Teratologic evaluation of 2-phenoxyethanol in New Zealand White rabbits following dermal exposure

• Published in: Fundamental and applied toxicology Vol. 8; no. 2; pp. 272 - 279
• Main Authors: Scortichini, B.H., Quast, J.F., Rao, K.S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Boston, MA Elsevier Science (USA) 01.02.1987; San Diego, CA Academic Press; New York, NY
• Subjects: Abnormalities, Drug-Induced - pathology; Administration, Topical; Animals; Anti-Infective Agents, Local - toxicity; Biological and medical sciences; Blood Cell Count; Embryology: invertebrates and vertebrates. Teratology; Ethylene Glycols - administration & dosage; Ethylene Glycols - toxicity; Female; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Male; Maternal-Fetal Exchange; Pregnancy; Rabbits; Teratogens; Teratology. Teratogens; Pregnancy; Negative result; Vertebrata; Mammalia; Hydroxyether; Toxicity; Animal; Chemical compound; Rabbit; Teratogen; Lagomorpha; Topical administration
• ISSN: 0272-0590; 1095-6832
• DOI: 10.1016/0272-0590(87)90126-6

2-Phenoxyethanol was applied to the clipped skin of pregnant rabbits on Days 6 through 18 of gestation in order to assess the fetotoxic and teratogenic potential by the dermal route. Rabbits were treated with 0, 300, 600, or 1000 mg/kg/day of 2-phenoxyethanol, and fetuses were examined for external, visceral, and skeletal alterations. Dermal application of 1000 mg/kg/day produced maternal toxicity as evidenced by intravascular hemolysis of red blood cells and death in some animals. Maternal toxicity was observed in rabbits treated with 600 mg 2-phenoxyethanol/kg/day but at a lower incidence than that observed at 1000 mg/kg/day. Nine rabbits in the 1000 mg/kg/day dose group and five rabbits at 600 mg/kg/day died or were sacrificed in extremis. Rabbits in the two highest dose groups which survived until Day 28 of gestation showed no evidence of treatment-related effects. No signs of maternal toxicity were seen at 300 mg/kg/day. Examination of rabbit fetuses indicated that, at the dosages tested, 2-phenoxyethanol was not embryotoxic, fetotoxic, or teratogenic.