tert-butyl α,α-dimethylbenzyl peroxide

Toxicity to reproduction

Administrative data

Endpoint:

screening for reproductive / developmental toxicity

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

key study

Study period:

26 April 2012 to 25 June 2012

Reliability:

1 (reliable without restriction)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

other: GLP guideline study

Cross-reference

Reason / purpose for cross-reference:

reference to same study

Reference

Endpoint:

short-term repeated dose toxicity: oral

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

supporting study

Study period:

20111-2012

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

other: Non GLP dose-range finding study, well documented for the purpose.

Qualifier:

no guideline followed

Principles of method if other than guideline:

Dose range finding study, 14 days exposure by oral route.

GLP compliance:

no

Limit test:

no

Species:

rat

Strain:

Sprague-Dawley

Sex:

male/female

Details on test animals or test system and environmental conditions:

TEST ANIMALS
- Source:Harlan Italy s.r.l., San Pietro al Natisone (UD), Italy.
- Age at study initiation: 27-29 days old
- Weight at study initiation: 75-99 g
- Housing: 5 of one sex to a cage
- Diet and water ad libitum:
- Acclimation period: 12 days

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
- Temperature (°C): 22°C +-2°C
- Humidity (%): 55% +-15%
- Air changes (per hr): 15 to 20 air change
- Photoperiod (hrs dark / hrs light): 12/12

Route of administration:

oral: gavage

Vehicle:

corn oil

Details on oral exposure:

The test item was administered orally by gavage at a dose volume of 5 mL/kg body weight. Control animals received the vehicle alone at the same dose volume.

Analytical verification of doses or concentrations:

no

Details on analytical verification of doses or concentrations:

The formulation was prepared daily (concentrations of 20, 60 and 200 mg/ml).

Duration of treatment / exposure:

14 days

Frequency of treatment:

once a day

Dose / conc.:

100 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)

Dose / conc.:

300 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)

Dose / conc.:

1 000 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)

No. of animals per sex per dose:

4

Control animals:

yes, concurrent vehicle

Details on study design:

The following investigations were performed: clinical signs, body weight and food consumption. In addition, selected organs were collected and weighed and post mortem macroscopic and microscopic examinations were performed.

Observations and examinations performed and frequency:

Throughout the study, all animals were checked early in each working day and again in the afternoon. At weekends and Public Holidays a similar procedure was followed except that the final check was carried out at approximately mid-day. All clinical signs were recorded for individual animals.
Once before commencement of treatment and once daily during treatment, each animal was observed and any clinical signs were recorded. Observations were performed at the same time interval each day, the interval was selected taking into consideration the presence of post-dose reactions. Observation of the cage tray was also performed starting from Day 4 of treatment. Each animal was weighed on the day of allocation to treatment group, on the day that treatment commenced, weekly thereafter and just prior to necropsy. The weight of food consumed by each cage of rats was recorded at weekly intervals, following allocation. The group mean daily intake per rat was calculated.

Sacrifice and pathology:

See tissue procedure table in the attached document.

Other examinations:

Histopathological examination was performed since potential treatment-related changes were observed in liver, kidney and thymus at macroscopic examination and organ weights evaluation. As suggested by the Study Pathologist and in agreement with the Sponsor, the histopathological examination of these tissues was performed for all groups.

Clinical signs:

effects observed, treatment-related

Mortality:

mortality observed, treatment-related

Body weight and weight changes:

no effects observed

Food consumption and compound intake (if feeding study):

no effects observed

Food efficiency:

not examined

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

not examined

Ophthalmological findings:

not examined

Haematological findings:

not examined

Clinical biochemistry findings:

not examined

Urinalysis findings:

not examined

Behaviour (functional findings):

not examined

Organ weight findings including organ / body weight ratios:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

Liver, kidney. See below for more details.

Gross pathological findings:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

The most relevant changes at post mortem examination, detected in treated animals when compared with their controls, consisted of swollen and/or enlarged and/or firm liver in males and females dosed at = 300 mg/kg/day.

Histopathological findings: non-neoplastic:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

At 1000 mg/kg/day in male liver: minimal to mild increased size of hepatocytes, including nucleus and cytoplasm, localised in the centrilobular region of the hepatic lobule.

Details on results:

Dertails on organ weight: A statistically significant increase of absolute and relative liver weight was detected in males and females dosed at = 300 mg/kg/day. A statistically significant increase of relative kidney weight was also observed in males dosed at = 300 mg/kg/day and females dosed at 1000 mg/kg/day. In addition, statistically significant increase of absolute kidney weight was detected in the high dose females

Dose descriptor:

LOEL

Effect level:

1 000 mg/kg bw/day (actual dose received)

Based on:

test mat.

Sex:

male

Basis for effect level:

other: Increased in liver weight associated with histological changes.

Critical effects observed:

not specified

Conclusions:

The toxicity of Ter-Butyl Cumyl Peroxide was investigated in rats after daily oral administration for 2 consecutive weeks at dose levels of 100, 300 and 1000 mg/kg/day. Clinical signs of toxicity, such as ataxia, tremor and salivation, were detected in the high dose group of both sexes. In addition, treatment-related microscopic changes were noted in the liver of male rats dosed at 1000 mg/kg/day.
On the basis of these results, the high dose level for subsequent toxicity studies should be less than 1000 mg/kg/day.

Executive summary:

The toxicity of Ter-Butyl Cumyl Peroxide was investigated in rats after daily oral administration for 2 weeks, in order to select dose levels for subsequent toxicity studies. 4 Sprague-Dawley rats per sex were exposed to 0, 100, 300 and 1000 mg/kg bw/day for 14 days. No mortality occurred during the study. Ataxia, tremor and salivation were the most relevant clinical signs detected in all males and

females of the high dose group. Hunched posture and piloerection were also detected in all females of the same group. No changes of toxicological importance of body weight were observed in treated animals, compared to controls, during the study. No differences in terminal body weight were seen at the end of treatment in both sexes. There was no effect on food consumption.

A statistically significant increase of liver weights was detected in males and females dosed at = 300 mg/kg/day. In males dosed at 1000 mg/kg/day this increase was considered treatment-related, since it was correlated with histopathological changes. These changes consisted of minimal to mild increased size of hepatocytes, including nucleus and cytoplasm, localised in the centrilobular region of the hepatic lobule. Such liver change, produced following a large number of xenobiotic exposures, is considered a hallmark of enzyme induction with an increase of protein synthesis or cytoplasmic organelles.

On the basis of these results, the high dose level for subsequent toxicity studies should be less than 1000 mg/kg/day.

Data source

Reference

Reference Type:

study report

Title:

Unnamed

Year:

2013

Report date:

2013

Materials and methods

Test guideline

Qualifier:

according to guideline

Guideline:

OECD Guideline 422 (Combined Repeated Dose Toxicity Study with the Reproduction / Developmental Toxicity Screening Test)

Version / remarks:

22 March 1996

Deviations:

no

GLP compliance:

yes

Limit test:

no

Test material

Test material information

Constituent 1

Reference substance name:

tert-butyl α,α-dimethylbenzyl peroxide

EC Number:

222-389-8

EC Name:

tert-butyl α,α-dimethylbenzyl peroxide

Cas Number:

3457-61-2

Molecular formula:

C13H20O2

IUPAC Name:

[2-(tert-butylperoxy)propan-2-yl]benzene

Test material form:

liquid

Test animals

Species:

rat

Strain:

Sprague-Dawley

Sex:

male/female

Details on test animals or test system and environmental conditions:

A total of 90 Sprague Dawley SD rats (45 males and 45 virgin females), 6 to 7 weeks old and with a weight range of approximately 188 to 214 g for males and 160 to 176 g for females, were received from Charles River Italy S.p.A., Calco (Lecco), Italy.
After arrival the weight range for each sex was determined and the animals were temporarily identified within the cage by means of a coloured mark on the tail. A health check was then performed by a veterinarian.
An acclimatisation period of 13 days was allowed before the start of treatment, during which time the health status of the animals was assessed by
thorough observations.

Animal room controls were set to maintain temperature and relative humidity at 22°C +- 2°C and 55% +- 15% respectively; actual conditions were monitored, recorded and the records retained. No relevant deviations from these ranges were recorded during the study. There were approximately 15 to 20 air changes per hour and the rooms were lit by artificial light for 12 hours each day.

In-life data from 26 April 2012 to 25 June 2012

Administration / exposure

Route of administration:

oral: gavage

Vehicle:

corn oil

Details on exposure:

The test item was administered orally by gavage at a dose volume of 5 mL/kg body weight. Control animals received the vehicle alone at the same dose volume.

The required amount of Ter-Butyl Cumyl Peroxide was suspended in the vehicle (corn oil).
The formulations were prepared daily (concentrations of 15, 30 and 120 mg/mL) and the concentrations were calculated and expressed in terms of test item as supplied.
The formulations were gently mixed using mechanic stirrer.

Details on mating procedure:

Mating was monogamous (one male to one female). A vaginal smear was taken from the day after the start of pairing until positive identification of copulation (sperm identification, vaginal plug in situ or copulation plugs found in the cage tray).
The female was paired with the same male until positive identification occurred.

Analytical verification of doses or concentrations:

yes

Details on analytical verification of doses or concentrations:

The proposed formulation procedure for the test item was checked in the range from 15 to 120 mg/mL by chemical analysis (concentration and homogeneity) during the pre-treatment period to confirm that the method was suitable. Final results for all levels were within the acceptability limits stated in RTC’s SOPs for concentration (90-110%) and homogeneity (CV <10%).
In RTC Study no. 88760, stability after 24 hours at room temperature was verified in the range from 1 to 200 mg/mL. According to RTC’s SOPs, suspensions are considered to be stable if concentration and homogeneity, after the defined period of storage, are still acceptable (90%-110% for concentration and CV<10% for homogeneity).
Samples of the formulations prepared on Weeks 1 and 6 were analysed to check the homogeneity and concentration. Results of the analyses were within the acceptability limits stated in RTC’s SOPs for suspensions (90-110% for concentration and CV <10% for homogeneity).
Chemical analysis was carried out by the Analytical Chemistry Department at RTC according to a validated method (RTC Study No. 88760), in the range from 1 to 200 mg/mL.

Duration of treatment / exposure:

Males
Animals were dosed once a day, 7 days a week, for 2 consecutive weeks prior to pairing and thereafter through the day before necropsy.

Females
Animals were dosed once a day, 7 days a week, for 2 consecutive weeks prior to pairing and thereafter during pairing, post coitum and post partum periods until Day 3 post partum.

Frequency of treatment:

once a day

Doses / concentrations

Doses / concentrations 1

Dose / conc.:

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

Doses / concentrations 2

Dose / conc.:

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

Doses / concentrations 3

Dose / conc.:

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

No. of animals per sex per dose:

3 groups of 10 males and 10 females each . A similar constituted control group received the vehicle alone during the treatment period.

Control animals:

yes, concurrent vehicle

Details on study design:

The oral route was selected as it is a possible route of exposure of the test item in man.
The dosages, selected in consultation with the Sponsor, were 75, 150 and 600 mg/kg/day.
Dose levels were selected in agreement with the Sponsor based on information from a preliminary non GLP compliant study (RTC Study No.: 88780EXT).

Examinations

Parental animals: Observations and examinations:

Mortality

Throughout the study, all animals were checked early in each working day and again in the afternoon. At weekends and Public Holidays a similar procedure was followed except that the final check was carried out at approximately mid-day.
One control animal (no. 91770009) judged to be in extremis was killed.

Clinical signs

All clinical signs were recorded for individual animals.
Once before commencement of treatment and at least once daily during the study, each animal was observed and any clinical signs were recorded. Observations were performed at the same time interval each day, the interval was selected taking into consideration the presence of post-dose reactions

Clinical observations (Functional Observation Battery Tests)

Once before commencement of treatment and at least once a week thereafter, each animal was given a detailed clinical examination. Each animal was removed from the home cage and observed in an open arena. The tests included observation of changes in gait and posture, reactivity to handling, presence of clonic or tonic movements, stereotypies or bizarre behaviour and effects on the autonomic nervous system (e.g. lachrymation, piloerection, pupil size, unusual respiratory pattern).
All observations were recorded for individual animals.

Grip strength and sensory reactivity to stimuli

Once during the study, towards the end of treatment, 5 males and 5 females were randomly selected from each group for evaluation of sensory reactivity to stimuli of different modalities (e.g. auditory, visual and proprioceptive stimuli) and for assessment of grip strength. Measurements were performed using a computer generated random order. For males the tests were performed the day before necropsy and for females on Day 3 post partum.

Motor activity assessment (MA)

Once during the study, towards the end of treatment, 5 males and 5 females were randomly selected from each group and the motor activity was measured (for approximately 5 minutes) by an automated activity recording device. Measurements were performed using a computer generated random order. For males the tests were performed the day before necropsy and for females on Day 3 post partum

Body weight

Males were weighed weekly from allocation to termination.
Females were weighed weekly from allocation to pairing and on gestation Days 0, 7, 14 and 20. Dams were also weighed on Days 1 and 4 post partum.

Food consumption

The weight of food consumed by each cage of males and females was recorded weekly during the pre-mating period starting from allocation. Individual food consumption for the females was measured on gestation Days 7, 14 and 20 starting from Day 0 post coitum and on Day 4 post partum starting from Day 1 post partum.

Clinical pathology investigations

As a part of the sacrificial procedure, samples of blood were withdrawn under isofluorane anaesthesia from the abdominal vena cava from 5 males and 5 females (females with viable litters) randomly selected from each group, under condition of food deprivation.

The blood samples collected were divided into tubes as follows:

EDTA anticoagulant for haematological investigations
Heparin anticoagulant for biochemical tests
Citrate anticoagulant for coagulation tests

The measurements performed on blood samples are listed below:

Haematology

Haematocrit
Haemoglobin
Red blood cell count
Reticulocyte count
Mean red blood cell volume
Mean corpuscular haemoglobin
Mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration
White blood cell count

Differential leucocyte count
- Neutrophils
- Lymphocytes
- Eosinophils
- Basophils
- Monocytes
- Large unstained cells
Platelets

Coagulation tests

Prothrombin time

Clinical chemistry

Alkaline phosphatase
Alanine aminotransferase
Aspartate aminotransferase
Gamma-glutamyltransferase
Urea
Creatinine
Glucose
Triglycerides
Bile acids
Phosphorus
Total bilirubin
Total cholesterol
Total protein
Albumin
Globulin
A/G Ratio
Sodium
Potassium
Calcium
Chloride

Urinalysis (Only males)

At the same time interval as the clinical pathology investigations, individual overnight urine samples were also collected from the same animals under the same conditions. Before starting urine collection, water bottles were removed from each cage and each animal received approximately 10 mL/kg of drinking water by gavage, in order to obtain urine samples suitable for analysis.

Appearance
Volume
Specific gravity
pH
Protein
Glucose
Ketones
Bilirubin
Urobilinogen
Blood

The sediment, obtained from centrifugation at approximately 3000 rpm for 10 minutes, was examined microscopically for:

Epithelial cells
Leucocytes
Erythrocytes
Crystals
Spermatozoa and precursors
Other abnormal components

Oestrous cyclicity (parental animals):

Vaginal smears were taken daily in the morning starting two weeks before pairing until a positive identification of copulation was made. The vaginal smear data were examined to determine the following:

a) anomalies of the oestrous cycle;
b) pre-coital interval (i.e., the number of nights paired prior to the detection of mating).

Sperm parameters (parental animals):

Parameters examined in [P] male parental generations:
[testis weight, epididymis weight, morphological evaluation of the seminiferous epithelium (staging of spermatogenic cycle]

Litter observations:

Parturition and gestation length

A parturition check was performed from Day 20 to Day 25 post coitum.
Gestation length was calculated as the time between the day of successful mating (Day 0 post coitum) and the day of commencement of birth (i.e. first detected presence of offspring in the cage). The day that offspring were first detected in the cage was considered Day 0 post partum.

Pups identification, weight and observation

As soon as possible after parturition was considered complete (Day 0 or 1 post partum), all pups (live and dead) were counted, sexed and live pups were identified.
Live pups were individually weighed on Days 1 and 4 post partum.
Pups killed or dying during the lactation period were weighed before the despatch to necropsy.
Observation was performed once daily for all litters.

Postmortem examinations (parental animals):

Parental animals were killed by exsanguination under isofluorane anaesthesia. All animals were subject to necropsy

Parental males:
The males were killed after the mating of all females, after 33 days of treatment.

Parental females:
The females with live pups were killed on Day 4 post partum.
The females which did not give birth 25 days after positive identification of mating were sacrificed on Days 26 or 27 post coitum.

The clinical history of the males and females of the parental generation was studied and a detailed post mortem examination was conducted (including examination of the external surface and orifices).
Changes were noted, the requisite organs weighed (excluding one animal sacrificed for humane reasons) and the required tissue samples preserved in fixative and processed for histopathological examination.

All females were examined also for the following:

a) external and internal abnormalities;
b) number of visible implantation sites (pregnant animals);
c) number of corpora lutea (pregnant animals).

Organ weights

From all animals (with the exception of animal humane killed) the organs were dissected free of fat and weighed.
The ratios of organ weight to body weight were calculated for each animal.

Tissue fixed and preserved

Samples of all the tissues listed in Annex 1 were fixed and preserved in 10% neutral buffered formalin (except eyes, optic nerves, testes and epididymides which were fixed in modified Davidson's fluid and preserved in 70% ethyl alcohol).

After dehydration and embedding in paraffin wax, sections of the tissues were cut at 5 micrometer thickness and stained with haematoxylin and eosin.
In addition, the testes and epididymides were cut at 2-3 micrometer thickness and stained with Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS). The morphological evaluation of the seminiferous epithelium (staging of spermatogenic cycle) was performed.

The examination was restricted as detailed below:

a) Tissues specified in Annex 1 from 5 males and 5 females randomly selected (animals evaluated for clinical pathology) in the control and high dose group killed at term.
b) Tissues specified in Annex 1 from all animals killed during the treatment period.
c) All females sacrificed because no delivery, to investigate possible causes.
d) All abnormalities in all groups

Postmortem examinations (offspring):

Pups were euthanised by intraperitoneal injection of Thiopenthal on Day 4 post partum
All pups found dead in the cage were examined for external and internal abnormalities (including gonadal inspection).
All live pups sacrificed at termination were killed and examined for external abnormalities and sex confirmation by gonadal inspection.

Statistics:

Standard deviations were calculated as appropriate. For continuous variables the significance of the differences amongst group means was assessed by Dunnett’s test or a modified t test, depending on the homogeneity of data.
The non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance was used for the other parameters. Intergroup differences between the control and treated groups were assessed by the non-parametric version of the Williams test.
The criterion for statistical significance was p<0.05 and p<0.01.
The mean values, standard deviations and statistical analysis were calculated from actual values in the computer without rounding off.
Statistical analysis of histopathological findings was carried out by means of the non-parametric Kolmogorov-Smirnov test if n is more than 5.

Reproductive indices:

The following reproductive indices were calculated:

Males
Copulatory Index (%) = no. of animals mated / no. of animals paired x 100
Fertility Index (%) = no. of males which induced pregnancy / no. of males paired x 100


Females
Copulatory Index (%) = no. of animals mated / no. of animals paired x 100
Fertility Index (%) = no. of pregnant females /no. of females paired x 100

Males and females
Pre-coital Interval = Mean number of days between pairing and mating

Offspring viability indices:

Females

Pre-birth loss was calculated as a percentage from the formula:

(No. of visible implantations - total litter size at birth ) / No. of visible implantations x 100


Pup loss at birth was calculated as a percentage from the formula:

(Total litter size - live litter size) / Total litter size x 100


Cumulative pup loss on Day 4 post partum was calculated as a percentage from the formula:

(Total litter size at birth - live litter size at Day 4) / Total litter size at birth x 100

Pre-implantation loss was calculated as a percentage from the formula:

(no. corpora lutea- no. implantations) / no. corpora lutea x 100

Sex ratios were calculated at birth and on Day 4 post partum and were presented as the percentage of males per litter.

Results and discussion

Results: P0 (first parental generation)

General toxicity (P0)

Description (incidence and severity):

See section 7.5.1.

Dermal irritation (if dermal study):

not examined

Mortality:

mortality observed, non-treatment-related

Description (incidence):

One mid-dose female receiving 150 mg/kg bw/day (animal no. 91770043) had total litter loss on Day 0 post partum and was sacrificed on Day 3 post partum.
The number of females with live pups on Day 4 post partum was: 9 in the control group, 10 in the low dose group (75 mg/kg bw/day), 7 each in the mid-dose (150 mg/kg bw/day) and high dose groups (600 mg/kg bw/day).

Body weight and weight changes:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

In pregnant females, the decrease in body weight in Group 4 was statistically significant during the post coitum period starting from Day 7 (approximately 6%) to Day 20 (approximately 18%) and on Day 1 post partum (approximately 15%) and Day 4 post partum (approximately 18%). Before pairing there was no effect on body weight in females although a very slight decrease, not statistically significant, was observed in Group 4 ( up to 3.6%).

In females, statistically significant decrease in body weight gain in Group 4 was recorded on days 14 and 20 post coitum (up to approximately 51%). Although not statistically significant, a trend to decrease in body weight gain was also observed in Group 2 and 3 ( up to 12.4%).

Food consumption and compound intake (if feeding study):

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

Significantly reduced food consumption was recorded in high dose pregnant females starting from Day 14 post coitum (approximately 18%) up to Day 4 post partum (approximately 35%). Although not statistically significant, a trend to decrease in food consumption was also observed in Group 3 (up to 5.6%).

Food efficiency:

not examined

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

not examined

Ophthalmological findings:

not examined

Haematological findings:

effects observed, non-treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

See section 7.5.1.

Clinical biochemistry findings:

effects observed, non-treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

See section 7.5.1.

Urinalysis findings:

effects observed, non-treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

See section 7.5.1.

Behaviour (functional findings):

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

See section 7.5.1.

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):

See section 7.5.1.

Histopathological findings: neoplastic:

not examined

Other effects:

not examined

Reproductive function / performance (P0)

Reproductive function: oestrous cycle:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

The number of oestrus cycles was decreased in high dose females with respect to the control females. A trend to decrease was also observed in Groups 2 and 3. However, these values were comparable with the control historical data, therefore they were not considered to be of toxicological relevance.

Reproductive function: sperm measures:

not examined

Reproductive performance:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

All females mated both in the control and treated groups.
A total of 5 females were found not pregnant at necropsy: 2 in the mid-dose group (animal nos. 91770047, 91770059) and 3 in the high dose group (animal nos. 91770065, 91770073, 91770077).
Decrease in pre-coital interval observed in high dose females was not considered to be of toxicological relevance.
The copulatory index did not show differences between treated and control groups.
Fertility index of males and females receiving the dose levels = 150 mg/kg/day was decreased compared to the control group. Although the index of 80% detected in the 150 mg/kg/day level was comparable with the historical control data

Effect levels (P0)

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Effect level:

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

Based on:

test mat.

Sex:

male/female

Basis for effect level:

clinical signs

body weight and weight gain

food consumption and compound intake

organ weights and organ / body weight ratios

gross pathology

histopathology: non-neoplastic

reproductive performance

other: Decrease of corpora lutea

Results: F1 generation

General toxicity (F1)

Clinical signs:

effects observed, non-treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

Apparently no food intake (milk) and small appearance were the clinical signs generally noted in control and treated groups. In addition, cold to touch was observed in treated groups (2 litters in Group 2, 1 pup in Group 3 and 4 litters in Group 4).

Dermal irritation (if dermal study):

not examined

Mortality / viability:

no mortality observed

Body weight and weight changes:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

Decreased litter weight was noted on Days 1 and 4post partum in the high dose group.

Food consumption and compound intake (if feeding study):

not examined

Food efficiency:

not examined

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

not examined

Ophthalmological findings:

not examined

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:

not examined

Gross pathological findings:

effects observed, non-treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

No milk in stomach and autolysed organs in the abdomen and thoracic cavity were observed at necropsy in the decedent pups of control and treated groups. Most of the organs cannibalized were observed in all pups of one mid-dose female (animal no. 91770043)
Malrotated forelimb and polysyndactyly were confirmed respectively in one pup of low dose group and one pup of mid-dose group sacrificed on Day 4. These malformations were considered incidental and not treatment-related.
No abnormalities were found in all other pups of control and treated groups sacrificed on Day 4.

Histopathological findings:

not examined

Other effects:

not specified

Developmental neurotoxicity (F1)

Behaviour (functional findings):

not examined

Developmental immunotoxicity (F1)

Developmental immunotoxicity:

not examined

Details on results (F1)

At birth, significant reduced litter size (total and live, respectively 35% and 37%), together with a significantly reduced number of females (approximately 50%), were detected at statistical analysis in the high dose group compared to controls. However, no significant differences in sex ratio (calculated as percentage of males) were detected in the same group.
On Day 1 post partum a significantly reduced mean litter weight (46%) was found in the high dose group compared to controls.
On Day 4 post partum, live litter size, number of females and litter weight were still significantly reduced in the high dose group (respectively 50%, 63% and 54%) compared to controls and no difference in sex ratio were detected.
Cumulative % pup loss on Day 4 post partum was considerably increased in the high dose group, although without a statistical significance.

Effect levels (F1)

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Generation:

F1

Effect level:

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

Based on:

test mat.

Sex:

male/female

Basis for effect level:

mortality

body weight and weight gain

other: Decrease of implantation sites

Target system / organ toxicity (F1)

Critical effects observed:

not specified

Overall reproductive toxicity

Reproductive effects observed:

yes

Lowest effective dose / conc.:

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

Treatment related:

yes

Relation to other toxic effects:

reproductive effects as a secondary non-specific consequence of other toxic effects

Dose response relationship:

yes

Any other information on results incl. tables

BODY WEIGHT

 

FEMALES		Day of post coitum phase
Body weight(g)		7	14		20
Dose levels (mg/kg)	Control	294.69	333.91		424.19
	75	294.84 (+0.05%)	332.21 (-0.5%)		417.67 (-1.5%)
	150	285.93 (-3.0%)	323.24 (-3.2%)		400.86 (-5.5%)
	600	275.69 (-6.4%)*	303.34 (-9.2%)**		346.43 (-18.3%)**
		Day of post partum phase
		1		4
Dose levels (mg/kg)	Control	319.12		315.56
	75	317.85 (-0.4%)		318.44 (+0.9%)
	150	306.85 (-3.8%)		293.81 (-6.9%)
	600	272.97 (-14.5%)**		258.13 (-18.2%)**

*  group mean is significantly different from control at level p < 0.05

** group mean is significantly different from control at level p < 0.01

BODY WEIGHT GAIN

FEMALES		Day of post coitum phase
Body weightgain(g)per day		14	20
Dose levels (mg/kg)	Control	5.602	14.761
	75	5.339 (-4.7%)	14.244 (-3.5%)
	150	5.329 (-4.9%)	12.938 (-12.4%)
	600	3.951 (-29.5%)**	7.181 (-51.4%)**

*  group mean is significantly different from control at level p < 0.05

** group mean is significantly different from control at level p < 0.01

FOOD CONSUMPTION

FEMALES		Day of post coitum phase		Day of post partum phase
Food consumption (g/animal/day)		14	20	4
Dose levels (mg/kg)	Control	24.87	25.69	30.54
	75	25.35 (+1.9%)	25.83 (+0.5%)	33.40 (+9.4%)
	150	23.75 (-4.5%)	25.31 (-1.5%)	28.82 (-5.6%)
	600	20.37 (-18.1%)**	21.10 (-17.9%)*	19.79 (-35.2%)*

*  group mean is significantly different from control at level p < 0.05

** group mean is significantly different from control at level p < 0.01

OESTRUS CYCLE

 

		Number of oestrus cycles	Fertility index (%)	Precoital interval (days)
Dose levels (mg/kg)	Control	3.6	100	2.7+1.3
	75	3.4 (-5.6%)	100	2.6+1.4
	150	3.3 (-8.3%)	80	2.9+2.1
	600	2.7 (-25.0%)	70	1.6+0.5

REPRODUCTIVE PARAMETERS

		Corpora Lutea (Mean number)	Implantations (Mean number)	Total litter size (Mean number)	Pre-birth  loss (%)	Cumulative  loss (%)
Dose levels (mg/kg)	Control	16.22	15.78	15.00	4.82	2.96
	75	16.20 (-0.1%)	16.10 (+2.0%)	15.40 (+2.7%)	5.13 (+6.4%)	1.89 (-36.1%)
	150	16.38 (+1.0%)	16.00 (+1.4%)	14.88 (-0.8%)	6.58 (+36.5%)	3.64 (+23.0%)
	600	10.43 (-35.7%)*	10.43 (-33.9%)*	9.71 (-35.3%)*	8.37 (+73.7%)	20.81 (+603.0%)

*  group mean is significantly different from control at level p < 0.05

LITTER DATA

		At birth	Day 1 post partum	Day 4 post partum
		Live litter size (Mean number)	Litter weight (g)	Live litter size  (Mean number)	Litter weight  (g)
Dose levels (mg/kg)	Control	14.89	99.59	14.56	134.71
	75	15.40 (+3.4%)	102.26 (+2.7%)	15.10 (+3.7%)	142.32 (+5.6%)
	150	14.57 (-2.1%)	97.39 (-2.2%)	14.14 (-2.9%)	135.43 (+0.5%)
	600	9.43 (-36.7%)*	53.30 (-46.5%)*	7.29 (-49.9%)*	61.46 (-54.4%)*

*  group mean is significantly different from control at level p < 0.05

Applicant's summary and conclusion

Conclusions:

On the basis of the results obtained in the study, the NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for reproductive/developmental toxicity could be considered 150 mg/kg/day.

Executive summary:

The toxic effects on Sprague-Dawley rats of both sexes after repeated dosing with Luperox 801 (97% tert-butyl cumyl peroxide), as well as any effects of the test item on male and female reproductive performance such as gonadal function, mating behaviour, conception, parturition and development of offspring up to Day 4 post partum were evaluated in an OECD 422 study. The test item, suspended in corn oil, was administered by oral gavage to 3 groups of 10 males and 10 females each at doses of 0, 75, 150 or 600 mg/kg. Males were treated for a total of 33 days including 2 weeks prior to pairing and continuously thereafter, up to the day before necropsy. Females were treated for 2 weeks before pairing, thereafter during pairing, post coitum and lactation periods until Day 3 post partum. The following investigations were performed in all groups: body weight, clinical signs (including neurotoxicity assessment, motor activity and sensory reaction to stimuli), food consumption, oestrous cycle, mating performance, clinical pathology investigations (haematology, clinical chemistry and urinalysis), litter data, macroscopic observations, organ weights and histopathological examination. Clinical signs and macroscopic observations of pups were also performed. The parental toxicity is detailed in the section 7.5 of the IUCLID, repeated dose toxicity. 

One control female judged to be in extremis was killed on post coitum Day 18. A total of 5 females were found not pregnant at necropsy: 2 in the mid-dose group and 3 in the high dose group. One mid-dose female had total litter loss on Day 0 post partum and was sacrificed on Day 3 post partum. The number of females with live pups on Day 4 post partumwas: 9 in the control group, 10 in the low dose group, 7 each in the mid-dose and high dose groups.

All females mated both in the control and treated groups. The decrease in the number of oestrus cycles and in the pre-coital interval observed in high dose females with respect to the control females were not considered of toxicological relevance. Two females in the mid-dose group and 3 females in the high dose group were found not pregnant at necropsy.The copulatory index of males and females did not show differences between treated and control groups. On the contrary, fertility index of males and females receiving the dose levels = 150 mg/kg/day was decreased compared to the control group.

Corpora lutea, implantations and total litter size were statistically decreased in the high dose females respect to the controls. In addition, an increase in pre-birth loss percentage was also detected in the same group. Gestation periods were similar in treated groups and controls.

There was no difference sex ratio. In the high dose group, decreased litter weight was noted on Day 1post partum with respect to the controls. On Day 4 post partum, live litter size, number of females and litter weight were still significantly reduced compared to controls and no difference in sex ratio were detected.

On the basis of the results obtained in the study, the NOAEL for both systemic toxicity and reproduction/developmental toxicity is considered 150 mg/kg/day for males and females. For systemic toxicity, this NOAEL is based on clinical signs, reduced body weight and bodyweight gain at 600 mg/kg/day and on kidney macroscopic and microscopic changes on male rats. For reproduction/developmental toxicity this NOAEL is based on the decrease of fertility index, decrease of corpora lutea and implantation sites, litter weight and litter size at 600 mg/kg/day.