1,3-bis(3-methyl-2,5-dioxo-1H-pyrrolinylmethyl)benzene

Endpoint summary

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Effects on fertility

Description of key information

An OECD Guideline 416 (Two-Generation Reproduction Toxicity Study) is available. The possible effects of PERKALINK 900 on reproductive performance of male and female rats and on the growth and development of their offspring after dietary administration of the test substance for two consecutive generations were examined.

Based on the results of the dose-range finding study and the palatability study the following dose levels were selected for the main study: 0, 800, 1600 and 3200 mg PERKALINK 900/kg diet for the control, low-, mid- and high-dose groups, respectively.

In the main study, 28 Wistar rats, Crl:WI(WU)/sex/group received diets containing PERKALINK 900 at constant concentrations from the start of the study, during the premating period of at least 10 weeks, mating, gestation and lactation until sacrifice over two successive generations. Dams were allowed to raise one litter and pup data were collected. At the end of the lactation period, pups were weaned and selected for the next generation or sacrificed. F0-and F1-dams were sacrificed at or shortly after weaning and a thorough necropsy was performed. F0- and F1-males were sacrificed after at least 11 weeks of exposure. A thorough necropsy including sperm analysis was performed. Organs and tissues collected at necropsy were microscopically examined. The length and normality of the estrus cycle was evaluated towards the end of the premating period for F0- and F1-females. Sexual maturation was studied in the F1-animals.

The available data do not indicate that PERKALINK 900 causes effects on fertility. However, an estrous cycle arrest in F0 and F1 dams after weaning their pubs was observed. This is of unknown origin and expected to be reversible. Nevertheless, for risk assessment it was decided to follow worst-case considerations and judge this effect as ‘potentially adverse’ and to take the LOEL as starting point for DNEL derivation. For hazard assessment a precautious classification with Repr.Cat 2 fertility is considered adequate for the time being.

Link to relevant study records

Reference

Endpoint:

two-generation reproductive toxicity

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

key study

Study period:

May 2009 - January 2010

Reliability:

1 (reliable without restriction)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

other: GLP compliant, guideline study, no restrictions, fully adequate for assessment.

Qualifier:

according to guideline

Guideline:

OECD Guideline 416 (Two-Generation Reproduction Toxicity Study)

Deviations:

no

Principles of method if other than guideline:

The possible effects of PERKALINK 900 on reproductive performance of male and female rats and on the growth and development of their offspring after dietary administration of the test substance for two consecutive generations.
Based on the results of the dose-range finding study and the palatability study the following dose levels were selected for the main study: 0, 800, 1600 and 3200 mg PERKALINK 900/kg diet for the control, low-, mid- and high-dose groups, respectively.
In the main study, 28 Wistar rats, Crl:WI(WU)/sex/group received diets containing PERKALINK 900 at constant concentrations from the start of the study, during the premating period of at least 10 weeks, mating, gestation and lactation until sacrifice over two successive generations. Dams were allowed to raise one litter and pup data were collected. At the end of the lactation period, pups were weaned and selected for the next generation or sacrificed. F0-and F1-dams were sacrificed at or shortly after weaning and a thorough necropsy was performed. F0- and F1-males were sacrificed after at least 11 weeks of exposure. A thorough necropsy including sperm analysis was performed. Organs and tissues collected at necropsy were microscopically examined. The length and normality of the estrus cycle was evaluated towards the end of the premating period for F0- and F1-females. Sexual maturation was studied in the F1-animals.
In the study report F=0 (P0) and F1 (P0) are the adult animals. This denomination was followed in the study record. The pups are reported as F1 and F2 in the study record.

GLP compliance:

yes

Limit test:

no

Justification for study design:

The study was preceded by a dose-range finding study and a palatability study using the same species, strain and route of administration. Based on the results of the dose-range finding study and the palatability study the following dose levels were selected for the main study: 0, 800, 1600 and 3200 mg PERKALINK 900/kg diet for the control, low-, mid- and high-dose groups, respectively.

Species:

rat

Strain:

other: Wistar outbred Crl:WI(WU)

Sex:

male/female

Details on test animals or test system and environmental conditions:

TEST ANIMALS
- Source: Charles River Deutschland, Sulzfeld, Germany
- Age at study initiation: 5-6 weeks
- Weight at study initiation: (P) Males: 151.12-155.19 g; Females: 104.13-106.70 g; (F1) Males: 36.87-62.48 g; Females: 37.10-59.40 g
- Housing: Macrolon cages with wood shavings (Lignocel, Type 3/4) as bedding material and strips of paper (Enviro-dri) as environmental enrichment; 4/sex/group during premating period, mated females were housed individually
- Water: ad libitum; domestic mains tap-water suitable for human consumption (quality guidelines according to Dutch legislation based on EC Council Directive 98/83/EC)
- Diet: ad libitum; cereal-based (closed formula) rodent diet (Rat & Mouse No. 3 Breeding Diet, RM3) from a commercial supplier (SDS Special Diets Services, Witham, England)
- Acclimation period: 5 days

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
- Temperature (°C): 20-24
- Humidity (%): 40-70
- Air changes (per hr): 10
- Photoperiod (hrs dark / hrs light): 12 / 12

Route of administration:

oral: feed

Vehicle:

unchanged (no vehicle)

Details on exposure:

DIET PREPARATION
Experimental diets were prepared by mixing powdered Rat & Mouse No. 3 breeding diet, RM3 with the appropriate amounts of test substance. The
diets were mixed in a mechanical blender (Lödige, Paderborn, Germany). During the entire study, fresh batches of experimental diets were prepared approx. once every 2-5 weeks. The experimental diets were stored in a freezer (<-18°C). The feed in the feeders was replaced with fresh portions once a week, and filled up when necessary.

Homogeneity analyses were performed four times during the analytical part of the study.

Details on mating procedure:

- M/F ratio per cage: 1/1
- Length of cohabitation: 2 weeks
- Proof of pregnancy: Sperm in vaginal smear referred to as day 0 of pregnancy
- After successful mating each pregnant female was caged (how): Individually
- Sperm positive females that turned out to be non-pregnant were killed 26-28 days after copulation. Females that did not show evidence of copulation after the end of the 2-week mating period were also housed individually until sacrifice (approx. 2 weeks after the last day of the mating period)

Analytical verification of doses or concentrations:

yes

Details on analytical verification of doses or concentrations:

Principle
The concentration of the substance in RM3 diet was determined by extraction of diet samples with acetonitrile. After shaking and centrifugation, an aliqout of the clear supernatant was diluted woth acetonitrile/methanol/MilliQ water 40/10/50 v/v% and the diluted extract was analysed using HPLC with UV detection at 218 nm. Quantification was obtained by comparison of the peak area of the substance in the sample extracts with those in calibration solutions containing known amounts of the test substance.

Validation criteria
Before analysis of study samples, the analytical method was validated by analysing three spiked samples per dose level, to conform to the following criteria:
- Linearity: the correlation coefficient of the calibration curves should be greater than or equal to 0.996;
- Recovery: the recovery of the test substance from test diet should be between 80% and 110% at each of the concentrations tested;
- Repeatability: the relative standard deviation in the percentage recovery of the three spiked diet samples per concentration level should be less than 10%.

Chromatography
The HPLC-UV conditions were as follow:
HPLC: Waters Alliance
Flow: 1 ml/min
Mobile phase: Acetonitrile/methanol/MilliQ water 40/10/50 v/v%
Gradient: Isocratic
Column: Phenomenex Luna C18, 5 µm, 250 x 4.6 mm
Column temperature: 25 ºC
Injection volume: 50 µl
Detection: DAD (218 nm)

Duration of treatment / exposure:

Animals were exposed during the premating period of at least 10 weeks, during mating, gestation and lactation until sacrifice over two successive generations.

Frequency of treatment:

7 days/week

Details on study schedule:

After allocation to the treatment groups, the animals were fed diets containing the test substance from the start of the study until sacrifice. Each generation raised one litter. Vaginal smears were made 3 weeks prior to mating to evaluate length and normality of the estrus cycle.
After 10 weeks of treatment (premating period), each female was caged with a male from the same group until pregnancy occurs or 2 weeks elapsed. Vaginal smears were made daily to determine if sperm was present. The day of observation of sperm in the vaginal smear was considered to be day 0 of pregnancy. Upon evidence of copulation the females were caged individually for the birth and rearing of their pups until PN 21 or shortly thereafter, when pups were weaned and sacrificed. Sperm positive females that turned out to be non-pregnant were killed 26-28 days after copulation. Females that did not show evidence of copulation after the end of the 2-week mating period were also housed individually until sacrifice (approx. 2 weeks after the last day of the mating period). Dams were allowed to raise one litter.
Males were euthanized after mating at approx. 11-12 weeks of exposure.
On PN 4, litters of more than 8 pups were adjusted by eliminating extra pups by random selection to yield, as nearly as possible, 4 males and 4 females per litter. Pups euthanized at culling were examined externally for abnormalities and subsequently preserved in a neutral aqueous phosphate buffered 4% solution of formaldehyde.
On PN 21, the litters were weaned and 28 males and 28 females were selected at random from as many litters as possible in each group to rear the next generation. After selection of the pups for the next generation, of the remaining pups 1 male and 1 female F1-pup of each litter were subjected to a thorough necropsy and the tissues listed in section XXX were weighed and preserved. Pups not selected for the next generation or necropsy were examined externally and sacrificed.
The dams were sacrificed and subjected to a thorough necropsy and the tissues listed in section XXX were weighed, preserved and microscopically examined.
The animals selected from the F1-litters to rear the next generation, were treated at the same dose levels as their parents.
Vaginal opening and preputial separation were scored in the F1-generation.

Remarks:

Doses / Concentrations:
800, 1600 and 3200 mg/kg diet
Basis:
nominal in diet
males and females

Remarks:

Doses / Concentrations:
57.4, 119.6 and 236.7 mg/kg bw/day
Basis:
actual ingested
males, uptake during the entire study

Remarks:

Doses / Concentrations:
70.7, 139.2 and 268.5 mg/kg bw/day
Basis:
actual ingested
females, uptake during entire study except lactation days 14-21 as pups started eating during this period of lactation

No. of animals per sex per dose:

28 (for both F0 and F1).

Control animals:

yes, plain diet

Details on study design:

The study was preceded by a dose-range finding study and a palatability study using the same species, strain and route of administration.

The dose-range finding study comprised 5 groups (one control and four test groups) of 4 male and 4 female rats. After allocation to the treatment groups, the animals were fed diets containing the test substance from the start of the study until sacrifice.
After a premating period of 2 weeks each female was caged with a male from the same group until pregnancy occurred. Vaginal smears were made daily to determine if sperm was present. The day of observation of sperm in the vaginal smear was considered to be day 0 of pregnancy. Upon evidence of copulation the females were caged individually for parturition and rearing of their pups until postnatal day 4 (PN 4) or shortly thereafter, when pups were sacrificed (see section 4.10.11) and dams were sacrificed for necropsy. The morning after birth was considered day 1 post partum. Consequently, for litters that were born during the day, but after the morning observation, that day was considered day 0 post partum.
Males were sacrificed after approximately the same period of exposure as the females; approx. 6 weeks.
The dose levels were selected by the Sponsor and were based on the results of a subacute toxicity study.

In general, it can be concluded that the substance administered in the diet up to levels of 3000 mg/kg (top-dose) was well tolerated. A decrease in body weight and food consumption was observed in the male animals of the 3000 mg/kg in the first period of administration (day 0 to 3 of the study). The test substance intake in the groups was 0, 22.2, 42.4, 88.1 and 177.0 mg/kg body weight for the control, low-, mid- high and top-dose groups, respectively for the male animals. The test substance intake over the entire study in the groups was 0, 29.4, 61.4, 116.1 and 220.7 mg/kg body weight for the control, low-, mid- high and top-dose groups, respectively for the female animals.
The palatability study with 3750 and 4500 mg/kg diet indicated that levels higher than 3000 mg/kg were palatable, but also some effects (weight loss during the first week) were observed at these concentrations.
Based on the results of the dose-range finding study and the palatability study the following dose levels were selected for the main study:
0, 800, 1600 and 3200 mg/kg diet for the control, low-, mid- and high-dose groups.

Positive control:

None

Parental animals: Observations and examinations:

General clinical observations
Each animal was observed daily in the morning hours by cage-side observations. On working days, all cages were checked again in the afternoon for dead or moribund animals to minimize loss of animals from the study. On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays only one check per day was carried out. All abnormalities, signs of ill health or reactions to treatment were recorded.

Body weight
Body weights of male and female rats were recorded at the start of administration of the test substance, and weekly thereafter during the premating period. Males were weighed once per week during the mating period until sacrifice. Females were weighed once per week during mating and mated females were weighed on days 0, 7, 14 and 21 during presumed gestation and on day 1, 4, 7, 14 and 21 of lactation. In addition, the animals were weighed on their scheduled necropsy date in order to calculate the correct organ to body weight ratios.

Food consumption
Food consumption was measured per cage by weighing the feeders. The results are expressed in g per animal per day and g per kg body weight per day. Food consumption of male rats was measured twice weekly, except during the mating period. Food consumption of female rats was measured twice weekly during the premating period. Food consumption of mated females was recorded weekly during pregnancy and on day 1, 4, 7, 14 and 21 of lactation.

Intake of the test substance
The intake of the test substance per kg body weight per day was calculated from the nominal dietary concentration of the test substance, the food consumption and the mean body weight measured at the beginning and the end of the pertaining period.

Oestrous cyclicity (parental animals):

Vaginal smears to evaluate the estrus cycle length and normality were made daily for about 3 weeks prior to mating. Smears were made and stained of all females, but only the smears of the control group and the high-dose group were evaluated. No treatment-related changes were observed in the high-dose group; therefore the evaluation of vaginal smears was not extended to the intermediate-dose groups.

Sperm parameters (parental animals):

Epididymal sperm motility, count and morphology
At scheduled necropsy, epididymal sperm was derived from the left cauda epididymis of all males of all groups. For this purpose, the cauda epididymis was dissected, weighed, and thereafter minced in M199 medium containing 0.5% bovine serum albumin. Sperm motility and, after sonification and DNA staining, the cauda epididymal sperm reserves (sperm count) were measured for all males of all groups, using the Hamilton Thorne Integrated Visual Optical System (IVOS). In addition, a smear of the sperm solution was prepared and stained for all males, but only the smears of the control and the high-concentration group males were examined for morphology as no treatment-related changes were observed in the high-dose group.

Testicular sperm count
At necropsy, the left testis of all males of all groups were placed on dry ice and subsequently stored in a freezer (<-70°C) for later determination of the number of homogenization-resistant spermatids. The testes to be analysed were thawed just before further processing. Following removal of the tunica albuginea, the testicular parenchyma were weighed, minced and homogenized in Saline Triton X-100 solution. Following DNA-staining, the homogenization-resistant sperm heads were enumerated using the IVOS. The daily sperm production was calculated. The evaluation of homogenization-resistant spermatids was performed in the control group and high-concentration group as no treatment-related changes were observed in the high-dose group.

Litter observations:

Parturition and litter evaluation
At the end of the gestation period, females were examined twice daily for signs of parturition. Any difficulties occurring during parturition were recorded. To keep nest disturbance to a minimum the litters were examined only once daily for dead pups.

Litter size, sexes and weight
The total litter size and numbers of each sex as well as the number of stillbirths, live and dead pups and grossly malformed pups were evaluated on days 1, 4, 7, 14, and 21 of lactation. The pups were individually weighed days 1, 4, 7, 14, and 21 of lactation. Mean pup weight and pup weight change were calculated per sex and per both sexes combined.

Weaning and selection of pups
At weaning on PN 21 the study director provided a list for the selection of pups for necropsy (F1- and F2-pups) and the next generation (F1-pups).

All stillborn pups, pups found dead and pups that are terminated in a moribund condition during the study were examined macroscopically for structural abnormalities and pathological changes. Gross necropsy was also performed on pups of dams that died during lactation (these pups were sacrificed at the time of the dam’s death), and on pups showing external abnormalities at weaning. Organs and tissues showing macroscopic abnormalities were preserved in a neutral aqueous phosphate-buffered 4% solution of formaldehyde and examined microscopically.

Postmortem examinations (parental animals):

Gross necropsy and histology of parental animals
All surviving male and female parent rats were euthanized by exsanguination from the abdominal aorta under CO2/O2 anaesthesia and then examined grossly for pathological changes. A necropsy was also performed on animals that died intercurrently (if not precluded by autolysis) or that were killed because they were moribund.

Male animals were sacrificed after mating at approx. 11-12 weeks after the start of the administration of the test substance.
Female animals were sacrificed:
- females with a litter, at or shortly after day 21 of lactation
- females with no viable pups, shortly after the death of the last pup.
- non-pregnant females, 21-26 days after copulation
- non-mated females, approx. 3-4 weeks after the end of the mating period

Samples of the following tissues and organs of all parent animals were preserved in a neutral aqueous phosphate-buffered 4% solution of formaldehyde except for the testes which was preserved in Bouin's fixative:
- adrenals
- brain
- epididymides (left cauda which was used for sperm analysis)
- kidneys
- liver
- ovaries
- pituitary gland
- prostate
- seminal vesicles and coagulating glands
- spleen
- testes (right testis was preserved in Bouin’s fixative, the left one was used for sperm analysis)
- thyroid
- uterus (after counting of the implantation sites)
- vagina
- organs and tissues showing macroscopic abnormalities

Microscopic examination was performed on these organs of all rats of the control and high-dose groups. Treatment-related abnormalities were observed in the ovaries, uterus and vagina. In consultation with the sponsor it was decided to extend the examination of these organs to the intermediate groups.
In addition, reproductive organs of males that failed to sire (did not mate or mated females were not pregnant) and females that were non-mated or non-pregnant, of the low- and mid-dose groups, were microscopically examined.

Postmortem examinations (offspring):

At weaning 1 male and 1 female pup per litter were subjected to a thorough necropsy. Pups were euthanized by exsanguination from the abdominal aorta under CO2/O2 anaesthesia and then examined grossly for pathological changes. Special attention was paid to the organs of the reproductive system. The following organs were preserved in a neutral aqueous phosphate-buffered 4% solution of formaldehyde for possible future examination:
- brain
- spleen
- thymus
- organs and tissues showing macroscopic abnormalities

Statistics:

The results were analyzed using the methods mentioned below. Other statistical tests may be performed when considered appropriate. P< 0.05 was considered as a level of significance.
- Clinical findings were evaluated by Fisher's exact probability test.
- Body weight, body weight gain, organ weights and food consumption data were subjected to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Dunnett's multiple comparison tests.
- Fisher's exact probability test were used to evaluate the number of mated and pregnant females and females with live pups.
- Number of implantation sites, live and dead pups were evaluated by Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric analysis of variance followed by the Mann-Whitney U test.
- Estrus cyclicity were evaluated by Fisher’s exact test (number of acyclic animals and number of animals with prolonged estrus period), ANOVA followed by Dunnetts multiple comparison tests (number of cycles per animal) and Kruskal-Wallis non parametric ANOVA followed by Mann-Whitney U test (length of the longest cycle).
- Sperm parameters were evaluated by ANOVA followed by Dunnetts multiple comparison tests (epididymal and testicular sperm count and numerical sperm motility parameters) or by Kruskal-Wallis non parametric ANOVA followed by Mann-Whitney U test (motility parameters expressed as a percentage and sperm morphology).
- Histopathological changes were evaluated by Fisher's exact probability test.

Reproductive indices:

For each mating the following data were presented for each group:
- number of females placed with males
- number of males mated with females
- number of successful copulations (= number of females mated)
- number of males that became sire
- number of pregnant females as demonstrated by the presence of implantation sites observed at necropsy.
- number of females surviving delivery
- number of females with liveborn and (all) stillborn pups
- number of pups delivered (live- and stillborn)
- number of live pups at day n
- number of pups lost between days
- number of litters lost entirely at day n
- number of male pups at day n
- number of implantation sites
- number of lost implantations
- litter size at day n

The following parameters were calculated:
- pre-coital time = time between the start of mating and successful copulation
- duration of gestation = time between gestation day 0 and day of delivery
- mating index= (number of females mated/number of females placed with males) x 100
- male fertility index = (number of males that became sire/number of males placed with females) x 100
- female fertility index = (number of pregnant females/number of females placed with males) x 100
- female fecundity index = (number of pregnant females/number of females mated) x 100
- gestation index = (number of females with live pups/number of females pregnant) x 100
- live birth index = (number of pups born alive/number of pups born) x 100
- pup mortality day n = (number of dead pups on day n/total number of pups on day n) x 100
- sex ratio day n = (number of live male pups on day n/ number of live pups on day n) x 100
- number of lost implantations = number of implantations sites - number of pups born alive
- post-implantation loss = [(number of implantation sites - number of pups born alive)/number of implantation sites] x 100

Clinical signs:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

The clinical signs observed in a few animals and not considered to be treatment related.

Dermal irritation (if dermal study):

not examined

Mortality:

no mortality observed

Body weight and weight changes:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

Mean body weights of the male F0- and F1-animals of the mid-dose and high-dose group were dose-relatedly and statistically significantly decreased; the high-dose group was statistically significantly decreased during the entire study.

Food consumption and compound intake (if feeding study):

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

Males of the F0-generation:
Mean food consumption (expressed as g/animal/day) was statistically significantly decreased in the mid-dose group in week 0-1, weeks 4-7 and 9-10 and in the high-dose group during the entire premating period and after mating until sacrifice. Mean food consumption calculated as g/kg bw/day was statistically significantly decreased in the first week of the study in the high-dose group.
Premating period:
Females of the F0-generation:
Mean food consumption (expressed as g/animal/day) was statistically significantly decreased in the mid- and high-dose group during the first week of the study. Mean food consumption calculated as g/kg bw/day was statistically significantly decreased in the first week of the study in the high-dose group.
Gestation period:
F0-generation:
Mean food consumption of the pregnant females (expressed as g/animal/day and g/kg body weight/day) was statistically significantly decreased in the high-dose group between GD 14-21.
Lactation period:
F0-generation:
Mean food consumption of the dams was statistically significantly decreased in the high-dose group between LD 1-4 and 7-21 (expressed as g/animal/day) and between LD 7-21 (expressed as g/kg body weight/day).

Food efficiency:

not specified

Water consumption and compound intake (if drinking water study):

not specified

Ophthalmological findings:

not examined

Haematological findings:

not examined

Clinical biochemistry findings:

not examined

Urinalysis findings:

not examined

Behaviour (functional findings):

not examined

Immunological findings:

not examined

Organ weight findings including organ / body weight ratios:

effects observed, treatment-related

Histopathological findings: non-neoplastic:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

Histopathological analysis of the ovaries, uterus and vagina showed a clear treatment related effect in the high-dose groups of both the F0- and F1-generation. In the majority of cases the reproductive cycle stage could not be determined. Most rats showed atrophy of the vaginal epithelium and atrophy of the uterus. In addition, the uterine lumen was lined by optically clear, tall columnar cells, with oval instead of round nuclei. No histopathological changes were observed in males.

Histopathological findings: neoplastic:

not examined

Other effects:

no effects observed

Reproductive function: oestrous cycle:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

Estrus cycle and cycle length were considered normal in both generations.

Reproductive function: sperm measures:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

At necropsy no effect was observed on motility, count and morphology of the epididymal sperm of both generations. Daily sperm production as measured in the homogenisation resistant testicular sperm was comparable between the control and high-dose group.

Reproductive performance:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

In both generations, no treatment-related differences were observed in pre-coital time, mating index, female fecundity index and male and female fertility index, duration of gestation and post-implantation loss.

CLINICAL SIGNS AND MORTALITY
F0-generation:
No mortalities were observed. The clinical signs observed in the animals during the premating, mating, gestation and lactation period were only seen in one or a few animals and were normal for animals of this strain and age.
F1-generation:
One female of the mid-dose group was killed moribund on GD 21. This animal showed poor health, weakness, cold, piloerection and vaginal discharge (other than red) on GD 21. Because mortality was not observed in animals of the high-dose group, this finding was considered an isolated finding.
In 2, 3, 7 and 7 female animals of the control, low, mid- or high-dose group, respectively a thread was observed in the vagina during the premating period. This observation was scored as “vagina: hymen partially present” after the vagina was open; the increase of this finding was not statistically significant.
No other remarkable clinical signs were observed in the animals during the premating, mating, gestation and lactation period; signs were only seen in one or a few animals and were normal for animals of this strain and age.

BODY WEIGHT AND BODY WEIGHT CHANGE
Males of the F0-generation:
Mean body weight of the high-dose group was statistically significantly decreased when compared to the control group from week 1 until sacrifice. Mean body weight change of this group was statistically significantly decreased between weeks 0-1, 2-3, 4-7 and 9-10. Mean body weight of the mid-dose group was statistically significantly decreased in weeks 1, 2, 5, and 9. Body weight change of the animals of this group was statistically significantly decreased between weeks 0-1, 4-5 and 9-10. Mean body weights and body weight changes of animals of the low-dose group were comparable to the control group; only an incidental difference was observed in the body weight change in week 4-5.
Males of the F1-generation:
Mean body weights of the animals of the mid- and high-dose groups were statistically significantly decreased when compared to the control group; the high-dose group during the entire period and the mid-dose group in weeks 0-6. Body weight change of animals of the high-dose group was statistically significantly decreased when compared to the control group between weeks 0-7 (except in week 4-5) and body weight changes of the mid-dose group only in week 1-2. Body weight change of the low-dose group was statistically significantly increased in weeks 3-4 and 10-11.

Premating period:
Females of the F0-generation:
Mean body weight of the high-dose group was statistically significantly decreased when compared to the control group in weeks 1-3. Mean body weight change of this group was statistically significantly decreased between weeks 0-2. Body weight change of animals of the mid-dose group was statistically significantly decreased between weeks 0-1 and 2-3 and increased between week 9-10. Body weight change of animals of the low-dose group was statistically significantly increased between week 1-2.
Females of the F1-generation:
Mean body weight of the high-dose group was statistically significantly decreased when compared to the control group from week 0 (shortly after weaning) until mating onwards. Mean body weight change of this group was statistically significantly decreased between weeks 0-2 and statistically significantly increased between weeks 3-5, 6-7 and 8-9. Mean body weight of the animals of the mid-dose group was statistically significantly decreased in weeks 0-4. Body weight change was not decreased; only an incidental statistically significant increase was observed in week 6-7.
Gestation period:
F0-generation:
Mean body weights of the pregnant animals of the dosed groups were comparable to the control group. Mean body weight change of the mid-dose group was statistically significantly increased when compared to the control group between GD 14-21.
F1-generation:
Mean body weights of the pregnant animals of the high-dose group were statistically significantly decreased when compared to the control group on GD 0, 7 and 14. No differences in body weight change were observed between the dosed groups and the control group.
Lactation period:
F0-generation:
Mean body weights of the dams of the high-dose group were statistically significantly decreased when compared to the control group on day 7, 14 and 21 of lactation (LD). Mean body weight changes of the mid- and high-dose groups were statistically significantly decreased between LD 7-14 and statistically significantly increased between LD 14-21; the dams of the high-dose group lost weight between LD 7-14.
F1-generation:
Mean body weights of the dams of the high-dose group were statistically significantly decreased when compared to the control group during the entire lactation period (LD 1-21). Mean body weight change of the high-dose group was statistically significantly decreased between LD 7-14 when compared to the control group. The dams of the high-dose group lost weight between LD 7-14; the dams of the control group gained weight during this period. The body weight changes between LD 14-21 of dams of the mid- and high-dose groups were statistically significantly different from the control group; these dams lost less weight (mid-dose) or gained weight (high-dose) when compared to the dams of the control group.

FOOD CONSUMPTION
Males of the F0-generation:
Mean food consumption (expressed as g/animal/day) was statistically significantly decreased in the mid-dose group in week 0-1, weeks 4-7 and 9-10 and in the high-dose group during the entire premating period and after mating until sacrifice. Mean food consumption calculated as g/kg bw/day was statistically significantly decreased in the first week of the study in the high-dose group.
Males of the F1-generation:
Mean food consumption (expressed as g/animal/day) was statistically significantly decreased in the mid-dose group between weeks 1 and 3 and in the high-dose group during the entire premating period and after mating until sacrifice. Mean food consumption calculated as g/kg bw/day was statistically significantly increased between weeks 3 and 5 and weeks 6 and 11 in the high-dose group.

Premating period:
Females of the F0-generation:
Mean food consumption (expressed as g/animal/day) was statistically significantly decreased in the mid- and high-dose group during the first week of the study. Mean food consumption calculated as g/kg bw/day was statistically significantly decreased in the first week of the study in the high-dose group.
Females of the F1-generation:
Mean food consumption (expressed as g/animal/day) was statistically significantly decreased in the mid-dose group in week 1 to 2 and in the high-dose group between weeks 0-6. No statistically significant difference was observed in mean food consumption calculated as g/kg bw/day between the groups.
Gestation period:
F0-generation:
Mean food consumption of the pregnant females (expressed as g/animal/day and g/kg body weight/day) was statistically significantly decreased in the high-dose group between GD 14-21.
F1-generation:
Mean food consumption of the pregnant females (expressed as g body weight/day) was statistically significantly increased in the high-dose group between GD 0-7. No other differences in food consumption were observed between the groups.
Lactation period:
F0-generation:
Mean food consumption of the dams was statistically significantly decreased in the high-dose group between LD 1-4 and 7-21 (expressed as g/animal/day) and between LD 7-21 (expressed as g/kg body weight/day).
F1-generation:
Mean food consumption (expressed as g/animal/day) of the dams was statistically significantly decreased in the mid-dose group between LD 14-21 and in the dams of the high-dose group between LD 1 and 21. Mean food consumption (expressed as g/kg body weight/day) of the dams of all dosed groups was statistically significantly decreased when compared to the control between LD 7-21.

ESTRUS CYCLE
F0-generation:
No statistically significant differences were observed in the estrus cycle between the exposed and the control groups.
F1-generation:
No statistically significant differences were observed in the estrus cycle between the exposed and the control groups.
Reproductive cycle determinations at sacrifce revealed that treated F0 and F1 females remained in a persistent anestrus phase after weaning their pups. This effect was seen throughout all doses in a dose-dependent manner. Nevertheless, the reproductive performance of female rats (fertility) was not affected at all, neither in the F0 nor in the F1 female groups, latter beeing potentially exposed to the test substance in their fetus-, pup-, adolescent- and adult- lifestage. This observation points to the presumption that the cycle arrest seen in the treated females may be a temporary, reversible effect. However, this hypothesis cannot be proven based on the study design of a standard 2-generation study.
In summary, the reproductive cycle arrest was considered as of unclear origin, potentially reversible and thus as not assessable (not known if adverse). To account for this situation setting a LOEL was considered adequate for reproductive toxicity in females. This LOEL was determined with the lowest dose in females, i.e. 70.7 mg/kg bw/day.

FERTILITY AND REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE
F0-generation:
All females of the dosed and control groups were found sperm positive except one female of the low-dose group. 26, 26, 27, 28 female animals of the control, low-, mid- and high-dose group, respectively, delivered a live litter. No treatment-related differences were observed in pre-coital time, mating index, female fecundity index and male and female fertility index, duration of gestation and post-implantation loss. All dams survived the delivery and there were no dams with all stillborn pups in any of the groups.
F1-generation:
All females of the dosed and control groups were found sperm positive except one female of the high-dose group. 28, 26, 26, 27 female animals of the control, low-, mid- and high-dose group, respectively, delivered a live litter. One animal of the mid-dose group was killed moribund on GD 21. One animal of the mid-dose group was pregnant (1 implantation site); no live pups were observed. The duration of the gestation period was statistically significantly decreased in the low- and high-dose groups. The duration of the gestation period was at least 21 days for all dams; except for 1 dam of the low-dose group the duration of gestation was 20 days. The duration of gestation was within the historical control range and not considered to be an adverse effect. No treatment-related differences were observed in pre-coital time, mating index, female fecundity index and male and female fertility index and post-implantation loss.

SPERM ANALYSIS
Epididymal sperm motility
F0-generation:
Sperm motility in the dosed and the control groups was comparable.
F1-generation:
Sperm motility in the dosed and the control groups was comparable.

Epididymal sperm count
F0-generation:
Epididymal sperm counts in the dosed and the control groups were comparable.
F1-generation:
Epididymal sperm counts in the dosed and the control groups were comparable.

Sperm morphology
F0-generation:
Only a few abnormal sperm were observed in the high-dose and the control groups.
F1-generation:
Only a few abnormal sperm were observed in the high-dose and the control groups.

Testicular resistant sperm
F0-generation:
Homogenisation resistant sperm counts were comparable in the high-dose and the control groups.
F1-generation:
The testicular parenchym weight of the high-dose group was statistically significantly decreased when compared to the control; this is related to the decreased absolute testis weight of this group. Homogenisation resistant sperm counts were comparable in the high-dose and the control groups.

NECROPSY OBSERVATIONS OF PARENTAL ANIMALS
Organ weights
The statistically significant decrease in absolute and relative weights of the ovaries and uterus of the females of the high-dose group of the F0- and the F1-generation were considered related to treatment. The other effects observed on absolute and relative organ weights were inconsistent and or considered to be related to the effects on body weight.

Macroscopic observations
F0-generation:
Gross examination at necropsy revealed no exposure-related findings.
F1-generation:
One animal of the mid-dose group was killed moribund on GD 21. This animal lost approximately 14 g body weight between GD 14-21 (all other pregnant animals gained weight) and showed poor health, weakness, cold, piloerection and vaginal discharge (other than red) on GD 21. The uterus of this animal contained 1 early resorption and 9 live but small for age pups; at necropsy the head of one pup was outside the vagina. The other changes occurred in only a few animals and are common gross findings in rats of this strain and age.

Microscopic observations
F0-generation:
Males
In male rats, no treatment-related histopathological changes could be detected.
Females
Histopathological analysis revealed that most female rats of the control group were in the pro-estrus or estrus phase (22/28). One rat was in a persistent anestrus phase.
In the low-dose group, the number of rats in a persistent anestrus phase (10/28) was increased in comparison to the control group (1/28). In the mid-dose group, the number of rats in a persistent anestrus phase further increased (17/28).
Of one animal, of the mid-dose group, the reproductive phase could not be determined. The vaginal epithelium of this rat showed slight atrophy, characterised by the presence of 1 layer of low epithelial cells. In addition the uterine lumen was lined by optically clear tall columnar cells, with oval instead of round nuclei.
In the high-dose group, the reproductive cycle could not be determined in the majority of rats (25/28). These rats showed slight to moderate atrophy of the vaginal epithelium, characterised by the presence of 1 layer of low epithelial cells. In addition, the majority of these rats showed slight atrophy of the uterus (19/28) and a uterine lumen that was lined by optically clear tall columnar cells, with oval instead of round nuclei (26/28).
Semi-quantitative analysis indicated that the average number of corpora lutea in the ovaries, was statistically significantly lower in the high-dose group in comparison to average number in the control group.

F1-generation:
Males
In male rats, no treatment-related histopathological changes could be detected.
Females
Similar to the control females of the F0-generation, most control females of the F1-generation were in the pro-estrus or estrus phase (22/28). Two rats were in a persistent anestrus phase.
In the low-dose group, the number of rats (6/28) in a persistent anestrus phase was slightly increased as compared to the controls. In the mid-dose group, this number remained approximately the same (8/28).
One animal of the mid-dose group showed slight atrophy of the vaginal epithelium.
Similar to the F0-generation, the reproductive cycle could not be determined in the majority of rats of the high-dose group (18/28). Most rats (19/28) showed slight to moderate atrophy of the vaginal epithelium, characterised by the presence of just 1 layer of low epithelial cells. In addition, the majority of these rats showed slight atrophy of the uterus (18/28) and a uterine lumen that was lined by optically clear, tall columnar cells, with oval instead of round nuclei (18/28).
Semi quantitative analysis indicated that the average number of corpora lutea in the high-dose group was statistically significantly lower in comparison to the average number of the control group.

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Remarks:

parental toxicity

Effect level:

800 other: mg/kg diet (57.4 mg/kg bw/day)

Based on:

test mat.

Sex:

male

Basis for effect level:

other: decreased body weight and reduced food consumption at the next higher dose

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Remarks:

parental toxicity

Effect level:

800 other: mg/kg diet (70.7 mg/kg bw/day)

Based on:

test mat.

Sex:

female

Basis for effect level:

other: decreased body weight and reduced food consumption at the next higher dose

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Remarks:

reproductive toxicity

Effect level:

3 200 other: mg/kg diet (236.7 mg/kg bw/day)

Based on:

test mat.

Sex:

male

Basis for effect level:

other: no treatment related effects

Dose descriptor:

LOEL

Remarks:

reproductive toxicity

Effect level:

800 other: mg/kg diet (70.7 mg/kg bw/day)

Based on:

test mat.

Sex:

female

Basis for effect level:

other: effects on estrous cyclicity (persistent anestrus of F0 and F1 dams after weaning their pups); effect is of unclear origin, potentially reversible; reproductive performance of F0 and F1 females is not affected

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Remarks:

developmental toxicity

Effect level:

800 other: mg/kg diet (57.4 mg/kg bw/day)

Based on:

test mat.

Sex:

male

Basis for effect level:

other: decreased pup weight and decreased spleen weight in the pups at the next higher dose

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Remarks:

developmental toxicity

Effect level:

800 other: mg/kg diet (70.7 mg/kg bw/day)

Based on:

test mat.

Sex:

female

Basis for effect level:

other: decreased pup weight and decreased spleen weight in the pups at the next higher dose

Clinical signs:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

The clinical signs observed in a few animals and not considered to be treatment-related.

Dermal irritation (if dermal study):

not examined

Mortality:

mortality observed, non-treatment-related

Description (incidence):

One F1-female of the mid-dose group was killed moribund on GD 21. At necropsy no treatment-related gross changes were observed in this animal.

Body weight and weight changes:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

Mean body weights of the male F0- and F1-animals of the mid-dose and high-dose group were dose-relatedly and statistically significantly decreased; the high-dose group was statistically significantly decreased during the entire study.

Food consumption and compound intake (if feeding study):

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

Males of the F1-generation:
Mean food consumption (expressed as g/animal/day) was statistically significantly decreased in the mid-dose group between weeks 1 and 3 and in the high-dose group during the entire premating period and after mating until sacrifice. Mean food consumption calculated as g/kg bw/day was statistically significantly increased between weeks 3 and 5 and weeks 6 and 11 in the high-dose group.
Premating period:
Females of the F1-generation:
Mean food consumption (expressed as g/animal/day) was statistically significantly decreased in the mid-dose group in week 1 to 2 and in the high-dose group between weeks 0-6. No statistically significant difference was observed in mean food consumption calculated as g/kg bw/day between the groups.
Gestation period:
F1-generation:
Mean food consumption of the pregnant females (expressed as g body weight/day) was statistically significantly increased in the high-dose group between GD 0-7. No other differences in food consumption were observed between the groups.
Lactation period:
F1-generation:
Mean food consumption (expressed as g/animal/day) of the dams was statistically significantly decreased in the mid-dose group between LD 14-21 and in the dams of the high-dose group between LD 1 and 21. Mean food consumption (expressed as g/kg body weight/day) of the dams of all PERKALINK 900-fed groups was statistically significantly decreased when compared to the control between LD 7-21.

Food efficiency:

not specified

Water consumption and compound intake (if drinking water study):

not specified

Ophthalmological findings:

not examined

Haematological findings:

not examined

Clinical biochemistry findings:

not examined

Urinalysis findings:

not examined

Behaviour (functional findings):

not examined

Immunological findings:

not examined

Organ weight findings including organ / body weight ratios:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

In the females of the high-dose group of the F0- and the F1-generation a statistically significant decrease in absolute and relative weights of the ovaries and uterus was observed. This effect was considered directly related to the toxicity of PERKALINK 900 in the diet. The other effects observed on absolute and relative organ weights were inconsistent and or considered to be related to the effects on body weight.

Gross pathological findings:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

At necropsy no treatment related gross changes were observed in the F0- and F1- animals. At necropsy no effect was observed on motility, count and morphology of the epididymal sperm of both generations. Daily sperm production as measured in the homogenisation resistant testicular sperm was comparable between the control and high-dose group.

Neuropathological findings:

not examined

Histopathological findings: non-neoplastic:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

Histopathological analysis of the ovaries, uterus and vagina showed a clear treatment related effect in the high-dose groups of both the F0- and F1-generation. In the majority of cases the reproductive cycle stage could not be determined. Most rats showed atrophy of the vaginal epithelium and atrophy of the uterus. In addition, the uterine lumen was lined by optically clear, tall columnar cells, with oval instead of round nuclei. No histopathological changes were observed in males.

Histopathological findings: neoplastic:

not examined

Other effects:

no effects observed

Reproductive function: oestrous cycle:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

Estrus cycle and cycle length were considered normal in both generations.

Reproductive function: sperm measures:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

At necropsy no effect was observed on motility, count and morphology of the epididymal sperm of both generations. Daily sperm production as measured in the homogenisation resistant testicular sperm was comparable between the control and high-dose group.

Reproductive performance:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

In both generations, no treatment-related differences were observed in pre-coital time, mating index, female fecundity index and male and female fertility index, duration of gestation and post-implantation loss.

In both generations, no treatment-related differences were observed in pre-coital time, mating index, female fecundity index and male and female fertility index, duration of gestation and post-implantation loss.

Clinical signs:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

Clinical signs and abnormalities:
The number of sparsely haired pups was statistically significantly increased on PN 21 in the high-dose group; this finding was only observed in one litter of one dam and therefore not considered of toxicological significance.

Dermal irritation (if dermal study):

not examined

Mortality / viability:

no mortality observed

Description (incidence and severity):

No effect on pup mortality, number or sex ratio was observed.

Body weight and weight changes:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

The following effects were observed on pup weight and pup weight change:
Low-dose group: statistically significant decrease in mean pup weight change (male and females separately and combined) between PN 14 and 21.
Mid-dose group: statistically significant decrease in mean pup weight (male and females separately and combined) on PN 21. Statistically significant decrease in pup weight change (both sexes combined) between PN 7 and 14 and a statistically significantly decrease in mean pup weight change (males and females separately and combined) between PN 14 and 21.
High-dose: statistically significant decrease in mean pup weight (males) on PN 4 and statistically significantly decreased in mean pup weight (males and females separately and combined) on PN 7, 14 and 21. Statistically significant decrease in pup weight change (male and females separately and combined) between PN 7 and 14 and between PN 14 and 21.

Food consumption and compound intake (if feeding study):

not specified

Food efficiency:

not specified

Water consumption and compound intake (if drinking water study):

not specified

Ophthalmological findings:

not examined

Haematological findings:

not examined

Clinical biochemistry findings:

not examined

Urinalysis findings:

not examined

Sexual maturation:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

The following effects were observed on pup weight and pup weight change:
Low-dose group: no statistically significant effects.
Mid-dose group: statistically significant decrease in mean pup weight (male and females separately and combined) on PN 21. Statistically significant decrease in pup weight change (males and females separately and combined) between PN 14 and 21.
High-dose: statistically significant decrease in mean pup weight (males and females separately and combined) on PN 7, 14 and 21. Statistically significant decrease in pup weight change (male and females separately and combined) between PN 1 and 4, between PN 7 and 14 and between PN 14 and 21.

Organ weight findings including organ / body weight ratios:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

Absolute brain weights of the pups (male or female pups or both sexes combined) of the high-dose group were statistically significantly decreased when compared to the brain weights of control group. Relative brain weights of the female pups of the mid-dose group and the male and female pups and the combined weights of both sexes of the high-dose group were statistically significantly increased. The effect on brain weight was not considered to be an adverse effect but a body weight related effect.
Absolute thymus weights of the female pups and the combined thymus weights of both sexes of the mid-dose group and of male and female pups separately and all pups of the high-dose group were statistically significantly decreased; as no effect was observed on relative thymus weight these effects were considered to be related to body weight.
Absolute and relative spleen weights of the pups of the mid- and high-dose groups were statistically significantly decreased; this effect was observed for the male and females pups separately and both sexes combined except for the relative spleen weight of the male pups. This effect was considered to be related to treatment.

Gross pathological findings:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

MACROSCOPIC OBSERVATIONS OF STILLBORN AND DIED PUPS
F0-generation:
No abnormalities were observed.

PUP NECROPSY: MACROSCOPIC OBSERVATIONS
F0-generation:
At necropsy, macroscopic changes were found in 4 pups of 4 litters of the control group, 1 pup of the mid-dose group and 3 pups of 2 litters of the high-dose group. These macroscopic changes were only observed in a few pups and were considered normal for pups of this age and strain.

Histopathological findings:

not examined

Other effects:

no effects observed

Behaviour (functional findings):

not examined

Developmental immunotoxicity:

not examined

LITTER SIZE AND SEX
F0-generation:
The mean number of pups delivered was statistically significantly increased in the dosed groups when compared to the control group; mean number of pups delivered was 9.2, 10.5, 10.3 and 10.8 for the control, low-, mid- and high-dose group respectively. The mean number of pups in the control groups was relatively low but within the historical control. The lower mean number of live pups in the control group resulted also in a statistically significant increased number of pups in the dosed groups on PN 1 and PN 4 (preculling). Pup mortality (PN 1-4) was statistically significantly decreased in the low- and mid-dose groups. Between PN 5 and PN 7, 4 pups of the control and 1 pup of the low-dose group died. The total number of pups alive on PN 21 was statistically significantly increased in the mid-dose group when compared to the control group; the mean number of pups was comparable between all groups. Sex ratio was comparable between the groups.
F1-generation:
No statistically significant difference was observed in the mean number of pups delivered between the dosed groups and the control group. The number of live pups was statistically significantly increased in the low- and mid-dose group; the number of stillborn pups was statistically significantly decreased in the low- andmid-dose group. In the low-dose group no pups died between PN 1 and 4; in the control and the mid- and high-dose group 6, 5 and 5 pups died during this period. Two dams of the control group lost their litters between PN 1 and 4: the only pup of a dam was found dead on PN 4 and 5 pups of a dam were missing on PN2. In all groups a low mortality was observed and the differences were of no toxicological significance. The mean number of pups on PN 4 of the high-dose group was statistically significantly decreased when compared to the control group. This was considered of no toxicological significance as pup mortality was low, the control value was increased due to litter loss of 2 abovementioned dams and the value was within the historical control. Pup mortality after PN 4 was low. Two pups of a dam of the low-dose group were missing on PN 21, one pup of a dam of the mid-dose group was missing on PN 14 and 1 pup of a dam of the high-dose group was missing on PN 21.
In summary, no effect on pup mortality, number or sex ratio was observed.

PUP CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS
F0-generation:
Clinical signs and abnormalities:
The number of sparsely haired pups was statistically significantly increased on PN 21 in the high-dose group; this finding was only observed in one litter of one dam and therefore not considered of toxicological significance.
F1-generation:
The number of sparsely haired pups was statistically significantly increased on PN 14 and 21 in the high-dose group; this finding was only observed in one litter of one dam and therefore not considered of toxicological significance. The other effects were normal for this strain and age and evenly distributed among the groups.

PUP WEIGHTS
F0-generation:
The following effects were observed on pup weight and pup weight change:
Low-dose group: statistically significant decrease in mean pup weight change (male and females separately and combined) between PN 14 and 21.
Mid-dose group: statistically significant decrease in mean pup weight (male and females separately and combined) on PN 21. Statistically significant decrease in pup weight change (both sexes combined) between PN 7 and 14 and a statistically significantly decrease in mean pup weight change (males and females separately and combined) between PN 14 and 21.
High-dose: statistically significant decrease in mean pup weight (males) on PN 4 and statistically significantly decreased in mean pup weight (males and females separately and combined) on PN 7, 14 and 21. Statistically significant decrease in pup weight change (male and females separately and combined) between PN 7 and 14 and between PN 14 and 21.
F1-generation:
The following effects were observed on pup weight and pup weight change:
Low-dose group: no statistically significant effects.
Mid-dose group: statistically significant decrease in mean pup weight (male and females separately and combined) on PN 21. Statistically significant decrease in pup weight change (males and females separately and combined) between PN 14 and 21.
High-dose: statistically significant decrease in mean pup weight (males and females separately and combined) on PN 7, 14 and 21. Statistically significant decrease in pup weight change (male and females separately and combined) between PN 1 and 4, between PN 7 and 14 and between PN 14 and 21.

MACROSCOPIC OBSERVATIONS OF STILLBORN AND DIED PUPS
F0-generation:
No abnormalities were observed.
F1-generation:
No abnormalities were observed.

PUP NECROPSY: MACROSCOPIC OBSERVATIONS
F0-generation:
At necropsy, macroscopic changes were found in 4 pups of 4 litters of the control group, 1 pup of the mid-dose group and 3 pups of 2 litters of the high-dose group. These macroscopic changes were only observed in a few pups and were considered normal for pups of this age and strain.
draft
F1-generation:
At necropsy, macroscopic changes were found in 2 pups of 2 litters of the low-dose group and 3 pups of 2 litters of the high-dose group. These macroscopic changes were only observed in a few pups and were considered normal for pups of this age and strain.

PUP ORGAN WEIGHTS
F0-generation:
Absolute brain weights of the pups (male or female pups or both sexes combined) of the high-dose group were statistically significantly decreased when compared to the brain weights of control group. Relative brain weights of the female pups of the mid-dose group and the male and female pups and the combined weights of both sexes of the high-dose group were statistically significantly increased. The effect on brain weight was not considered to be an adverse effect but a body weight related effect.
Absolute thymus weights of the female pups and the combined thymus weights of both sexes of the mid-dose group and of male and female pups separately and all pups of the high-dose group were statistically significantly decreased; as no effect was observed on relative thymus weight these effects were considered to be related to body weight.
Absolute and relative spleen weights of the pups of the mid- and high-dose groups were statistically significantly decreased; this effect was observed for the male and females pups separately and both sexes combined except for the relative spleen weight of the male pups. This effect was considered to be related to treatment.
F1-generation:
Absolute brain weights of the pups of the high-dose group were statistically significantly decreased when compared to the brain weights of control group. Relative brain weights of the female pups and the combined weights of both sexes of the mid-dose group and the brain weights of the male and female pups and the combined weights of both sexes of the high-dose group were statistically significantly increased. The effect on brain weight was not considered to be an adverse effect but a body weight related effect.
Absolute thymus weights of the male and female pups and the combined thymus weights of both sexes of the high-dose group were statistically significantly decreased.
As only a statistically significant effect (not dose-related increase) was observed on relative thymus weight in the low- (males and females combined) and mid-dose group (males and females combined and male pups separately) and no effect was observed on relative thymus weight in the high-dose group, these effects were considered not to be of toxicological concern.
Absolute and relative spleen weights of the pups of the mid- and high-dose groups were statistically significantly decreased. This effect was considered to be related to treatment (secondary effects due to reduced maternal body weight and food intake).

SEXUAL MATURATION
F1-generation:
Preputial separation was statistically significantly delayed in males of the high-dose group.
Vaginal opening of the females was statistically significantly delayed in the mid- and high-dose group.
These effects were most probably due to the decreased body weight of the animals of this group and the high substance intake during this period. The growth retardation (on the basis of body weight) of the animals of the mid- and high-dose groups was approximately 0.5 and 2 weeks, respectively, when compared to the animals of the control group at the time of sexual maturation.

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Generation:

F1

Effect level:

54.4 mg/kg bw/day (actual dose received)

Based on:

act. ingr.

Sex:

male

Basis for effect level:

other: parental toxicity, decreased body weight and reduced food consumption at the next higher dose

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Generation:

F1

Effect level:

70.7 mg/kg bw/day (actual dose received)

Based on:

act. ingr.

Sex:

female

Basis for effect level:

other: parental toxicity, decreased body weight and reduced food consumption at the next higher dose

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Generation:

F1

Effect level:

236.7 mg/kg bw/day (actual dose received)

Based on:

act. ingr.

Sex:

male

Basis for effect level:

other: reproductive performance

Dose descriptor:

LOEL

Generation:

F1

Effect level:

70.7 mg/kg bw/day (actual dose received)

Based on:

act. ingr.

Sex:

female

Basis for effect level:

other: effects on estrous cyclicity (persistent anestrus of F0 and F1 dams after weaning their pups); effect is of unclear origin, potentially reversible; reproductive performance of F0 and F1 females is not affected

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Generation:

F1

Effect level:

57.4 mg/kg bw/day (actual dose received)

Based on:

act. ingr.

Sex:

male

Basis for effect level:

other: developmental toxicity: decreased pup weight and decreased spleen weight in the pups at the next higher dose

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Generation:

F1

Effect level:

70.7 mg/kg bw/day (actual dose received)

Based on:

act. ingr.

Sex:

female

Basis for effect level:

other: developmental toxicity: decreased pup weight and decreased spleen weight in the pups

Clinical signs:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

The number of sparsely haired pups was statistically significantly increased on PN 14 and 21 in the high-dose group; this finding was only observed in one litter of one dam and therefore not considered of toxicological significance. The other effects were normal for this strain and age and evenly distributed among the groups.

Dermal irritation (if dermal study):

not examined

Mortality / viability:

no mortality observed

Description (incidence and severity):

No effect on pup mortality, number or sex ratio was observed.

Description (incidence and severity):

The following effects were observed on pup weight and pup weight change:
Low-dose group: no statistically significant effects.
Mid-dose group: statistically significant decrease in mean pup weight (male and females separately and combined) on PN 21. Statistically significant decrease in pup weight change (males and females separately and combined) between PN 14 and 21.
High-dose: statistically significant decrease in mean pup weight (males and females separately and combined) on PN 7, 14 and 21. Statistically significant decrease in pup weight change (male and females separately and combined) between PN 1 and 4, between PN 7 and 14 and between PN 14 and 21.

Food consumption and compound intake (if feeding study):

not specified

Food efficiency:

not specified

Water consumption and compound intake (if drinking water study):

not specified

Ophthalmological findings:

not specified

Haematological findings:

not examined

Clinical biochemistry findings:

not examined

Urinalysis findings:

not examined

Sexual maturation:

not examined

Organ weight findings including organ / body weight ratios:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

Absolute brain weights of the pups of the high-dose group were statistically significantly decreased when compared to the brain weights of control group. Relative brain weights of the female pups and the combined weights of both sexes of the mid-dose group and the brain weights of the male and female pups and the combined weights of both sexes of the high-dose group were statistically significantly increased. The effect on brain weight was not considered to be an adverse effect but a body weight related effect.
Absolute thymus weights of the male and female pups and the combined thymus weights of both sexes of the high-dose group were statistically significantly decreased.
As only a statistically significant effect (not dose-related increase) was observed on relative thymus weight in the low- (males and females combined) and mid-dose group (males and females combined and male pups separately) and no effect was observed on relative thymus weight in the high-dose group, these effects were considered not to be of toxicological concern.
Absolute and relative spleen weights of the pups of the mid- and high-dose groups were statistically significantly decreased. This effect was considered to be related to treatment (secondary effects due to reduced maternal body weight and food intake).

Gross pathological findings:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

MACROSCOPIC OBSERVATIONS OF STILLBORN AND DIED PUPS
F1-generation:
No abnormalities were observed.

PUP NECROPSY: MACROSCOPIC OBSERVATIONS
F1-generation:
At necropsy, macroscopic changes were found in 2 pups of 2 litters of the low-dose group and 3 pups of 2 litters of the high-dose group. These macroscopic changes were only observed in a few pups and were considered normal for pups of this age and strain.

Histopathological findings:

not examined

Other effects:

not examined

Behaviour (functional findings):

not examined

Developmental immunotoxicity:

not examined

Reproductive effects observed:

not specified

Conclusions:

The available data do not indicate that PERKALINK 900 causes effects on fertility. However, an estrous cycle arrest in F0 and F1 dams after weaning their pubs was observed. This is of unknown origin and expected to be reversible. Nevertheless, for risk assessment it was decided to follow worst-case considerations and judge this effect as ‘potentially adverse’.

Executive summary:

In a two-generation study performed according to OECD 416 groups of 28 male and female Wistar rats received diets containing PERKALINK 900 in concentrations of 0, 800, 1600 and 3200 ppm. F0 and F1 males were sacrificed after at least 11 weeks of exposure, including the premating and mating period. F0 and F1 dams were sacrificed after weaning their pups, this is after about 18 weeks of continuous treatment.

The calculated mean substance intake in males (overall intake during entire study) was 57.4, 119.6 and 236.7 mg/kg bw/day for the low, mid and high dose groups. In females the overall intake during the study (except lactation days 14-21) was 70.7, 139.2, and 268.5 mg/kg bw/day for the low, mid, and high dose groups.

In dams the substance intake was strongly enhanced during lactation days 1-14 with calculated amounts of about 104/98, 197/201, and 346/371 mg/kg bw/day for F0/F1 dams of the low, mid, and high dose group. In this period the substance intake was thus about 30% higher than the mean substance intake. As pups start eating during the end of the lactation period (LD 14-21) this period was not included in the substance intake calculation. (The overall test substance consumption in this week was twice as high as the mean substance intake.)

In F0 males of the highest dose group a reduced body weight/body weight gain was recorded. Some changes in organ weights were observed in high-dosed parental F0 and F1 males but these were inconsistent and/or related to the body weight reduction and thus judged as not adverse. No treatment-related histopathological changes could be detected in males and there were no treatment related effects on reproductive performance in males.

In most high-dosed F0 and F1 females changes in weight and histopathology of reproductive organs were observed that, however, did not influence the reproductive performance. Since these females were sacrificed and examined shortly after weaning their pups, their test substance uptake was very high in the last weeks of their life (about 346/371 mg/kg bw/day during LD 1-14, and presumably even higher during LD 14-21). These rats showed strongly reduced ovary and uterus weights together with slight to moderate atrophy of the vaginal epithelium, slight atrophy of the uterus and a uterine lumen that was lined by optically clear tall columnar cells, with oval instead of round nuclei. The number of corpora lutea in the ovaries was reduced in 7/28 (F0) and 15/28 (F1) of the high-dosed females. These observations, together with the fact that the reproductive cycle could not be determined in most high-dosed females (F0: 25/28; F1: 18/28), point to a strong arrest to the onset of the reproductive cycle at the end of the lactation period.

In the F0 and F1 females of the mid-dose group slightly reduced ovary and uterus weights (statistically significant) were recorded and one F0 dam showed histopathological findings in uterus and vagina comparable to those of the high-dose females. In the mid-dose group, a significant number of rats was in a persistent anestrus phase (F0: 17/28; F1: 8/28).

No effects on organ weight and no histopathological findings were seen in the low-dose F0 and F1 dams. However, the number of rats in a persistent anestrus phase (F0: 10/28; F1: 6/28) was increased in comparison to the control group (F0: 1/28; F1: 2/28).

It seems as if the ‘re-‘activity of the ovaries (estrogen production) after giving birth to the pups is disturbed in a dose-dependent manner, already observable in the low dose dams of F0 and F1. It is not clear if this effect is reversible or persistent since in this type of study the dams were killed after weaning their pups and the development of the reproductive cycle is not further observed. I should be, however, kept in mind, that the reproductive performance of neither the F0 nor the F1 dams (that were treated with the test stubstance during their entire development and growth) in at least the first pregnancy was not affected at all.

The F1 and F2 pups showed birth weights that were not significantly affected by treatment of the dams. However, body weight gain of the pups was dose-dependently reduced during lactation days 1-14 and further more on LD 14-21 when the pups started eating. At LD 21 the weight of F1/F2 pups (mean of males and females) was reduced by 12/7% in the mid dose group and by 34/25% in the high dose group. As a consequence the animals selected for growing up as F1 generation were much lighter in the mid (about -12%) and high dose groups (about – 40%) than in the control group. This lower body weight could not be completely made up in the course of the study. Significantly reduced spleen weights were recorded in F1/F2 pups at postnatal days 21-23 that, however, fully recovered during the growth of the animals. In adult males and females spleen weights were not consistently affected. A delayed preputial separation and vaginal opening seen in F1 and F2 pups can also be judged as secondary effect.

NOAEL for parental toxicity – males and females

The NOAEL for parental toxicity was determined with 57.4 and 70.7 mg/kg bw/day for males and females, respectively, mainly based on a decreased body weight gain of F1/F2 animals starting at lactation up to at least mating at the mid and high dose.

NOAEL for developmental toxicity – males and females

The NOAEL for developmental toxicity was determined with 57.4 and 70.7 mg/kg bw/day for males and females, respectively, based on decreased pup weight gain and decreased spleen weight (reversible) in F1 and F2 pups. These effects on pups were considered consequences of test substance uptake during and after lactation and not during pregnancy via dam.

NOAEL for reproductive toxicity - males

No treatment related effects were seen in F0 and F1 males for reproductive toxicity, therefore the NOAEL for reproductive toxicity in males was 236.7 mg/kg bw/day, the highest dose tested.

LOEL for reproductive toxicity - females

Most F0 and F1 females of the high-dose group and one female of the mid dose group showed reduced ovary and uterus weights and histopathological findings in reproductive organs at sacrifice. Although these alterations did not influence the reproductive performance of neither F0 nor F1 females, they should be judged as adverse.

Reproductive cycle determinations at sacrifce revealed that treated F0 and F1 females remained in a persistent anestrus phase after weaning their pups. This effect was seen throughout all doses in a dose-dependent manner. Nevertheless, the reproductive performance of female rats (fertility) was not affected at all, neither in the F0 nor in the F1 female groups, latter beeing potentially exposed to the test substance in their fetus-, pup-, adolescent- and adult- lifestage. This observation points to the presumption that the cycle arrest seen in the treated females may be a temporary, reversible effect. However, this hypothesis cannot be proven based on the study design of a standard 2-generation study.

In summary, the reproductive cycle arrest was considered as of unclear origin, potentially reversible and thus as not assessable (not known if adverse). To account for this situation setting a LOEL was considered adequate for reproductive toxicity in females. This LOEL was determined with the lowest dose in females, i.e. 70.7 mg/kg bw/day.

For risk assessment it was decided to follow worst-case considerations and judge this effect as ‘potentially adverse’ and to take the LOEL as starting point for DNEL derivation. For hazard assessment a precautious classification with Repr.Cat 2 fertility is considered adequate for the time being.

Effect on fertility: via oral route

Endpoint conclusion:

adverse effect observed

Dose descriptor:

LOAEL

70.7 mg/kg bw/day

Study duration:

subchronic

Species:

rat

Quality of whole database:

OECD 416 guideline study.

Effect on fertility: via inhalation route

Endpoint conclusion:

no study available

Effect on fertility: via dermal route

Endpoint conclusion:

no study available

Additional information

In a two-generation study performed according to OECD 416 groups of 28 male and female Wistar rats received diets containing PERKALINK 900 in concentrations of 0, 800, 1600 and 3200 ppm. F0 and F1 males were sacrificed after at least 11 weeks of exposure, including the premating and mating period. F0 and F1 dams were sacrificed after weaning their pups; this is after about 18 weeks of continuous treatment.

The calculated mean substance intake in males (overall intake during entire study) was 57.4, 119.6 and 236.7 mg/kg bw/day for the low, mid and high dose groups. In females the overall intake during the study (except lactation days 14-21) was 70.7, 139.2, and 268.5 mg/kg bw/day for the low, mid, and high dose groups.

In dams the substance intake was strongly enhanced during lactation days 1-14 with calculated amounts of about 104/98, 197/201, and 346/371 mg/kg bw/day for F0/F1 dams of the low, mid, and high dose group. In this period the substance intake was thus about 30% higher than the mean substance intake. As pups start eating during the end of the lactation period (LD 14-21) this period was not included in the substance intake calculation. (The overall test substance consumption in this week was twice as high as the mean substance intake.)

In F0 males of the highest dose group a reduced body weight/body weight gain was recorded. Some changes in organ weights were observed in high-dosed parental F0 and F1 males but these were inconsistent and/or related to the body weight reduction and thus judged as not adverse. No treatment-related histopathological changes could be detected in males and there were no treatment related effects on reproductive performance in males.

In most high-dosed F0 and F1 females changes in weight and histopathology of reproductive organs were observed that, however, did not influence the reproductive performance. Since these females were sacrificed and examined shortly after weaning their pups, their test substance uptake was very high in the last weeks of their life (about 346/371 mg/kg bw/day during LD 1-14, and presumably even higher during LD 14-21). These rats showed strongly reduced ovary and uterus weights together with slight to moderate atrophy of the vaginal epithelium, slight atrophy of the uterus and a uterine lumen that was lined by optically clear tall columnar cells, with oval instead of round nuclei. The number of corpora lutea in the ovaries was reduced in 7/28 (F0) and 15/28 (F1) of the high-dosed females. These observations, together with the fact that the reproductive cycle could not be determined in most high-dosed females (F0: 25/28; F1: 18/28), point to a strong arrest to the onset of the reproductive cycle at the end of the lactation period.

In the F0 and F1 females of the mid-dose group slightly reduced ovary and uterus weights (statistically significant) were recorded and one F0 dam showed histopathological findings in uterus and vagina comparable to those of the high-dose females. In the mid-dose group, a significant number of rats was in a persistent anestrus phase (F0: 17/28; F1: 8/28).

No effects on organ weight and no histopathological findings were seen in the low-dose F0 and F1 dams. However, the number of rats in a persistent anestrus phase (F0: 10/28; F1: 6/28) was increased in comparison to the control group (F0: 1/28; F1: 2/28).

It seems as if the ‘re-‘activity of the ovaries (estrogen production) after giving birth to the pups is disturbed in a dose-dependent manner, already observable in the low dose dams of F0 and F1. It is not clear if this effect is reversible or persistent since in this type of study the dams were killed after weaning their pups and the development of the reproductive cycle is not further observed. I should be, however, kept in mind, that the reproductive performance of neither the F0 nor the F1 dams (that were treated with the test substance during their entire development and growth) in at least the first pregnancy was not affected at all.

The F1 and F2 pups showed birth weights that were not significantly affected by treatment of the dams. However, body weight gain of the pups was dose-dependently reduced during lactation days 1-14 and further more on LD 14-21 when the pups started eating. At LD 21 the weight of F1/F2 pups (mean of males and females) was reduced by 12/7% in the mid dose group and by 34/25% in the high dose group. As a consequence the animals selected for growing up as F1 generation were much lighter in the mid (about -12%) and high dose groups (about – 40%) than in the control group. This lower body weight could not be completely made up in the course of the study. Significantly reduced spleen weights were recorded in F1/F2 pups at postnatal days 21-23 that, however, fully recovered during the growth of the animals. In adult males and females spleen weights were not consistently affected. A delayed preputial separation and vaginal opening seen in F1 and F2 pups can also be judged as secondary effect.

NOAEL for parental toxicity – males and females

The NOAEL for parental toxicity was determined with 57.4 and 70.7 mg/kg bw/day for males and females, respectively, mainly based on a decreased body weight gain of F1/F2 animals starting at lactation up to at least mating at the mid and high dose.

NOAEL for developmental toxicity – males and females

The NOAEL for developmental toxicity was determined with 57.4 and 70.7 mg/kg bw/day for males and females, respectively, based on decreased pup weight gain and decreased spleen weight (reversible) in F1 and F2 pups. These effects on pups were considered consequences of test substance uptake during and after lactation and not during pregnancy via dam.

NOAEL for reproductive toxicity - males

No treatment related effects were seen in F0 and F1 males for reproductive toxicity, therefore the NOAEL for reproductive toxicity in males was 236.7 mg/kg bw/day, the highest dose tested.

LOEL for reproductive toxicity - females

Most F0 and F1 females of the high-dose group and one female of the mid dose group showed reduced ovary and uterus weights and histopathological findings in reproductive organs at sacrifice. Although these alterations did not influence the reproductive performance of neither F0 nor F1 females, they should be judged as adverse.

Reproductive cycle determinations at sacrifice revealed that treated F0 and F1 females remained in a persistent anestrus phase after weaning their pups. This effect was seen throughout all doses in a dose-dependent manner. Nevertheless, the reproductive performance of female rats (fertility) was not affected at all, neither in the F0 nor in the F1 female groups, latter being potentially exposed to the test substance in their fetus-, pup-, adolescent- and adult- lifestage. This observation points to the presumption that the cycle arrest seen in the treated females may be a temporary, reversible effect. However, this hypothesis cannot be proven based on the study design of a standard 2-generation study.

In summary, the reproductive cycle arrest was considered as of unclear origin, potentially reversible and thus as not assessable (not known if adverse). To account for this situation setting a LOEL was considered adequate for reproductive toxicity in females. This LOEL was determined with the lowest dose in females, i.e. 70.7 mg/kg bw/day.

For risk assessment it was decided to follow worst-case considerations and judge this effect as ‘potentially adverse’ and to take the LOEL as starting point for DNEL derivation. For hazard assessment a precautious classification with Repr.Cat 2 fertility is considered adequate for the time being.

Effects on developmental toxicity

Description of key information

An OECD Guideline 414 (Prenatal Developmental Toxicity Study) is available. The study was conducted to provide data on the possible effects of PERKALINK 900 on pregnant female rats and the development of the embryo and fetus consequent to continuous oral administration in the diet given from gestation day (GD) 0 until GD 21. The test substance was given in constant concentrations of 0 (control), 800 mg/kg diet (low-dose), 1600 mg/kg diet (mid-dose), and 3200 mg/kg diet (high-dose). During the in-life phase clinical signs, maternal body weight and food consumption were recorded. At Caesarean section females and fetuses of all groups were macroscopically examined. Fetuses, placentas and reproductive organs were weighed and fetuses were further processed for fetopathological examination. The available data do not indicate that PERKALINK 900 causes developmental toxicity.

Link to relevant study records

Reference

Endpoint:

developmental toxicity

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

key study

Study period:

May-June 2009

Reliability:

1 (reliable without restriction)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

other: GLP compliant, guideline study, no restrictions, fully adequate for assessment.

Qualifier:

according to guideline

Guideline:

OECD Guideline 414 (Prenatal Developmental Toxicity Study)

Deviations:

no

Principles of method if other than guideline:

The study was conducted to provide data on the possible effects of PERKALINK 900 on pregnant female rats and the development of the embryo and fetus consequent to continuous oral administration in the diet given from gestation day (GD) 0 until GD 21. The test substance was given in constant concentrations of 0 (control), 800 mg/kg diet (low-dose), 1600 mg/kg diet (mid-dose), and 3200 mg/kg diet (high-dose). During the in-life phase clinical signs, maternal body weight and food consumption were recorded. At Caesarean section females and fetuses of all groups were macroscopically examined. Fetuses, placentas and reproductive organs were weighed and fetuses were further processed for fetopathological examination.

GLP compliance:

yes

Limit test:

no

Species:

rat

Strain:

Wistar

Details on test animals or test system and environmental conditions:

TEST ANIMALS
- Source: Charles River Deutschland, Sulzfeld, Germany
- Age at study initiation: 12 weeks old
- Weight at study initiation: ± 205 g
- Housing: under conventional conditions in macrolon cages (Male: type 3, individually and Female: type 4, 4 per cage) with wood shavings (Lignocel Type 3/4) as bedding material and strips of paper (Enviro-dri) as environmental enrichment. No other test system was housed in the same room during the study.
- Diet: ad libitum; The rats were fed a cereal-based (closed formula) rodent diet (Rat & Mouse No. 3 Breeding Diet, RM3) from a commercial supplier (SDS Special Diets Services, Witham, England). The feed was provided as a powder, in stainless cans, covered by a perforated steel plate that serves to prevent spillage. The feed in the feeders was refreshed about once per week.
- Water: ad libitum; Each cage was supplied with domestic mains tap-water suitable for human consumption. The water was given in polypropylene bottles, which were cleaned weekly and filled as needed.
- Acclimation period: 5 days

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
- Temperature (°C): 20-24
- Humidity (%): 40-70
- Air changes (per hr): 10
- Photoperiod (hrs dark / hrs light): 12/12

Route of administration:

oral: feed

Details on exposure:

DIET PREPARATION
Experimental diets were prepared by mixing powdered Rat & Mouse No. 3 breeding diet, RM3 with the appropriate amounts of test substance. The diets were mixed in a mechanical blender (Lödige, Paderborn, Germany). The experimental diets were stored in a freezer (<-18°C). The feed in the feeders was replaced with fresh portions once a week, and filled up when necessary.

Analytical verification of doses or concentrations:

yes

Details on analytical verification of doses or concentrations:

Analyses to determine the stability, homogeneity and content of the test substance in the diet were conducted using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with UV detection, after extraction of the diet with a suitable solvent.

Details on mating procedure:

At the start of mating, 2 nulliparous females were caged with one male for mating until a sperm positive vaginal smear was detected. Every consecutive morning vaginal examinations were made to ascertain copulation by detection of sperm cells in the vaginal smear.
The mated females were distributed over the four experimental groups in such a way that the animals from the same day of pregnancy were, as far as possible, equally distributed over all groups. Females mated by the same male were placed in different groups. Upon evidence of copulation, positive females were housed individually. The day a sperm-positive smear was detected was considered as GD 0.

Duration of treatment / exposure:

21 days (starting on GD 0)

Frequency of treatment:

7 days/week

Duration of test:

23 days

Dose / conc.:

800 ppm (nominal)

Remarks:

corresponds to 53 mg/kg bw/day

Dose / conc.:

1 600 ppm (nominal)

Remarks:

corresponds to 105 mg/kg bw/day

Dose / conc.:

3 200 ppm (nominal)

Remarks:

corresponds to 196 mg/kg bw/day

No. of animals per sex per dose:

24

Control animals:

yes, plain diet

Details on study design:

The study comprised 4 groups of 24 mated female rats each, viz. one control group kept on diet without test substance, and three test groups receiving different levels of the test substance in the diet. These groups were intended to provide information on the prenatal developmental toxicity of the substance and to establish a no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL).

Maternal examinations:

General clinical observations
Each animal was observed daily in the morning hours by cage-side observations. On working days, all cages were checked again in the afternoon for dead or moribund animals to minimize loss of animals from the study. On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays only one check per day was carried out. All abnormalities, signs of ill health or reactions to treatment were recorded.

Body weight
Body weights were recorded on GD 0, 3, 7, 10, 14, 17 and 21.

Food consumption
The food consumed for each mated female was measured over the periods: GD 0-3, 3-7, 7-10, 10-14, 14-17, and 17-21 by weighing the feeders. The results were expressed in g per animal per day and g per kg body weight per day.

Intake of the test substance
The intake of the test substance per kg body weight per day was calculated from the nominal dietary concentration of the test substance, the food consumption and the mean body weight measured at the beginning and the end of the pertaining period.

Ovaries and uterine content:

The females were killed by decapitation under CO2/O2 anaesthesia on GD 21 and examined for gross abnormalities.
The uteri (including the fetuses), ovaries and placentas of all females killed on GD 21 were examined for the following parameters:
- number of corpora lutea
- number of implantation sites
- number of early and late resorptions
- number of live and dead fetuses
- sex of the fetuses
- number of grossly visible malformed fetuses and fetuses with external abnormalities
- weight of ovaries (left and right ovary weighed together)
- weight of uterus, containing placentas and fetuses
- weight of uterus, empty
- weight of live fetuses (individually)
- weight of the placentas of live fetuses
- gross evaluation of placentas

Fetal examinations:

Fetuses were sacrificed by hypothermia. Subsequently, half of the fetuses of each litter of the prenatal developmental toxicity study were fixed in Bouin's fixative, examined for soft tissue anomalies according to a method modified after Barrow and Taylor and then discarded.
The other half of the fetuses were fixed in 70% alcohol, subsequently partly eviscerated, and then cleared in potassium hydroxide and stained with Alizarin Red S modified after Dawson. They were examined for skeletal abnormalities and then retained.
During the fetopathological examination of the fetuses, the observer was unaware of the dose group of the fetuses.

Statistics:

The results were analyzed using the methods mentioned below. As a level of significance was considered: p< 0.05.
- Clinical findings were evaluated by Fisher's exact probability test.
- Body weight, body weight gain, organ weights and food consumption data were subjected to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Dunnett's multiple comparison tests.
- Fisher's exact probability test was used to evaluate the number of mated and pregnant females and females with live fetuses.
- Number of corpora lutea, implantation sites, live and dead fetuses and early and late resorptions were evaluated by Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric analysis of variance followed by the Mann Whitney U-test.
- Mortality data, data of the pathology of parent females and the fetopathological screening were evaluated by the Fisher’s exact probability test.

Indices:

For each group the following indices were recorded:
- female fecundity index = (number of pregnant females/number of females mated) x 100
- pre-implantation loss = [(number of corpora lutea - number of implantation sites)/ number of corpora lutea] x 100
- post-implantation loss = [(number of implantation sites- number of live fetuses)/number of implantation sites] x 100
- gestation index = (number of females with live fetuses/number of females pregnant) x 100
- sex ratio = (number of live male fetuses/number of live fetuses) x 100

Historical control data:

Historical control data are available.

Clinical signs:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

Daily clinical observations during the gestation period did not reveal any treatmentrelated changes in the animals’ appearance, general condition or behaviour.

Mortality:

no mortality observed

Body weight and weight changes:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

A statistically significantly decreased body weight was observed in the high-dose PERKALINK 900 group. Body weight change was statistically significantly decreased in the high-dose group during the periods GD 0-7, GD 7-14, and during the total period of gestation (GD 0-21).

Food consumption and compound intake (if feeding study):

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

Food consumption of the high-dose PERKALINK 900 pregnant females was statistically significantly decreased during the periods GD 7-14 and GD 14-21.

Food efficiency:

not specified

Water consumption and compound intake (if drinking water study):

not specified

Ophthalmological findings:

not examined

Haematological findings:

not examined

Clinical biochemistry findings:

not examined

Urinalysis findings:

not examined

Behaviour (functional findings):

not examined

Immunological findings:

not examined

Organ weight findings including organ / body weight ratios:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

Necropsy of the mated females did not reveal any differences on the gravid and empty uterus weights and ovary weights. Carcass weight of the pregnant females was statistically significantly decreased in the high-dose PERKALINK 900 group; as such a statistically significantly decreased net weight change from day 0 was observed in the high-dose PERKALINK 900 group.

Gross pathological findings:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

Macroscopic findings at necropsy did not reveal any treatment-related changes.

Neuropathological findings:

not examined

Histopathological findings: non-neoplastic:

not examined

Histopathological findings: neoplastic:

not examined

Other effects:

no effects observed

Details on results:

In conclusion, compared to the control group, statistically significant effects were observed on body weight, body weight change, food consumption, carcass weight and net weight change from day 0 in the animals fed with 3200 mg PERKALINK 900/kg diet. Based on these observed effects the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for maternal toxicity following daily oral PERKALINK 900 administration was 1600 mg/kg diet (equivalent to a mean test substance intake of 105 mg PERKALINK 900/kg body weight/day).

Number of abortions:

no effects observed

Pre- and post-implantation loss:

no effects observed

Total litter losses by resorption:

no effects observed

Early or late resorptions:

no effects observed

Dead fetuses:

no effects observed

Changes in pregnancy duration:

no effects observed

Changes in number of pregnant:

no effects observed

Other effects:

no effects observed

Details on maternal toxic effects:

Maternal toxic effects:yes

Details on maternal toxic effects:
CLINICAL SIGNS AND MORTALITY
No mortality was observed. Daily clinical observations during gestation did not reveal any treatment-related findings in the appearance, general condition or behaviour of the animals between the test groups and the control group.

BODY WEIGHT AND BODY WEIGHT CHANGE
Body weight of the females of the high-dose group was statistically significantly decreased on GD 7, 14 and 21. Body weight gain of the high-dose group females was statistically significantly decreased between GD 0-7 and 7-14. Furthermore, body weight gain during the entire gestation period (GD 0-21) was statistically significantly decreased in the high-dose group.

FOOD CONSUMPTION
Food consumption (both g/kg body weight/day and g/animal/day) was statistically significantly reduced in females of the high-dose group between GD 7-14 and GD 14-21 compared to the control group.

TEST SUBSTANCE INTAKE
The test substance intake during gestation was calculated from the nominal concentrations of the test- and control substances in the diets and the food consumption and body weight of the animals. Test substance intake via diet during different periods of gestation ranged from 49.39 to 60.28 mg/kg body weight/day (low-dose group); 97.91 to 117.87 mg/kg body weight/day (mid-dose group); and 178.93 to 221.75 mg/kg body weight/day (high-dose group). The mean test substances intake during the whole treatment period (GD 0-21) amounted to 53.21, 105.14, and 196.23 mg/kg body weight/day for the 800, 1600, and 3200 mg/kg diet PERKALINK 900 groups, respectively.

REPRODUCTION AND LITTER DATA
In each group, 24 females were mated and 23, 21, 21, and 22 females of the control, low-, mid-, and high-dose groups, respectively, appeared to be pregnant and all had viable fetuses at Ceasarean section. No differences were observed in the female fecundity index and gestation index among the groups. No differences were observed in the number of corpora lutea, implantation sites, pre- and post implantation loss, live and dead fetuses, and resorptions among the groups. In the mid-dose group, a decrease in live male fetuses and an increase in live female fetuses were observed. The statistically significantly change seen on the sex ratio in the mid-dose group (48%) was considered to be caused by the relatively high percentage (59%) of males in the control group (historical control range is 45-57%) and is therefore not considered a treatment-related effect.

PARENTAL NECROPSY
Organ weights and net weight change
A statistically significant decrease in carcass weight and net weight change from day 0 was observed in the females of the high-dose group. The mean weight of the gravid uterus, empty uterus and ovaries did not differ among the control group and the groups treated with the sustbance.

Macroscopic findings in dams at necropsy
No statistically significant differences were observed in the incidence of parental necropsy observations among the groups. The findings observed were incidental and not related to treatment.

In each group, 24 females were mated and 23, 21, 21, and 22 females of the control, low-, mid-, and high-dose PERKALINK 900 group, respectively, were pregnant at Caesarean section and all females had live fetuses. No differences were observed in the female fecundity index and gestation index among the groups. Furthermore, no treatment related differences were observed in the number of corpora lutea, implantation sites, pre- and post-implantation loss, live and dead fetuses, and sex ratio among the groups.

Key result

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Effect level:

>= 105 mg/kg bw/day (actual dose received)

Based on:

test mat.

Basis for effect level:

other: maternal toxicity

Key result

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Effect level:

>= 196 mg/kg bw/day (actual dose received)

Based on:

test mat.

Basis for effect level:

other: maternal toxicity

Key result

Abnormalities:

effects observed, treatment-related

Localisation:

other: see 'Description (incidence and severity).

Description (incidence and severity):

statistically significant effects on body weight, body weight change, food consumption, carcass weight and net weight change at 196 mg/kg bw/day.

Fetal body weight changes:

no effects observed

Reduction in number of live offspring:

no effects observed

Changes in sex ratio:

no effects observed

Changes in litter size and weights:

no effects observed

Changes in postnatal survival:

not examined

External malformations:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

No treatment-related effects were observed for fetal external- and placental observations and weights.

Skeletal malformations:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

No treatment-related effects were observed at fetal visceral and skeletal examinations.

Visceral malformations:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

No treatment-related effects were observed at fetal visceral and skeletal examinations.

Other effects:

no effects observed

Details on embryotoxic / teratogenic effects:

Embryotoxic / teratogenic effects:no effects

Details on embryotoxic / teratogenic effects:
FETAL NECROPSY
Fetal external observations
Small fetuses were observed at low (fetal) incidences (1 or 2) in all groups and did not differ between the groups. Subcutaneous haemorrhagic areas on the skin were observed in the control, low-, mid-, and high-dose groups at (fetal) incidences of 1.7 % (4), 0.9% (2), 1.0% (2), and 0.4% (1), respectively. A tail tip was missing from one fetus of the low-dose group (fetus 11 of dam 81) and from one fetus of the mid-dose group (fetus 8 of dam 117). These observations are considered incidental findings not related to treatment.

Findings of the placenta
In the low-dose group an enlarged placenta with a cyst was observed and an enlarged placenta was also observed in the high-dose group. No treatment-related findings of the placenta were observed.

Fetal and placental weight
Values are calculated for all fetuses together and for male and female fetuses separately. No statistically significant differences were observed on placenta and fetal weight among the groups.

VISCERAL EXAMINATION
Visceral malformations
The only malformation observed was: situs inversus in one fetus of the mid-dose group.

Visceral anomalies
Both in the low-dose group and in the high-dose group, one fetus showed a pronounced lobular pattern in the liver. No other visceral anomalies were observed.

Visceral variations
Visceral variations included haemorrhagic areas in the nasal cavity, folded retinas, pericard and stomach filled with haemorrhagic fluid, increased renal pelvic cavitation, dilated urinary bladders, and bent and kinked ureters. None of the animals in the lowdose group showed a folded retina, which was a statistically significant decrease compared to the control group. No other statistically significant effects in incidences of visceral variations were observed among the groups.

In conclusion, no treatment-related adverse effects were observed at visceral examination of the fetuses.

SKELETAL EXAMINATIONS
Skeletal malformations
One fetus in the low-dose group was found with two fused ribs. In the mid-dose group one fetus showed kyphoscoliosis of the vertebral column. These findings are considered incidental and not related to treatment.

Skeletal anomalies
In the control, low-, and mid-dose group, wavy ribs were observed at low fetal incidences (=0.9%; 1 fetus/group). Two sternebrae were fused in two fetuses of the control group and three or more sternebrae were fused in one fetus of the low-dose group. One fetus of the control group showed one dislocated sternebrae and one fetus of the low-dose group showed separated sternebrae. These findings are considered incidental and not related to treatment.

Skeletal variations
Skeletal variations were seen in interparietal bones (supernumerary), supraoccipital bones (holes), ribs (accessory lumbar ribs), and sternebrae (irregular shape). No statistically significant differences are observed in skeletal variations among the groups.

Skeletal retardation
Statistically significant differences in skeletal retardations were:
- Decreased fetal incidence of one or two incompletely ossified caudal bodies in the high-dose group.
- Increased fetal incidence of one or two incompletely ossified cervical arches in the low-dose group.
- Decreased fetal incidence of three or more incompletely ossified caudal arches in the mid-dose group.
- Decreased fetal and litter incidence of 1-2 incompletely ossified metacarpals in the mid-dose group.
- Decreased fetal incidence of 3-6 unossified digits of the proximal front phalanges and decreased fetal and litter incidence of 7-10 unossified digits of the proximal front phalanges in the mid-dose group.
- Decreased fetal incidence of 1-2 unossified metatarsals in the mid-dose group.
- Increased fetal incidence of 5-8 incompletely ossified digits of the proximal hind phalanges in the mid-dose group.
- Decreased fetal incidence of 1-5 incompletely ossified digits of the distal hind phalanges in the mid-dose group.
- Decreased fetal incidence of 7-10 unossified digits of the proximal hind phalanges in the low-, mid-, and high-dose groups.

In conclusion, no treatment-related effects were observed on skeletal malformations, skeletal anomalies, skeletal variations, and skeletal retardations. The observed statistically significant differences in retardations of fetal skeletons were incidental, inconsistent and/or not dose-related. This kind of variation in skeletal ossification is considered as normal developmental variability. No other indications of developmental toxicity were observed. Therefore, these findings are considered as non-adverse variations.

Key result

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Effect level:

>= 196 mg/kg bw/day (actual dose received)

Based on:

test mat.

Sex:

male/female

Basis for effect level:

other: developmental toxicity (litter data, fetal external, visceral, and skeletal examinations

Key result

Abnormalities:

no effects observed

Key result

Developmental effects observed:

no

Conclusions:

The available data do not indicate that PERKALINK 900 causes developmental toxicity.

Executive summary:

The developmental toxicity of PERKALINK 900 was studied in a GLP-compliant OECD 414 guideline study in which female rats received 0, 800, 1600 and 3200 mg/kg diet in an oral feeding study. Animals were exposed from GD 0-21. The NOAEL for maternal toxicity was 1600 mg/kg diet (105 mg/kg bw/day) based on statistically significant effects on body weight, body weight change, food consumption, carcass weight and net weight change.

Since no effects were observed on fertility, reproductive performance, reproductive organ weights, litter data, fetal external, visceral, and skeletal examinations, the NOAEL for reproducive and developmental toxicity is at least 3200 mg/kg diet (196 mg/kg bw/day), the highest dose tested.

Effect on developmental toxicity: via oral route

Endpoint conclusion:

no adverse effect observed

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

196 mg/kg bw/day

Study duration:

subacute

Species:

rat

Quality of whole database:

OECD 414 guideline study.

Effect on developmental toxicity: via inhalation route

Endpoint conclusion:

no study available

Effect on developmental toxicity: via dermal route

Endpoint conclusion:

no study available

Additional information

The developmental toxicity of PERKALINK 900 was studied in a GLP-compliant OECD 414 guideline study in which female rats received 0, 800, 1600 and 3200 mg/kg diet in an oral feeding study. Animals were exposed from GD 0-21. The NOAEL for maternal toxicity was 1600 mg/kg diet (105 mg/kg bw/day) based on statistically significant effects on body weight, body weight change, food consumption, carcass weight and net weight change.

Since no effects were observed on fertility, reproductive performance, reproductive organ weights, litter data, fetal external, visceral, and skeletal examinations, the NOAEL for reproductive and developmental toxicity is at least 3200 mg/kg diet (196 mg/kg bw/day), the highest dose tested.

Toxicity to reproduction: other studies

Description of key information

No studies available.

Justification for classification or non-classification

In a 2-generation reproduction toxicity study reproductive cycle determinations at sacrifice revealed that treated F0 and F1 females remained in the anestrus phase after weaning their pups. This effect was seen throughout all doses in a dose-dependent manner. Since the reproductive performance of these females was not affected at all it can be assumed that the cycle arrest may be a temporary, reversible effect. The reproductive cycle arrest was considered as of unclear origin and potentially reversible. To account for this situation setting a LOEL was considered adequate for reproductive toxicity in females. This LOEL was determined with the lowest dose in females, i.e. 70.7 mg/kg bw/day. For risk assessment it is decided to follow worst-case considerations and to take this LOEL as starting point for DNEL derivation. For hazard assessment a precautious classification with Repr.Cat 2 fertility is considered adequate for the time being.

As described above the substance is classified precautionary for effects on fertility with Repr. Cat 2 (H361f: Suspected of damaging fertility) according to CLP classification criteria (Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008).

According to CLP classification criteria (Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008) a classification is not justified for developmental toxicity.