X-Message-Number: 12514
Date: Wed, 6 Oct 1999 21:02:02 -0700 (PDT)
From: Doug Skrecky <>
Subject: lack of reproductive toxicity of diethylene glycol monoethyl ether

Authors
  Williams J.  Reel JR.  George JD.  Lamb JC.
Institution
  Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology Group, National
  Toxicology Program, NIEHS, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709.
Title
  Reproductive effects of
  diethylene glycol and diethylene glycol
  monoethyl ether in Swiss CD-1 mice assessed by a continuous breeding
  protocol.
Source
  Fundamental & Applied Toxicology.  14(3):622-35, 1990 Apr.
Abstract
  Diethylene glycol (DEG) and diethylene
  glycol monoethyl ether (DEGEE) were evaluated for
  reproductive toxicity in CD-1 mice using a continuous
  breeding protocol. Compounds were administered in the drinking water at 0,
  0.35, 1.75, and 3.5% w/v (DEG) or 0, 0.25 1.25, and 2.5% w/v (DEGEE).
  Exposure of the breeding pairs to 3.5% DEG for 14 weeks produced
  statistically significant decreases in the number of litters per pair, live
  pups per litter, proportion of pups born alive, and live pup weight. There
  was also a significant increase in the cumulative days to litter and a
  significant decrease in the number of pairs producing the third, fourth, and
  fifth litters for the 3.5% DEG-exposed mice. A crossover mating trial of the
  F0 mice to determine the affected sex was inconclusive, but suggested that
  offspring development was compromised in females exposed to 3.5% DEG. Slight
  maternal (F0) toxicity was noted for the 3.5 DEG group (7% decrease in body
  weight). The F1 generation, at 3.5% DEG, had decreased body weights at birth
  and exhibited poor postnatal survival. At the intermediate dose of DEG, body
  weights of both sexes were depressed at weaning, at onset of mating, and at
  necropsy. However, no adverse effects on reproduction were
  observed. DEGEE had no effect on reproduction in the F0 or F1 generation mice
  despite a 34% decrease in cauda epididymal sperm motility in the F1 males at
  2.5% DEGEE. Other signs of toxicity observed in these F1 mice included
  increased relative liver weights. These data indicate that DEG is a
  reproductive toxicant in Swiss mice affecting fertility and
  reproductive performance, albeit at high doses (equivalent
  to 6.1 g/kg/day). However, its monoethyl derivative, DEGEE, is without
  adverse effects on fertility and
  reproductive performance.

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