each formulation prepared for administration on Day 6 and 19 of gestation were analyzed for achieved concentration of the test item.

 

The mean concentrations of GL500 in the formulations were within 3% of the nominal concentration, confirming the accuracy of formulation. The percentage difference from the means were within 1%, confirming precise analysis.

 

Procedural recoveries remained within the validated limits of 92.6% and 107.6% throughout

the study, confirming the continued accuracy and precision of the analytical method

Conclusions:

Based on the results of this study it was concluded that the limit dose level of 1000 mg/kg/day would be suitable for use as the high dose level on the subsequent main embryo-fetal study in the pregnant Han Wistar rat

Executive summary:

The purpose of this study was theassessment of the influence of GL500, aplasticizer,on embryo-fetal survival and development in theHan Wistar ratand to establish suitable doses for a main embryo-fetal toxicity study.

Three groups of six females received GL500 at doses of 100, 330 or 1000 mg/kg/day by oral gavage administration from Day 6 to 19 after mating. A similarly constituted Control group received the vehicle, corn oil, at thesame volume dose as treated groups and for the same duration. Animals were killed on Day 20 of gestation for reproductive assessment and fetal examination.

Clinical observations, body weight and food consumption were recorded. Adult females were examined macroscopically at necropsy and the gravid uterus weight recorded. All fetuses were examined externally at necropsy. 

Results

Treatment of GL500 at doses of 100, 330 or 1000 mg/kg/day to pregnant female Han Wistar rats from Day 6 to Day 19 after mating, inclusive, was well tolerated and elicited no deaths and no toxicity-related changes in clinical condition of the adult females. There were no signs associated with dosing.

Body weight gain and food consumption during gestation were considered to be unaffected by treatment.

Gravid uterine weight and adjusted body weight gain was slightly low for females given 330 or 1000 mg/kg/day, when compared with the controls.

 

There were no macroscopic findings, considered to be related to treatment, in adults or fetuses.

All females were pregnant with a live litter on Day 20 of gestation. The litter data showed no clear effects of maternal treatment, with mean numbers of implantations, early, late and total resorptions, number of live young and sex ratio and the extent of pre and post-implantation loss, unaffected by treatment.

Group mean placental, litter and fetal weights (male, female and overall) were unaffected by treatment with GL500.    

Conclusion

Based on the results of this study it was concluded that the limit dose level of 1000 mg/kg/day would be suitable for use as the high dose level on the subsequent main embryo-fetal study in the pregnant Han Wistar rat (Envigo Study No:FN04GX)

Effect on developmental toxicity: via oral route

Endpoint conclusion:

no adverse effect observed

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

1 000 mg/kg bw/day

Study duration:

subchronic

Species:

rat

Justification for classification or non-classification

Not classified - taken from the results of the OECD 414 study.

The repro screening study (as part of the OECD 422 study) is considered to not provide complete information on all aspects of reproduction and development. The Guidelines state that n particular, it offers only limited means of detecting postnatal manifestations of prenatal exposure, or effects that may be induced during postnatal exposure. Due to the selectivity of the end points, and the short duration of the study, results from the OECD 422 test method will not provide evidence for definite claims of no reproduction/developmental effects.