Marked increase in the teratogenicity of the combined administration of the industrial solvent 2-methoxyethanol and radiofrequency radiation in rats

Journal Article · Sat Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1991 · Teratology; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/tera.1420430618· OSTI ID:5074014

Nelson, B K; Conover, D L; Brightwell, W S; Shaw, P B; Werren, D; Edwards, R M; Lary, J M ^[1]

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1. Division of Biomedical and Behavioral Science, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (United States)

Limited published animal research reports synergistic teratogenic effects following combined hyperthermia (induced by elevated ambient temperature) and administration of chemical teratogens. Radiofrequency (RF) radiation is widely used in occupational environments. Since RF radiation also elevates the body temperature of, and is teratogenic to, exposed animals, concurrent RF radiation and chemical agent administration may enhance teratogenicity. The present exploratory study, consisting of preliminary dose-finding studies and the primary study, was designed to investigate whether concurrent exposure of rats to RF radiation and the industrial solvent 2-methoxyethanol (2ME) can enhance the developmental toxicity of either agent acting alone. Preliminary dose-finding studies using small numbers of rats investigated the ability of various RF radiation conditions and doses of 2ME to produce external malformations (primarily of the paws) when administered on gestation day 13. Based on these preliminary studies, RF radiation exposure (sufficient to elevate rectal temperature to 42.0 degrees C (4 degrees C above normal for rats) for 30 min) and 2ME administration (150 mg/kg) were selected for the primary study. In the primary study, groups of 18 to 27 pregnant rats were administered RF radiation exposure and distilled water gavage, 2ME gavage and sham RF exposure, RF radiation exposure and 2ME gavage concurrently, or sham RF exposure and distilled water gavage. Pregnant rats were sacrificed on gestation day 20, and the offspring were examined for external malformations. Combined exposures enhanced the adverse effects produced by either experimental agent alone (no malformations were detected in the double sham group).

• OSTI ID: 5074014
• Journal Information: Teratology; (United States), Journal Name: Teratology; (United States) Vol. 43:6; ISSN 0040-3709; ISSN TJADA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560300* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
560400 -- Other Environmental Pollutant Effects
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANIMALS
CONGENITAL MALFORMATIONS
DOSE-RESPONSE RELATIONSHIPS
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
MALFORMATIONS
MAMMALS
ORGANIC SOLVENTS
PATHOLOGICAL CHANGES
PREGNANCY
RADIATIONS
RADIOWAVE RADIATION
RATS
RODENTS
SOLVENTS
SYNERGISM
TERATOGENESIS
VERTEBRATES