(benzoato-O,O')hydroxy(octadecanoato-O,O')aluminium

Endpoint summary

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Effects on fertility

Description of key information

Not classified. No adverse reproductive or developmental toxicity effects observed.

Link to relevant study records

Reference

Endpoint:

one-generation reproductive toxicity

Remarks:

based on generations indicated in Effect levels (migrated information)

Type of information:

migrated information: read-across from supporting substance (structural analogue or surrogate)

Adequacy of study:

key study

Reliability:

1 (reliable without restriction)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

other: GLP compliant, guideline study, available as an unpublished report.

Reason / purpose for cross-reference:

reference to same study

Qualifier:

equivalent or similar to guideline

Guideline:

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

GLP compliance:

yes

Limit test:

no

Species:

rat

Strain:

Wistar

Sex:

male/female

Details on test animals or test system and environmental conditions:

TEST ANIMALS
- source: Harlan Laboratories UK Ltd
- age at study initiation: approx 12 weeks
- weight at study initiation: males - 322 to 394g; females (nulliparous and nonpregnant) - 195 to 237g
- housing: initially in groups of 4 in solid floor propylene cages with softwood bedding. During pairing animals were transferred to polypropylene grid floor cages suspended over trays lined with absorbant paper, one male:one female basis. Following successful mating, males returned to original cages. Mated females housed individually during gestation/lactation in the solid floor cages as for mating. Enrichment: wooden chew blocks and cardboard tunnels.
-diet: Rodent 2018C Teklad Global Certified Diet, Harlan Laboratories UK Ltd
- water: mains drinking water ad libitum
- acclimation period: 12 days

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
- temperature: 21 +/- 2 deg C
- humidity: 55+/- 15%
- photoperiod: 12h light/12h dark

Route of administration:

oral: gavage

Vehicle:

other: MOL WO M 46 Medicinal white oil

Details on exposure:

PREPARATION OF DOSING SOLUTIONS:
VEHICLE
- Justification for use and choice of vehicle (if other than water): test material synthesised in the presence of MOL WO M 46 Medicinal white oil. Same white oil used for dilution of test material and as the control vehicle
- Test substance concentration in vehicle: 15%
- Treatment volume: 5 ml/kg bw/day
- Lot/batch no. (if required): 9037038
- Purity: 100%

Details on mating procedure:

- M/F ratio per cage: 1 male to 1 female within each dose group
- Length of cohabitation: Maximum of 14 days
- Proof of pregnancy: [vaginal plug / sperm in vaginal smear] referred to as day 0 of pregnancy (post coitum)
- After successful mating each pregnant female was caged individually and allowed to give birth and maintain their offspring until Day 5 post partum.

Analytical verification of doses or concentrations:

yes

Details on analytical verification of doses or concentrations:

The concentrations of the test material in the vehicle dilutions were determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS). The test item formulations were extracted with hexane, evaporated to dryness and re-dissolved in 2% nitric acid. Homogeneity determinations were performed on samples taken from the top, middle and bottom of the container. Stability determinations were performed before and after storage for 13 days at approx +4 degC in the dark for 13 days, by IR spectroscopy using a Perkin Elmer Spectrum One Fournier-transform infrared spectrophotometer.

Duration of treatment / exposure:

Males dosed for 42 days and killed on day 43, beginning 14 days prior to mating.
Dosing of females began 14 days before mating, and continued through mating, up to and including day 4 post-partum. They were killed on day 5 post-partum.

Frequency of treatment:

Daily, once per day

Details on study schedule:

- Age at mating of the mated animals in the study: 14 weeks

Remarks:

Doses / Concentrations:
0, 375, 750, 1500 mg/kg bw/day
Basis:
other: nominal per unit body weight

Remarks:

Doses / Concentrations:
0, 56.3, 113, 225 mg/kg bw/day
Basis:
other: Expressed as active ingredient

No. of animals per sex per dose:

12 males and 12 females per dose level

Control animals:

yes, concurrent vehicle

Details on study design:

- Dose selection rationale: The dose levels were selected on the basis of a 14-day dose range finding study where three groups of 3 male and 3 female wistar rats were treated at 375, 750 and 1500 mg/kg bw/day (dosed as supplied, containing 15% active ingredient). A group of 3 males and 3 females received the vehicle (medicinal white oil). No signs of toxicity were observed, and no adverse effects on bodyweight, food consumption, or water consumption. No macroscopic changes were seen at necropsy.
- Rationale for animal assignment (if not random): The animals were allocated to dose groups using a randomised procedure based on stratified bodyweights. Group mean bodyweights were then dermined to ensure similarity between the groups.
- Rationale for selecting satellite groups: Not applicable
- Post-exposure recovery period in satellite groups: Not applicable

Positive control:

Not included

Parental animals: Observations and examinations:

CAGE SIDE OBSERVATIONS: Yes
- Time schedule: multiple occasions during each day for morbidity and mortality
- Cage side observations recorded

DETAILED CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS: Yes
- Time schedule: before dosing, 30 mins, 1 and 5h after dosing during weekdays; before dosing and 1h after dosing at weekends

BODY WEIGHT: Yes
- Time schedule for examinations: prior to dosing, then weekly for males until termination, and weekly for females until mating was evident. Then for females bodyweight was recorded on days 0, 7, 14 and 20 post coitum, and on days 1 and 4 post partum.

FOOD CONSUMPTION:
- Food consumption was recorded for each cage of adults and was continued for males after the mating phase. For females showing evidence of mating, food consumption was recorded for the periods covering post coitum Days 0-7, 7-14 and 14-20. For females with live litters, food consumption was recorded on Days 1 and 4 post partum.

WATER CONSUMPTION:
Water intake was observed daily by visual inspection of water bottles for any overt changes.

FOOD EFFICIENCY:
- Food efficiency (the ratio of body weight change/dietary intake) was calculated retrospectively for males throughout the study period (with the exception of the mating phase) and for females during the pre-pairing phase.

WATER CONSUMPTION AND COMPOUND INTAKE (if drinking water study): Yes / No / No data
- Time schedule for examinations:

OPHTHALMOSCOPIC EXAMINATION: No

HAEMATOLOGY: Yes
- Time schedule for collection of blood: Day 42 for males, day 4 post partum for females
- Anaesthetic used for blood collection: No
- Animals fasted: No
- How many animals: 5 males and 5 females per group
- Parameters checked:
Haemoglobin (Hb)
Erythrocyte count (RBC)
Haematocrit (Hct)
Erythrocyte indices - mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH)
- mean corpuscular volume (MCV)
- mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC)
Total leucocyte count (WBC)
Differential leucocyte count - neutrophils (Neut)
- lymphocytes (Lymph)
- monocytes (Mono)
- eosinophils (Eos)
- basophils (Bas)
Platelet count (PLT)
Reticulocyte count (Retic) - Methylene blue stained slides were prepared but reticulocytes were not assessed
Prothrombin time (CT) was assessed by ‘Innovin’ and Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) was assessed by ‘Actin FS’ using samples collected into sodium citrate solution (0.11 mol/l).

CLINICAL CHEMISTRY: Yes
- Time schedule for collection of blood: Day 42 for males, day 4 post partum for females
- Animals fasted: No
- How many animals: 5 males and 5 females per group
- Parameters checked
Urea Calcium (Ca++)
Glucose Inorganic phosphorus (P)
Total protein (Tot.Prot.) Aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT)
Albumin Alanine aminotransferase (ALAT)
Albumin/Globulin (A/G) ratio (by calculation) Alkaline phosphatase (AP)
Sodium (Na+) Creatinine (Creat)
Potassium (K+) Total cholesterol (Chol)
Chloride (Cl-) Total bilirubin (Bili)
Bile acids

URINALYSIS: No

NEUROBEHAVIOURAL EXAMINATION: Yes
- Time schedule for examinations:prior to start of treatment and weekly intervals thereafter. Functional performance tests performed on 5 selected males and females from each dose level prior to termination, together with an assessment of sensory reactivity to various stimuli.
-Behavioural assessments: Detailed individual clinical observations were performed for each animal using a purpose built arena. This test was developed from the methods used by Irwin (1968) and Moser et al (1988). The scoring system used is outlined in The Key to Scoring System and Explanation for Behavioural Assessments and Sensory Reactivity Tests.
- Functional/performance tests: motor activity, forelimb/hindlimb grip strength
- Sensory reactivity: Each animal was individually assessed for sensory reactivity to auditory, visual and proprioceptive stimuli. This assessment was developed from the methods employed by Irwin (1968) and Moser et al (1988).
- Dose groups that were examined: Each group

Oestrous cyclicity (parental animals):

Not determined

Sperm parameters (parental animals):

Parameters examined in P male parental generations:
Organ weights and histopathological examination of testes, epididymides and seminal vesicles

Litter observations:

Litters were examined as soon as possible after delivery(LD 0) and on LD 4.

PARAMETERS EXAMINED
The following parameters were examined in F1 offspring:
Litter size, number of stillborn and liveborn pups, survival, number of males and females, individual body weights, abnormal behaviour, and gross abnormalities of the pups, surface righting reflex on Day 1 post partum

GROSS EXAMINATION OF DEAD PUPS:
yes, for external abnormalities.

Postmortem examinations (parental animals):

SACRIFICE
- Male animals: All surviving animals on Day 43
- Maternal animals: All surviving animals on Day 5 post partum

GROSS NECROPSY
- Gross necropsy consisted of external and internal examinations including the cervical, thoracic, and abdominal viscera.

HISTOPATHOLOGY / ORGAN WEIGHTS
The tissues indicated in Table 1 were prepared for microscopic examination and weighed, respectively.

Postmortem examinations (offspring):

SACRIFICE
- The F1 offspring sacrificed on LD 4.
- These animals were subjected to postmortem external examinations.

GROSS NECROPSY
- Gross necropsy consisted of external examinations.

Statistics:

Where appropriate, data transformations were performed using the most suitable method. The homogeneity of variance from mean values was analysed using Bartlett’s test. Intergroup variances were assessed using suitable ANOVA, or if required, ANCOVA with appropriate covariates. Any transformed data were analysed to find the lowest treatment level that showed a significant effect, using the Williams Test for parametric data or the Shirley Test for non-parametric data. If no dose response was found, but the data shows non-homogeneity of means, the data were analysed by a stepwise Dunnett’s (parametric) or Steel (non-parametric) test to determine significant difference from the control group. Where the data were unsuitable for these analyses, pair-wise tests was performed using the Student t-test (parametric) or the Mann-Whitney U test (non-parametric).
Data not analysed by the Provantis data capture system were assessed separately using the SPSS statistical package. Initially, the homogeneity of the data was assessed using Levene’s test. Where Levene’s test was shown to be non-significant (p≥0.05), parametric analysis of the data was applied, incorporating analysis of variance (ANOVA). If this data was shown to be significant, this analysis was followed by pair-wise comparisons using Dunnett’s test. Where Levene’s test was significant, non-parametric analysis of the data was analysed incorporating the Kruskal-Wallis test which if significant, was followed by the Mann-Whitney U test. Dose response relationship was also be investigated by linear regression. Where the data was unsuitable for these analyses, then pair-wise tests were performed using the Student t-test (parametric) or the Mann-Whitney U test (non-parametric).
Due to the preponderance of non-normally distributed data, reproductive parameters (implantation losses, offspring sex ratio and offspring surface righting) were analysed using non-parametric analyses.

Reproductive indices:

MATING PERFORMANCE AND FERTILITY
The following parameters were calculated from the individual data during the mating period of the parental generation:
i) Pre-coital Interval
Calculated as the time elapsing between initial pairing and the observation of positive evidence of mating.
ii) Fertility Indices
For each group the following were calculated:
Mating Index (%) = x 100
Pregnancy Index (%) = x 100
GESTATION AND PARTURITION DATA
The following parameters were calculated for individual data during the gestation and parturition period of the parental generation.
i) Gestation Length
Calculated as the number of days of gestation including the day for observation of mating and the start of parturition.
ii) Parturition Index
The following was calculated for each group:
Parturition Index (%) = x 100

Offspring viability indices:

i) Implantation Losses (%)
Group mean percentile pre-implantation and post-implantation loss were calculated for each female/litter as follows:
Pre–implantation loss = x100
Post–implantation loss = x 100
ii) Live Birth and Viability Indices
The following indices were calculated for each litter as follows:
Live Birth Index (%) = x 100
Viability Index (%) = x 100
iii) Sex Ratio (% males)
Sex ratio was calculated for each litter on Days 1 and 4 post partum, using the following formula: x 100

Clinical signs:

no effects observed

Body weight and weight changes:

no effects observed

Food consumption and compound intake (if feeding study):

no effects observed

Organ weight findings including organ / body weight ratios:

no effects observed

Histopathological findings: non-neoplastic:

no effects observed

Other effects:

effects observed, treatment-related

Reproductive function: oestrous cycle:

not examined

Reproductive function: sperm measures:

no effects observed

Reproductive performance:

no effects observed

CLINICAL SIGNS AND MORTALITY (PARENTAL ANIMALS)
There were no unscheduled deaths and no significant clinical observations detected.
BODY WEIGHT AND FOOD CONSUMPTION (PARENTAL ANIMALS)
There were no significant effects on bodyweight development and no adverse effect on food consumption or food utilisation efficiency
REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTION: SPERM MEASURES (PARENTAL ANIMALS)
There were no indications of any changes to the morphology or function of the male gonads as indicated by no effects on oragn weights or pathology of the testes, epididymides and seminal vesicles.
REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE (PARENTAL ANIMALS)
There were no efects recorded on mating performance, fertility indices or gestation length.
ORGAN WEIGHTS (PARENTAL ANIMALS)
There were no significant effects detected in the organ weihts measured
GROSS PATHOLOGY (PARENTAL ANIMALS)
No significant macroscopic abnormalities were detected
HISTOPATHOLOGY (PARENTAL ANIMALS)
No treatment related microscopic findings were detected
OTHER FINDINGS (PARENTAL ANIMALS)
There were no significant changes detected in the behavioural parameters measured or the functional performance of adult animals and there were no treatment related changes in sensory reactivity.

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Effect level:

> 225 mg/kg bw/day

Based on:

act. ingr.

Sex:

male/female

Basis for effect level:

other: Reproductive parameters (male/female fertility and fecundity indices, and copulatory intervals) were unaffected by treatment. No statistically significant changes in delivery data and pup development/survival.

Clinical signs:

no effects observed

Mortality / viability:

no mortality observed

Body weight and weight changes:

no effects observed

Sexual maturation:

not examined

Organ weight findings including organ / body weight ratios:

not examined

Gross pathological findings:

not examined

Histopathological findings:

not examined

VIABILITY (OFFSPRING)
No significant differences were detected for litter viability for treated animals when compared to controls.
CLINICAL SIGNS (OFFSPRING)
No significant effects were observed
BODY WEIGHT (OFFSPRING)
No significant differeces in litter size were detected between controls and treated animals.
OTHER FINDINGS (OFFSPRING)
There were no significant effects on surface righting reflex for treated animals when compared with the controls.

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Generation:

F1

Effect level:

> 225 mg/kg bw/day

Based on:

act. ingr.

Sex:

male/female

Basis for effect level:

other: No reproductive effects or definitive test article related changes in the development or survival of the offspring.

Reproductive effects observed:

not specified

Conclusions:

Oral administration of aluminum, benzoate C16-18 fatty acid complexes to parental male and female rats at dose levels of 375, 750 and 1500 mg/kg bw/day (equivalent to 56.3, 113 and 225 mg/kg bw/day) did not result in any adverse reproductive effects or any definitive test article-related changes in the development or survival of the offspring.

Executive summary:

Oral administration of aluminum, benzoate C16-18 fatty acid complexes to parental male and female rats at dose levels of 375, 750 and 1500 mg/kg bw/day (equivalent to 56.3, 113 and 225 mg/kg bw/day) did not result in any adverse reproductive effects or any definitive test article-related changes in the development or survival of the offspring.

Results from the clinical pathology evaluations and neurobehavioral testing on parent animals did not reveal any definitive effects that could be attributed to treatment at the dose levels tested. In addition there were no changes in blood chemisry and haematlogy assessments of parent animals that were indicative of a reaction to treatment. Consequently, in the absence of any pathological and oragn weight changes amongst the parent animals there was no eveidence of any systemic effects at any of the dose levels examined.

Effect on fertility: via oral route

Endpoint conclusion:

no adverse effect observed

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

225 mg/kg bw/day

Study duration:

subacute

Species:

rat

Quality of whole database:

As no data was available for toxicity to reproduction of (benzoato-O,O')hydroxy(octadecanoato-O,O')aluminium, this endpoint was read across from aluminum, benzoate C16-18-fatty acids complexes. The toxicity to reproduction of aluminum, benzoate C16 -18 -fatty acids complexes to rats is taken from data presented within an oral (gavage) combined repeat dose toxicity study with reproduction/developmental toxicity screening test in the rat performed in compliance with, amongst others, the requirements of the OECD Guidelines for Testing of Chemicals No.422 "Combined Repeated Dose Toxicity Study with the Reproduction/Developmental Screening Test" (adopted 22 March 1996). Since the results are taken from a regulatory and GLP compliant study, the data are considered reliable and relevant for use in assessing this endpoint.

Aluminum, benzoate C16-18-fatty acids complexes (CAS No. 94166-87-7, EC No. 303-385-6) is considered suitable for read-across to (benzoato-O,O')hydroxy(octadecanoato-O,O')aluminium as it is structurally similar being an approximate 2:1 mixture of (benzoato-O,O')hydroxy(octadecanoato-O,O')aluminium and (benzoato-O,O')hydroxy(hexadecanoato-O,O')aluminium. The only significant difference is the presence of about 30% of the aluminium complex containing the saturated C16-fatty acid, hexadecanoate in place of the saturated C18-fatty acid, octadecanoate. This small difference in composition is expected to have no adverse influence on toxicity to reproduction.

Effect on fertility: via inhalation route

Endpoint conclusion:

no study available

Effect on fertility: via dermal route

Endpoint conclusion:

no study available

Additional information

This study was performed on the read-across test substance manufactured in situ in medicinal grade white oil. A key sub-acute toxicity and reproductive toxicity screen, using the OECD 422 study design, was conducted in rats on aluminum, benzoate C16-18 fatty acid complexes via oral gavage administration. The test material was administered at dose levels of 0, 375, 750 and 1500 mg/kg bw/day nominal, equating to 56.3, 113 and 225 mg/kg bw/day Active Ingredient. There were no treatment-related effects at any dose level on any of the reproductive parameters evaluated in this study, or in any of the developmental parameters evaluated. Based on these data, the NOAEL for reproductive and developmental toxicity was 1500 mg/kg bw/day, equivalent to 225 mg/kg bw/day Active Ingredient.

Short description of key information:
An oral reprotoxicity screening study in rats was conducted according to OECD 422 in which no adverse effect were seen in any of the reproductive parameters examined at any dose.

Justification for selection of Effect on fertility via oral route:
This screening study for the read across substance aluminum, benzoate C16-18-fatty acids complexes provides relevant experimental data on this endpoint in which a clear NOAEL for the active ingredient is identified.

Effects on developmental toxicity

Description of key information

An oral development screening study in rats was conducted according to OECD 422 in which no adverse effect were seen in any of the developmental parameters examined at any dose.

Link to relevant study records

Reference

Endpoint:

developmental toxicity

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

key study

Reliability:

1 (reliable without restriction)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

other: GLP compliant, guideline study, available as an unpublished report.

Reason / purpose for cross-reference:

reference to same study

Qualifier:

equivalent or similar to guideline

Guideline:

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

Deviations:

not applicable

GLP compliance:

yes

Limit test:

no

Species:

rat

Strain:

Wistar

Details on test animals or test system and environmental conditions:

TEST ANIMALS
- source: Harlan Laboratories UK Ltd
- age at study initiation: approx 12 weeks
- weight at study initiation: males - 322 to 394g; females (nulliparous and nonpregnant) - 195 to 237g
- housing: initially in groups of 4 in solid floor propylene cages with softwood bedding. During pairing animals were transferred to polypropylene grid floor cages suspended over trays lined with absorbant paper, one male:one female basis. Following successful mating, males returned to original cages. Mated females housed individually during gestation/lactation in the solid floor cages as for mating. Enrichment: wooden chew blocks and cardboard tunnels.
-diet: Rodent 2018C Teklad Global Certified Diet, Harlan Laboratories UK Ltd
- water: mains drinking water ad libitum
- acclimation period: 12 days

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
- temperature: 21 +/- 2 deg C
- humidity: 55+/- 15%
- photoperiod: 12h light/12h dark

Route of administration:

oral: gavage

Vehicle:

other: MOL WOM46 Medicinal white oil

Details on exposure:

PREPARATION OF DOSING SOLUTIONS:
VEHICLE
- Justification for use and choice of vehicle (if other than water): test material synthesised in the presence of MOL WO M 46 Medicinal white oil. Same white oil used for dilution of test material and as the control vehicle
- Test substance concentration in vehicle: 15%
- Treatment volume: 5 ml/kg bw/day
- Lot/batch no. (if required): 9037038
- Purity: 100%

Analytical verification of doses or concentrations:

yes

Details on analytical verification of doses or concentrations:

The concentrations of the test material in the vehicle dilutions were determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS). The test item formulations were extracted with hexane, evaporated to dryness and re-dissolved in 2% nitric acid. Homogeneity determinations were performed on samples taken from the top, middle and bottom of the container. Stability determinations were performed before and after storage for 13 days at approx +4 degC in the dark for 13 days, by IR spectroscopy using a Perkin Elmer Spectrum One Fournier-transform infrared spectrophotometer.

Details on mating procedure:

- M/F ratio per cage: 1 male to 1 female within each dose group
- Length of cohabitation: Maximum of 14 days
- Proof of pregnancy: [vaginal plug / sperm in vaginal smear] referred to as day 0 of pregnancy (post coitum)
- After successful mating each pregnant female was caged individually and allowed to give birth and maintain their offspring until Day 5 post partum.

Duration of treatment / exposure:

Males dosed for 42 days and killed on day 43, beginning 14 days prior to mating.
Dosing of females began 14 days before mating, and continued through mating, up to and including day 4 post-partum. They were killed on day 5 post-partum.

Frequency of treatment:

Daily, once per day

Duration of test:

Up to eight weeks (including a two week pre-pairing phase, pairing, gestation and early lactation).

No. of animals per sex per dose:

12 males and 12 females per dose level

Control animals:

yes, concurrent vehicle

Details on study design:

- Dose selection rationale: The dose levels were selected on the basis of a 14-day dose range finding study where three groups of 3 male and 3 female wistar rats were treated at 375, 750 and 1500 mg/kg bw/day (dosed as supplied, containing 15% active ingredient). A group of 3 males and 3 females received the vehicle (medicinal white oil). No signs of toxicity were observed, and no adverse effects on bodyweight, food consumption, or water consumption. No macroscopic changes were seen at necropsy.
- Rationale for animal assignment (if not random): The animals were allocated to dose groups using a randomised procedure based on stratified bodyweights. Group mean bodyweights were then dermined to ensure similarity between the groups.
- Rationale for selecting satellite groups: Not applicable
- Post-exposure recovery period in satellite groups: Not applicable

Maternal examinations:

CAGE SIDE OBSERVATIONS: Yes
- Time schedule: multiple occasions during each day for morbidity and mortality
- Cage side observations recorded

DETAILED CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS: Yes
- Time schedule: before dosing, 30 mins, 1 and 5h after dosing during weekdays; before dosing and 1h after dosing at weekends

BODY WEIGHT: Yes
- Time schedule for examinations: prior to dosing, then weekly for males until termination, and weekly for females until mating was evident. Then for females bodyweight was recorded on days 0, 7, 14 and 20 post coitum, and on days 1 and 4 post partum.

FOOD CONSUMPTION:
- Food consumption was recorded for each cage of adults and was continued for males after the mating phase. For females showing evidence of mating, food consumption was recorded for the periods covering post coitum Days 0-7, 7-14 and 14-20. For females with live litters, food consumption was recorded on Days 1 and 4 post partum.

WATER CONSUMPTION:
Water intake was observed daily by visual inspection of water bottles for any overt changes.

FOOD EFFICIENCY:
- Food efficiency (the ratio of body weight change/dietary intake) was calculated retrospectively for males throughout the study period (with the exception of the mating phase) and for females during the pre-pairing phase.

WATER CONSUMPTION AND COMPOUND INTAKE (if drinking water study): Yes / No / No data
- Time schedule for examinations:

OPHTHALMOSCOPIC EXAMINATION: No

HAEMATOLOGY: Yes
- Time schedule for collection of blood: Day 42 for males, day 4 post partum for females
- Anaesthetic used for blood collection: No
- Animals fasted: No
- How many animals: 5 males and 5 females per group
- Parameters checked:
Haemoglobin (Hb)
Erythrocyte count (RBC)
Haematocrit (Hct)
Erythrocyte indices - mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH)
- mean corpuscular volume (MCV)
- mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC)
Total leucocyte count (WBC)
Differential leucocyte count - neutrophils (Neut)
- lymphocytes (Lymph)
- monocytes (Mono)
- eosinophils (Eos)
- basophils (Bas)
Platelet count (PLT)
Reticulocyte count (Retic) - Methylene blue stained slides were prepared but reticulocytes were not assessed
Prothrombin time (CT) was assessed by ‘Innovin’ and Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) was assessed by ‘Actin FS’ using samples collected into sodium citrate solution (0.11 mol/l).

CLINICAL CHEMISTRY: Yes
- Time schedule for collection of blood: Day 42 for males, day 4 post partum for females
- Animals fasted: No
- How many animals: 5 males and 5 females per group
- Parameters checked
Urea Calcium (Ca++)
Glucose Inorganic phosphorus (P)
Total protein (Tot.Prot.) Aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT)
Albumin Alanine aminotransferase (ALAT)
Albumin/Globulin (A/G) ratio (by calculation) Alkaline phosphatase (AP)
Sodium (Na+) Creatinine (Creat)
Potassium (K+) Total cholesterol (Chol)
Chloride (Cl-) Total bilirubin (Bili)
Bile acids

URINALYSIS: No

NEUROBEHAVIOURAL EXAMINATION: Yes
- Time schedule for examinations:prior to start of treatment and weekly intervals thereafter. Functional performance tests performed on 5 selected males and females from each dose level prior to termination, together with an assessment of sensory reactivity to various stimuli.
-Behavioural assessments: Detailed individual clinical observations were performed for each animal using a purpose built arena. This test was developed from the methods used by Irwin (1968) and Moser et al (1988). The scoring system used is outlined in The Key to Scoring System and Explanation for Behavioural Assessments and Sensory Reactivity Tests.
- Functional/performance tests: motor activity, forelimb/hindlimb grip strength
- Sensory reactivity: Each animal was individually assessed for sensory reactivity to auditory, visual and proprioceptive stimuli. This assessment was developed from the methods employed by Irwin (1968) and Moser et al (1988).
- Dose groups that were examined: each group

Ovaries and uterine content:

The ovaries and uterine content was examined after termination: Yes / No / No data
Examinations included:
- Gravid uterus weight: Yes
- Number of corpora lutea: Yes
- Number of implantations: Yes
- Number of early resorptions: Yes
- Number of late resorptions: Yes

Fetal examinations:

- External examinations: Yes: all per litter
- Soft tissue examinations: No
- Skeletal examinations: No
- Head examinations: No

Statistics:

Where appropriate, data transformations were performed using the most suitable method. The homogeneity of variance from mean values was analysed using Bartlett’s test. Intergroup variances were assessed using suitable ANOVA, or if required, ANCOVA with appropriate covariates. Any transformed data were analysed to find the lowest treatment level that showed a significant effect, using the Williams Test for parametric data or the Shirley Test for non-parametric data. If no dose response was found, but the data shows non-homogeneity of means, the data were analysed by a stepwise Dunnett’s (parametric) or Steel (non-parametric) test to determine significant difference from the control group. Where the data were unsuitable for these analyses, pair-wise tests was performed using the Student t-test (parametric) or the Mann-Whitney U test (non-parametric).
Data not analysed by the Provantis data capture system were assessed separately using the SPSS statistical package. Initially, the homogeneity of the data was assessed using Levene’s test. Where Levene’s test was shown to be non-significant (p≥0.05), parametric analysis of the data was applied, incorporating analysis of variance (ANOVA). If this data was shown to be significant, this analysis was followed by pair-wise comparisons using Dunnett’s test. Where Levene’s test was significant, non-parametric analysis of the data was analysed incorporating the Kruskal-Wallis test which if significant, was followed by the Mann-Whitney U test. Dose response relationship was also be investigated by linear regression. Where the data was unsuitable for these analyses, then pair-wise tests were performed using the Student t-test (parametric) or the Mann-Whitney U test (non-parametric).
Due to the preponderance of non-normally distributed data, reproductive parameters (implantation losses, offspring sex ratio and offspring surface righting) were analysed using non-parametric analyses.

Indices:

i) Implantation Losses (%)
Group mean percentile pre-implantation and post-implantation loss were calculated for each female/litter as follows:
Pre–implantation loss = x100
Post–implantation loss = x 100
ii) Live Birth and Viability Indices
The following indices were calculated for each litter as follows:
Live Birth Index (%) = x 100
Viability Index (%) = x 100
iii) Sex Ratio (% males)
Sex ratio was calculated for each litter on Days 1 and 4 post partum, using the following formula: x 100

Historical control data:

No data reported

Details on maternal toxic effects:

Maternal toxic effects:no effects

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Remarks:

Generation P male/female

Effect level:

> 225 mg/kg bw/day

Based on:

act. ingr.

Basis for effect level:

other: maternal toxicity

Details on embryotoxic / teratogenic effects:

Embryotoxic / teratogenic effects:no effects

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Effect level:

> 225 mg/kg bw/day

Based on:

act. ingr.

Sex:

male/female

Basis for effect level:

other: developmental toxicity

Abnormalities:

not specified

Developmental effects observed:

not specified

Conclusions:

Oral administration of aluminum, benzoate C16-18 fatty acid complexes to male and female rats at dose levels of 375, 750 and 1500 mg/kg bw/day (equivalent to 56.3, 113 and 225 mg/kg bw/day Active Ingredient) did not result in any adverse reproductive effects or any definitive test article-related changes in the development or survival of the offspring.

Executive summary:

The developmental toxicity of aluminum, benzoate C16 -18 fatty acid complexes was assessed in a combined repeated dose and reproductive toxicity screening test following OECD guideline 422 (MPI 2011). The parental generation was dosed by daily oral gavage each day with aluminum, benzoate C16 -18 fatty acid complexes at dose levels of 375, 750 and 1500 mg/kg bw/day (equivalent to 56.3, 113 and 225 mg/kg bw/day Active Ingredient). The offspring of the treated rats were then assessed for survival (gestation and postnatal survival indices, percent pre- and post-implantation loss), pup body weight and sex ratio and external abnormalities.

There were no effects seen on any of the developmental toxicity parameters measured and there were no indications of any systemic effects at any dose level.

Effect on developmental toxicity: via oral route

Endpoint conclusion:

no adverse effect observed

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

225 mg/kg bw/day

Study duration:

subacute

Species:

rat

Quality of whole database:

As no data was available for developmental toxicity of (benzoato-O,O')hydroxy(octadecanoato-O,O')aluminium, this endpoint was read across from aluminum, benzoate C16-18-fatty acids complexes. The developmental toxicity of aluminum, benzoate C16-18-fatty acids complexes to rats is taken from data presented within an oral (gavage) combined repeat dose toxicity study with reproduction/developmental toxicity screening test in the rat performed in compliance with, amongst others, the requirements of the OECD Guidelines for Testing of Chemicals No.422 "Combined Repeated Dose Toxicity Study with the Reproduction/Developmental Screening Test" (adopted 22 March 1996). Since the results are taken from a regulatory and GLP compliant study, the data are considered reliable and relevant for use in assessing this endpoint.

Aluminum, benzoate C16-18-fatty acids complexes (CAS No. 94166-87-7, EC No. 303-385-6) is considered suitable for read-across to (benzoato-O,O')hydroxy(octadecanoato-O,O')aluminium as it is structurally similar being an approximate 2:1 mixture of (benzoato-O,O')hydroxy(octadecanoato-O,O')aluminium and (benzoato-O,O')hydroxy(hexadecanoato-O,O')aluminium. The only significant difference is the presence of about 30% of the aluminium complex containing the saturated C16-fatty acid, hexadecanoate in place of the saturated C18-fatty acid, octadecanoate. This small difference in composition is expected to have no adverse influence on developmental toxicity.

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

This study was performed on the test substance manufactured in situ in medicinal grade white oil. A key subacute toxicity and reproductive toxicity screen, using the OECD 422 study design, was conducted in rats on aluminum, benzoate C16-18 fatty acid complexes via oral gavage administration. The test material was administered at dose levels of 0, 375, 750 and 1500 mg/kg bw/day nominal, equating to 56.3, 113 and 225 mg/kg bw/day Active Ingredient. There were no treatment-related effects at any dose level on any of the reproductive parameters evaluated in this study, or in any of the developmental parameters evaluated. Based on these data, the NOAEL for reproductive and developmental toxicity was 1500 mg/kg bw/day, equivalent to 225 mg/kg bw/day Active Ingredient.

Justification for selection of Effect on developmental toxicity: via oral route:
This screening study for the read across substance aluminum, benzoate C16-18-fatty acids complexes provides relevant experimental data on this endpoint in which a clear NOAEL for the active ingredient is identified.

Justification for selection of Effect on developmental toxicity: via inhalation route:
Not required for this tonnage range.

Justification for selection of Effect on developmental toxicity: via dermal route:
Not required for this tonnage range.

Justification for classification or non-classification

Not classified. No adverse reproductive or developmental toxicity effects observed.