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706318 
Journal Article 
Teratogenic and embryotoxic effects of endosulfan in rats 
Gupta, PK; Chandra, SV; Saxena, DK 
1978 
Yes 
Acta Pharmacologica et Toxicologica
ISSN: 0001-6683 
42 
2 
150-152 
English 
580158 
WOS:A1978EL99300011 
Teratogenic and embryotoxic effects of endosulfan (115297) were studied in rats. Pregnant albino-rats were dosed orally with 0.0, 5.0, or 10.0 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) endosulfan on days 6 through 14 of gestation. The dams were observed for signs of intoxication. The animals were killed on day 21 of gestation, the uteri were removed, and examined for resorptions. The fetuses were removed and examined for viability and malformations. The 5.0 and 10.0mg/kg doses caused increased maternal mortality that was proportional to dose. Treated dams had enlarged uteri. There was a significant increase in fetal mortality and number of resorption sites in endosulfan treated rats. No significant changes in fetal weight were seen. None of the fetuses showed any gross abnormalities. A significant increase in skeletal malformations in offspring of treated dams, ranging from 15 to 23 percent. The most commonly observed malformations were a missing fifth sternebrae or fifth metacarpus, and extra rib, or a wavy rib. Small sized fetuses showed incomplete calcification. The authors note that the enlarged uteri in treated dams may be due to the effect of endosulfan on female sex hormones. Although endosulfan causes increased fetal resorptions and skeletal malformations in rats, these findings do not necessarily mean that similar effects will occur in exposed human embryos. 
embryotoxicity; Endosulfan; insecticide; pesticide; rats; teratogenicity