Developmental toxicity in rats after inhalation exposure of di-2-ethylhexylphthalate (DEHP)

Abstract Di-2-ethylhexylphthalate (DEHP) was investigated in Wistar rats for developmental toxicity after head-nose exposure to aerosol concentrations of 0, 0.01, 0.05 and 0.3 mg/l for 6 h per day from gestation day 6 through 15. A range finding study revealed peroxisome proliferation in the liver of the dams throughout exposure levels of 0.2, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/l with an increasing trend. 0.3 mg/l was therefore regarded as an exposure level leading to peroxisome proliferation as a marker for maternal effects. All concentrations were tolerated without clinical signs of maternal toxicity. The fetuses of 20 animals per exposure group were investigated for structural defects. Five additional animals per group were allowed to litter and the offsprings were raised and observed for postnatal signs of toxicity. No significant developmental toxicity or changes in the postnatal physical development were observed. DEHP is assumed not to exhibit developmental toxicity under the experimental conditions employed.