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Administrative data

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Effects on fertility

Description of key information

In a key combined repeated dose, reproductive/developmental toxicity study, Gum Rosin was administered to rats (12/sex/dose) in dietary mixtures at concentrations of 0, 2500, 5000, and 10000 ppm for a period of 50 days for male rats and to female rats for 14 days prior to pairing, through the pairing and gestation periods until the F1 generation reached day 4 post partum (at least 36 days, up to 53 days).

The treatment with the test item did not lead to any premature mortalities and had no effects on behaviour, reflexes, grip strength, locomotor activity, and hematology parameters. Mating performance, fertility index, duration of gestation, and post-implantation loss were not affected by the treatment with the test item at any dose level. No abnormal findings were recorded at the first litter check and at necropsy of the pups. No effects of the treatment on sex ratio and righting reflex were observed.

 In the high dose group (10000 ppm), in both sexes, significantly lower food consumption was recorded during the first treatment week. From treatment week 2 until the end of the treatment period the food consumption was slightly decreased in males, but still significantly decreased in females when compared to the control group. The lower food consumption led to a transient lower body weight gain and lower body weights until the end of the study in both sexes. Except for ruffled fur in one female from the last day of gestation to the end of the lactation period, no clinical signs were observed. The water consumption was significantly reduced during the lactation period which was possibly due to the lower number of pups and therefore lower milk production in this group.

Increased activity of alkaline phosphatase in males and increased bilirubin concentration in both sexes did not correlate with other findings and were therefore not considered adverse. Decreased absolute and relative thymus weights in females recorded at necropsy correlated with decreased lymphocytes in the cortex of the thymus. This finding was considered to be stress-related and likely not a direct effect of the test item.

Link to relevant study records

Referenceopen allclose all

Endpoint:
screening for reproductive / developmental toxicity
Type of information:
experimental study
Adequacy of study:
key study
Study period:
2013-10-22 to 2014-09-16
Reliability:
1 (reliable without restriction)
Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:
guideline study
Justification for type of information:
A discussion and report on the read across strategy is given as an attachment in Section 13.
Reason / purpose for cross-reference:
read-across: supporting information
Reason / purpose for cross-reference:
reference to same study
Remarks:
Section 7.5.1 and 7.8.2.
Qualifier:
according to guideline
Guideline:
OECD Guideline 422 (Combined Repeated Dose Toxicity Study with the Reproduction / Developmental Toxicity Screening Test)
Deviations:
yes
Remarks:
The deviation did not impact the scientific validity of the study
GLP compliance:
yes (incl. QA statement)
Limit test:
no
Specific details on test material used for the study:
SOURCE OF TEST MATERIAL
- Source and lot/batch No.of test material: KB13G178
- Expiration date of the lot/batch: 2014-06-29
- Purity test date: 100%

STABILITY AND STORAGE CONDITIONS OF TEST MATERIAL
- Storage condition of test material: Bulk sample was stored frozen (-20 ± 5 °C) under nitrogen in the dark. For temperature adjustment, working samples were kept under nitrogen at room temperature (20 ± 3 °C) for a maximum of 3 hours, prior to feed preparation.
- Stability under test conditions: At least 8 days if stored at room temperature in the dark

TREATMENT OF TEST MATERIAL PRIOR TO TESTING
- Treatment of test material prior to testing: No
Species:
rat
Strain:
other: RccHan TM : WIST(SPF)
Sex:
male/female
Details on test animals or test system and environmental conditions:
TEST ANIMALS
- Source: Harlan Laboratories, B.V. Kreuzelweg 53, 5961 NM Horst / Netherlands
- Females (if applicable) nulliparous and non-pregnant: not specified
- Age at study initiation: (P) 12 wks
- Weight at study initiation: (P) Males: 304 - 353 g; Females: 200 - 236 g
- Fasting period before study: No
- Housing: During acclimatization and pre-pairing in groups of up to three animals by sexin Makrolon type-4 cages, cages with males were interspersed amongst those holding females to promote the development of regular estrus cycles. During pairing females were housed with males (1:1) in Makrolon type-3. Following pairing period males were re-housed in their original prepairing cages and females were individually housed in Makrolon type-3 cages. All cages were provided with wire mesh tops and sterilized standard softwood bedding (‘Lignocel’ J. Rettenmaier & Söhne GmbH & CoKG, 73494 Rosenberg / Germany, imported by Provimi Kliba SA, 4303 Kaiseraugst / Switzerland) with paper enrichment (Enviro-dri from Lillico, Biotechnology, Surrey / UK and ISO-BLOX from Harlan Laboratories B.V. / Netherlands). In addition a wood stick was provided (batch nos. 02105130819, 77, 6960C-100267, 6960C-101212, 122207 and 132211).
- Diet (e.g. ad libitum): Microgranulated standard Harlan Teklad 2018C (batch no. 41/13) rodent maintenance diet (Provimi Kliba SA, 4303 Kaiseraugst / Switzerland) was available ad libitum.
- Water (e.g. ad libitum): Community tap-water from Itingen was available ad libitumin water bottles.
- Acclimation period: 8 days
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
- Temperature (°C): 22 ± 3 °C
- Humidity (%): 30-70%
- Air changes (per hr): 10-15
- Photoperiod (hrs dark / hrs light): 12-hour fluorescent light / 12-hour dark cycle with at least eight hours music during the light period.
IN-LIFE DATES: From: 2013-10-22 To: 2013-12-22
Route of administration:
oral: feed
Vehicle:
unchanged (no vehicle)
Details on exposure:
DIET PREPARATION
- Rate of preparation of diet (frequency): Dietary admixtures were prepared at intervals not exceeding 8 days using the test item as supplied by the supplier.
- Mixing appropriate amounts with (Type of food): Gum Rosin, CAS no. 8050-09-7, was ground to powder using an electrical grinder, weighed into a tared glass beaker on a suitable precision balance, and mixed with microgranulated feed separately for each dose group. No heat was used during diet preparation. Control feed for the animals of group 1 was prepared similarly, but without test item.
- Storage temperature of food: Stability of the test item in feedwas at least 8 days according to the results of stability analyses performed within the Harlan Laboratories study no. D80871 (Method Implementation and Development; non-GLP). Feed preparations were stored at room temperature protected from light in metal containers until use.
Details on mating procedure:
- M/F ratio per cage: During the pairing period, females were housed withsexually mature males (1:1) from the same group until evidence of copulation was observed.
- Length of cohabitation: until evidence of copulation was observed
- Proof of pregnancy: sperm in vaginal smear referred to as day 0 of pregnancy
- After 14 days of unsuccessful pairing replacement of first male by another male with proven fertility.
- Further matings after two unsuccessful attempts: not specified
- After successful mating each pregnant female was caged (how): housed individually
- Any other deviations from standard protocol: No
Analytical verification of doses or concentrations:
yes
Details on analytical verification of doses or concentrations:
Samples for analyses of test item, its content and homogeneity in the feed were drawn at the start of the pre-pairing period and at the end of gestation/start of lactation period (i.e. two occasions). Stability of the test item in the feed for 8 and 28 days at room temperature was determined at the start of the pre-pairing period (i.e. one occasion). For assessment of content and homogeneity, a 100 g sample was collected from each of the top, middle and bottom of every dietary admixture ofthe respective diet preparation (from group 1 admixtures only one sample was drawn from the middle of the preparation). Samples for assessment of content and homogeneity were collected on the day of preparation. For assessment of stability, a 100 g sample was drawn from the middle of the dietary admixture on the day of preparation and stored at roomtemperature for 8 or 28 days. After preparation the samples were delivered to the analytical department at ambient temperature and stored there frozen (at -20 ± 5 °C) until analysis. The samples were analyzed by HPLC coupled toan ELSD detector following an analytical procedure developed at Harlan Laboratories. The test item was usedas the analytical standard. Duplicates were taken of all samples and were stored at Harlan Laboratories Ltd., Itingen / Switzerland. The samples were discarded after finalization of the report without any further note.
Duration of treatment / exposure:
Males: 50 days (during 14 days pre-pairing period, and 36 days pairing period and postpairing period).
Females: Minimum 5 weeks (14 days pre-pairing period, up to 17 days pairing period, approximately 21 days of gestation period and lactation period to day 4 post partum).
Frequency of treatment:
Continuously (ad libitum)
Details on study schedule:
- F1 parental animals not mated until [...] weeks after selected from the F1 litters.
- Selection of parents from F1 generation when pups were [...] days of age.
- Age at mating of the mated animals in the study: [...] weeks
Dose / conc.:
0 ppm
Remarks:
Control
Dose / conc.:
2 500 ppm
Remarks:
Low Concentration
Dose / conc.:
5 000 ppm
Remarks:
Intermediate Concentration
Dose / conc.:
10 000 ppm
Remarks:
High Concentration
No. of animals per sex per dose:
12/sex/dose
Control animals:
yes, concurrent no treatment
Details on study design:
- Dose selection rationale: The dose levels were selectedbased on a previous dose range-finding toxicity study in Han Wistar rats, Harlan Laboratories study no. D80882, using concentrations in feed of 5000, 10000 and 20000 ppm and resulting in adverse reduction of food consumption, body weight loss and early termination of males and females treated with feed containing test item at a concentration of 20000 ppm.A dietary inclusion level of 10000 ppm resulted in approximately 6% (males) and 10% (females) reduction in body weight compared to the control group during 15 days of treatment.
- Rationale for animal assignment (if not random): Performed after at least three days of acclimatization using a computer-generatedrandom algorithm. Bodyweights (recorded on the day of allocation) were taken into consideration in order to ensure similar
mean body weights in all groups.
Parental animals: Observations and examinations:
CAGE SIDE OBSERVATIONS: Yes
- Time schedule: Daily cage-side clinical observations (once daily, during acclimatization and up to day of necropsy).

DETAILED CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS: Yes
- Time schedule: Males: Once prior to the first administration of the test item and weekly thereafter.
Females: Once prior to the first administration of the test item, weekly during the pre-pairing and pairing and on days 0, 6, 13 and 20 post coitum.

BODY WEIGHT: Yes
- Time schedule for examinations: Males: Once during acclimatization, at three-day intervals during pre-pairing and postpairing periods and weekly during pairing period.
Females: Once during acclimatization, at three-day intervals during pre-pairing period, weekly during pairing period and on the following days: 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21 post coitum and 1 and 4 post partum.

FOOD CONSUMPTION AND COMPOUND INTAKE (if feeding study):
- Food consumption for each animal determined and mean daily diet consumption calculated as g food/kg body weight/day: Yes
Males: At three-day intervals during pre-pairing and post-pairing.
Females: At three-day intervals during pre-pairing and gestation, and from days 1 to day 4 post partum in all females (except nos. 50, 53, 56, 58, 62, 65, 69, 74, 77, 79, 80, 82, 85, and 89 for which no food consumption was recorded during the lactation period due to a planning error). No food consumption was recorded during the pairing period
- Compound intake calculated as time-weighted averages from the consumption and body weight gain data: No data

WATER CONSUMPTION INTAKE: Yes
- Time schedule for examinations: Daily water intake was measured gravimetrically during pre-pairing, post-pairing, gestation and lactation.

Sperm parameters (parental animals):
Parameters examined in P male parental generations:
[other: spermatogenesis]
Litter observations:
PARAMETERS EXAMINED
The following parameters were examined in F1 offspring:
[number and sex of pups, stillbirths, live births, postnatal mortality, presence of gross anomalies, weight gain, other: surface righting reflex]

GROSS EXAMINATION OF DEAD PUPS:
[yes, for external and internal abnormalities]

Postmortem examinations (parental animals):
SACRIFICE
- Male animals: All surviving animals - Males were sacrificed on the day after completion of the treatment for 50 days, when they were no longer necessary for the assessment of reproductive performance.
- Maternal animals: All surviving animals - Dams were sacrificed on day 5 post partum. Females for which no mating was recorded were sacrificed 8 days after completion of the second pairing period or, if consideredappropriate, at any other time. If birth did not occur on the expected date (day 21 post coitum), the dam was sacrificed on day 25 post coitum.

GROSS NECROPSY
- All parent animals were examined macroscopically for any structural changes at the scheduled necropsy. Special attention was directed at the organs of the reproductive system. The uteri of all dams were placed in a solution of ammonium sulfide to visualize possible hemorrhagic areas of implantation sites and the number of implantation sites were noted. The number of corpora luteain each ovary was recorded for all pregnant females.

HISTOPATHOLOGY / ORGAN WEIGHTS
The tissues indicated in Table 2 and Table 3. were prepared for microscopic examination and weighed, respectively.
Postmortem examinations (offspring):
SACRIFICE
- The F1 offspring were sacrificed on day 4 days post partum.
- These animals were subjected to postmortem examinations (macroscopic and/or microscopic examination) as follows: All pups were examined macroscopically for any structural changes at the scheduled necropsy.

GROSS NECROPSY
- Gross necropsy consisted of external examinations
Statistics:
The following statistical methods were used to analyze grip strength, locomotor activity, food and water consumption, body weights, clinical laboratory investigations, organ weights, macroscopical findings, and reproduction data:
• Means and standard deviationsof various data were calculated and included in the report.
• The Dunnett-test (many to one t-test) based on a pooled variance estimate was applied, if the variables could be assumed to follow a normal distribution for the comparison of the treated groups and the control groups for each sex.
• The Steel-test (many-one rank test) was applied instead of the Dunnett-test when the data could not be assumed to follow a normal distribution.
• Fisher's exact-test was applied, if the variables could be dichotomized without loss of information.
• Kruskal Wallis for the righting reflex.
Reproductive indices:
1) Corpora lutea count
2) Duration of gestation
3) Implantation rate and post-implantation loss
Offspring viability indices:
1) External Examination at First Litter Check and during Lactation
2) Sex Ratios
3) Righting Reflex
4) Body Weights to Day 4 Post Partum
5) Macroscopic observations
Clinical signs:
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
Ruffled fur was recorded in one female of group 4 from the last day of gestation to the end of the lactation period. This was considered to be related to the treatment with the test item. No clinical signs were observed in females of groups 2 and 3 and in males at any dose level.
Mortality:
no mortality observed
Description (incidence):
All animals survived until the scheduled necropsy.
Body weight and weight changes:
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
Males - A dose-related effect of the test item on body weight development was recorded at all dose levels. During the pre-pairing period lower body weight gain was recordedin all test item-treated groups (6.2%, 4.9%, and 0.6% in groups 2, 3, and 4 on day 7) when compared to the control group (8.6%). During the post-pairing period the body weight gainwas similar in all groups. Weights were decreased in males of group 4 fromtreatment day 4 until the end of the study but remained within 10% of concurrent control group values. No significant effects on body weights were recorded in males of groups 2 and 3.

Females - A dose-related effect of the test item on body weight development was recorded at all dose levels. During the pre-pairing period lower body weight gainwas recorded in females of groups 3 and 4 (0.2%, and -3.4% on day 7) when compared to the control group (5.1%).During the gestation period the body weight gain in females of group 3 and 4 was still lower (46.9% and 37.6% vs. 56.7% in the control group on day 21). During the lactation periodno significant differences in
body weight gain were recorded. Weights were decreased in females of groups 3 and 4 from treatment day 4 until the end of the study. Body weights in females of groups 3 and 4 were within 10% of the concurrent control value during the pre-pairing period. In group 3, body weights remained at 87-93% of control for the remainder of the study. In group 4, the mean body weight fell to about 80% of the concurrent control value at the end of the gestation period and throughout the lactation period. In group 2, slightly lower body weights wererecorded during the lactation period.
Food consumption and compound intake (if feeding study):
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
Males - Test item-related effects on food consumption were recorded in group 3 and 4. Lower food consumption (-42%) was recorded in males of group 4 during the first treatment week when compared to the control group. From treatment week 2 until the end of the treatment period the food consumption was slightly decreased (-12% during the second week of the prepairing period and -8% during post-pairing period). Slightly lower food consumption (-15%) was recorded in males of group 3 during the first treatment week. From treatment week 2 onwards the food consumption was similar to the control group. No effects were recorded in males of group 2.

Females - Test item-related effects on food consumption were recorded in group 3 and 4. Lower food consumption (-53%) was recorded in females of group 4 during the first treatment week when compared to the control group. From treatment week 2 until the end of the treatment period the food consumption was still decreased (-20% during gestation and -45% during lactation). Lower food consumption was recorded in females of group 3 during the whole treatment period (-16% during pre-paring, -14% during gestation and -37% during lactation) when compared to the control group. No effects were recorded in females of group 2.
Food efficiency:
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
Males - A dose-related effect of the test item on food conversion efficiency was recorded at all dose levels. Lower food conversion efficiency (-55%) was recorded in males of group 4 during the prepairing period when compared to the control group. During post paring the food conversion efficiency was similar to the controls. Lower food conversion efficiency was recorded in males of groups 2 (-25%) and 3 (-31%) during the first four days of treatment when compared to the control group. Afterwards the food conversion efficiency was similar to the controls.

Females - A dose-related effect of the test item on food conversion efficiency was recorded at all dose levels. Lower food conversion efficiency was recorded in females of groups 3 and 4 during the first four days of the pre-pairing period when compared to the controls. Afterwards the food conversion efficiency was similar to the control group. At the end of the gestation lower food conversion efficiency was recorded in all test item-treated groups. During the lactation period the feed consumption in all test item-treated groups was similar to the control group.
Water consumption and compound intake (if drinking water study):
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
Males - No effects of the treatment with Gum Rosin on water consumption were recorded.

Females - During the lactation period the water consumption was decreased by 33% in females of group 4 and by 20% in females of group 3. This was considered to be a test item-related effect. No effects of the treatment on water consumption were in recorded in females during the prepairing and gestation period. No effects were recorded in group 2.
Haematological findings:
effects observed, non-treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
No effects of the treatment with Gum Rosin on hematology parameters were recorded. Changes in a few parameters achieving individual statistical significance were considered to be unrelated to treatment, because they lacked a dose-relationship and/or were clearly within the historical control range.
Clinical biochemistry findings:
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
Males - The following changes were considered to be test item-related:
• The activity of alkaline phosphatase was increased in males of group 3 by 48% and by 61% in group 4.
• The total bilirubin concentration was increased in males of group 4 (8.40 µmol/L vs. 0.43 in the controls).
• The creatinine concentration was increased at all dose levels (+19%, +32%, and +47% in groups 2, 3, and 4, respectively).

Increased triglyceride concentration in group 2 reaching statistical significance was considered to be incidental, because the values were within the range of the historical controls and this change was not dose-related.

Females - Increased concentration of total bilirubin in females of group 4 (3.27 µmol/L vs. 0.00 in the controls) was considered to be treatment-related. Changes in a few other parameters reaching statistical significance were considered to be incidental, because the values were within the range of the historical controls and/or the changes were not dose-related.
Organ weight findings including organ / body weight ratios:
effects observed, treatment-related
Histopathological findings: non-neoplastic:
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
In adrenals, minimal hypertrophy/vacuolation of the zona glomerulosa was recorded in 0/12, 2/12, 5/12 and 9/12 males of groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively and 0/12, 0/12, 3/12 and 5/12 females of groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. The change was characterized by diffuse hypertrophy of the zona glomerulosa associated with vacuolization of the zona glomerulosa cells. Decreased lymphocytes in the cortex of the thymus was observed in 0/12, 0/12, 0/12 and 6/12 females of groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively, changes being minimal, slight, moderate and marked in 3/5, 1/5, 1/5 and 1/5 females respectively. Of note, moderate focal erosion/ulcer was observed in the non-glandular gastric mucosa of rat no. 93 (group 4).
Reproductive function: oestrous cycle:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
There were no test item related microscopic findings in the reproductive organs during the evaluation of the uterus or evaluation of follicles and corpora lutea in the ovaries. The only noteworthy finding in the examined animals suspected of
reduced fertility was moderate atrophy of the ovary (reduced number of corpus lutei and lack of visible follicles) in one female of group 2; this isolated finding was considered to be coincidental. All the other microscopic observations were few and were those commonly recorded as spontaneous findings in the Wistar rat.
Reproductive function: sperm measures:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
There were no test item related microscopic findings in the reproductive organs, including following the qualitative examination of the stages of spermatogenesis in the testes (no test item related abnormalities in the integrity of the various cell types present within the different stages of the sperm cycle).
Reproductive performance:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
No effects on mating performance were recorded. All females except one group 2 female mated within the first pairing period. All males except one group 2 male mated. The median and mean precoital times were unaffected by treatment with the test item. Mean precoital times were 2.8, 3.5, 2.3 and 3.0 days in groups 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. The median precoital time was 3, 3, 2 and 3 days in order of ascending dose level. The fertility index was unaffectedby treatment with the test item. It was 100% in the control group and 91.7% in all test item-treated groups. The gestation index was 100% in all groups. All males except one group 3 and 4 male each produced offspring.
Corpora Lutea Count:
Mean number of corpora luteaper dam (determined at necropsy)was statistically significantly lower (12.6) in females of group 4 when comparedto the control group (15.3). This effect was considered test item-related. No effect of the treatment on mean number of corpora luteaper dam (determined at necropsy) was observed in females of groups 2 and 3.

Duration of Gestation:
No effect of the treatment on duration of gestation was observed at any dose level. Slightly statistically significant shorter duration of gestation in females of group 4 was considered to be biological variation, because the value recorded for this group (21.2 days) was within the range of the historical control data.

Implantation Rate and Post-Implantation Loss:
The mean number of implantationsper dam was statistically significant lower (10.9) in females of group 4 when compared to the control group (13.8). This effectwas considered to be test item-related. No effect of the treatment on the mean numberof implantations was observed in females of groups 2 and 3. No effect on post-implantation loss was observed at any dose level.
Dose descriptor:
NOAEL
Remarks:
Systemic Toxicity
Effect level:
2 500 ppm
Based on:
test mat.
Sex:
male/female
Basis for effect level:
body weight and weight gain
Dose descriptor:
NOAEL
Effect level:
5 000 ppm
Based on:
test mat.
Sex:
male/female
Basis for effect level:
other: Reproductive Toxicity
Remarks on result:
other: Based on a reduction in corpora lutea count followed by a lower number of implantation sites and lower mean litter size observed at the 10000 ppm concentration
Critical effects observed:
yes
Lowest effective dose / conc.:
5 000 ppm
System:
other: Body weight and body weight gain
Organ:
other: Body weight
Treatment related:
yes
Dose response relationship:
yes
Relevant for humans:
not specified
Clinical signs:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
No abnormal findings were notedat the first litter check. In one litter (no. 95) from group 4, ten pups were cold to the touch on day 3 and seven pups from the same litter were still cold to the touch on day 4 post partum. Scabs were recorded in one pup
from litter 83 (group 3). No further abnormal findings were noted.
Mortality / viability:
mortality observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
The total postnatal loss was increased and the viability index was statistically significantly reduced in group 4. Meanpostnatal loss was 0.3, 0.1, 0.0 and 2.4 in groups 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. The viability index was 98.1, 99.2, 100.0, and 76.1 in order of ascending dose level. This resulted in a statistically significant lower mean number of pups per dam on day 4 post partum in group 4.
Body weight and weight changes:
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
In group 4, mean pup weights on day 1 post partum were significantly lower in males (-19%) and females (-18%) when compared to the control group. On day 4 post partum mean pup weights were also significantly lower in males (-25%) and females (-25%). No relevant effects of the treatment on pup weights were recorded in groups 2 and 3.
Gross pathological findings:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
No findings were noted at macroscopic examination of F1 pups.
Sex Ratios:
Sex ratios at the first litter check wereunaffected by exposure to the test item.

Righting Reflex:
No effects on righting reflex of pups were observed at any dose level. The mean percentages of pups litters for which the righting reflex was observed within the first one minute of the test were 87%, 86%, 77% and 75% in groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively.

Dose descriptor:
NOAEL
Generation:
F1
Effect level:
5 000 ppm
Based on:
test mat.
Sex:
male/female
Basis for effect level:
mortality
body weight and weight gain
Remarks on result:
other: Based on mortality and body weight effects observed at the 10000 ppm concentration level
Critical effects observed:
yes
Lowest effective dose / conc.:
10 000 ppm
System:
other: Body weight and mortality
Organ:
other: Body weight
Treatment related:
yes
Dose response relationship:
not specified
Relevant for humans:
not specified
Reproductive effects observed:
yes
Lowest effective dose / conc.:
10 000 ppm
Treatment related:
yes
Relation to other toxic effects:
reproductive effects occurring together with other toxic effects, but not as a secondary non-specific consequence of other toxic effects
Dose response relationship:
yes
Relevant for humans:
not specified

Table 4. BODY WEIGHTS (GRAM) OF MALES SUMMARY P GENERATION - PRE-PAIRING PERIOD

 

 

Group 1

0 ppm

Group 2

2500 ppm

Group 3

5000 ppm

Group 4

10000 ppm

 

Day 1

Mean

325

328

330

328

 

ST. Dev

10.3

7.1

9.2

12.9

 

N

12

12

12

12

 

Day 4

Mean

344

342

341

326**

 

ST. Dev

10.3

7.5

9.6

10.9

 

N

12

12

12

12

 

Day 7

Mean

353

349

346

330**

 

ST. Dev

11.7

8.7

10.3

9.1

 

N

12

12

12

12

 

Day 10

Mean

361

354

352

332**

 

ST. Dev

13.0

10.7

10.4

11.3

 

N

12

12

12

12

 

Day 13

Mean

369

367

362

342**

 

ST. Dev

12.9

11.7

11.6

13.3

 

N

12

12

12

12

* / **: Dunnett-Test based on pooled variance significant at 5% (*) or 1% (**) level

 

Table 5. BODY WEIGHTS (GRAM) OF MALES SUMMARY P GENERATION - PAIRING

 

 

Group 1

0 ppm

Group 2

2500 ppm

Group 3

5000 ppm

Group 4

10000 ppm

 

Day 2

Mean

373

367

363

338**

 

ST. Dev

15.0

12.6

11.0

16.4

 

N

12

12

12

12

 

Day 8

Mean

387

381

378

348**

 

ST. Dev

15.1

13.6

14.2

18.3

 

N

12

12

12

12

 

Day 15

Mean

400

395

393

361**

 

ST. Dev

18.9

16.7

16.3

15.6

 

N

12

12

12

12

* / **: T-Test based on pooled variance significant at 5% (*) or 1% (**) level

 

Table 6. BODY WEIGHTS (GRAM) OF MALES SUMMARY P GENERATION - POST-PAIRING

 

 

Group 1

0 ppm

Group 2

2500 ppm

Group 3

5000 ppm

Group 4

10000 ppm

 

Day 1

Mean

416

404

404

375**

 

ST. Dev

18.6

16.8

17.5

15.5

 

N

12

12

12

12

 

Day 4

Mean

419

411

404

379**

 

ST. Dev

18.9

18.8

18.1

17.6

 

N

12

12

12

12

 

Day 7

Mean

423

416

412

378**

 

ST. Dev

18.0

19.2

16.5

17.8

 

N

12

12

12

12

 

Day 10

Mean

425

421

415

382**

 

ST. Dev

19.7

21.2

18.0

16.3

 

N

12

12

12

12

 

Day 13

Mean

425

423

418

385**

 

ST. Dev

19.2

22.9

18.1

16.0

 

N

12

12

12

12

 

Day 16

Mean

428

425

419

383**

 

ST. Dev

18.9

23.9

18.3

17.7

 

N

12

12

12

12

* / **: Dunnett-Test based on pooled variance significant at 5% (*) or 1% (**) level

Table 7. BODY WEIGHTS (GRAM) OF FEMALES SUMMARY P GENERATION - PRE-PAIRING PERIOD

 

 

Group 1

0 ppm

Group 2

2500 ppm

Group 3

5000 ppm

Group 4

10000 ppm

 

Day 1

Mean

219

220

217

216

 

ST. Dev

9.3

8.6

8.4

8.0

 

N

12

12

12

12

 

Day 4

Mean

227

227

215**

206**

 

ST. Dev

7.3

13.2

8.1

9.2

 

N

12

12

12

12

 

Day 7

Mean

230

231

217*

209**

 

ST. Dev

8.4

13.9

9.1

10.9

 

N

12

12

12

12

 

Day 10

Mean

235

232

222*

211**

 

ST. Dev

10.0

13.8

9.1

10.3

 

N

12

12

12

12

 

Day 13

Mean

237

236

225*

213**

 

ST. Dev

11.7

15.2

7.3

12.1

 

N

12

12

12

12

* / **: Dunnett-Test based on pooled variance significant at 5% (*) or 1% (**) level

 

Table 8. BODY WEIGHTS (GRAM) OF FEMALES SUMMARY P GENERATION - GESTATION

 

 

Group 1

0 ppm

Group 2

2500 ppm

Group 3

5000 ppm

Group 4

10000 ppm

 

Day 0

Mean

245

242

229**

220**

 

ST. Dev

11.0

12.7

9.6

9.8

 

N

12

10

11

11

 

Day 3

Mean

262

257

243**

230**

 

ST. Dev

10.6

13.7

11.7

11.0

 

N

12

10

11

11

 

Day 6

Mean

274

267

252**

239**

 

ST. Dev

11.2

14.0

13.6

9.9

 

N

12

10

11

11

 

Day 9

Mean

283

277

260**

247**

 

ST. Dev

10.9

13.2

13.9

11.4

 

N

12

10

11

11

 

Day 12

Mean

297

292

272**

256**

 

ST. Dev

14.1

13.0

17.9

10.3

 

N

12

10

11

11

 

Day 15

Mean

314

306

287**

270**

 

ST. Dev

14.9

15.3

17.0

13.7

 

N

12

10

11

11

 

Day 18

Mean

347

343

315**

291**

 

ST. Dev

21.7

15.0

19.7

13.7

 

N

12

10

11

11

 

Day 21

Mean

385

368

336**

302**

 

ST. Dev

28.6

20.5

23.4

15.8

 

N

12

10

11

11

* / **: T-Test based on pooled variance significant at 5% (*) or 1% (**) level

 

Table 9. BODY WEIGHTS (GRAM) OF FEMALES SUMMARY P GENERATION - LACTATION

 

 

Group 1

0 ppm

Group 2

2500 ppm

Group 3

5000 ppm

Group 4

10000 ppm

 

Day 1

Mean

282

263*

250**

232**

 

ST. Dev

20.5

15.5

20.1

12.3

 

N

11

11

11

11

 

Day 4

Mean

296

280*

257**

237**

 

ST. Dev

18.0

18.3

15.1

11.8

 

N

12

11

11

11

* / **: T-Test based on pooled variance significant at 5% (*) or 1% (**) level

Table 10. REPRODUCTION and BREEDING DATA – P GENERATION

 

 

Group 1

0 ppm

Group 2

2500 ppm

Group 3

5000 ppm

Group 4

10000 ppm

 

Litters

Total

12

11

11

11

 

Excluded

-

-

-

-

 

Evaluated

12

11

11

11

 

Duration of Gestation

Mean (+)

21.8

21.8 -

21.3 -

21.2 +

 

ST. Dev

0.6

0.6

0.5

0.4

 

N

12

10

11

11

 

Corpora Lutea

Total

193

162

152

139

 

Mean (+)

15.3

14.7 -

13.8 -

12.6 +

 

ST. Dev

3.0

1.6

2.5

1.5

 

N

12

11

11

11

 

Implantations

Total

163

145

136

120

 

Mean (+)

13.8

13.2 -

12.4 -

10.9 +

 

ST. Dev

3.3

1.4

3.4

2.3

 

N

12

11

11

11

+/++/-: Steel Test, significant at 5% (+), 1% (++) or not significant (-)

Table 11. DATES OF POSTNATAL AND BREEDING LOSSES OF PUPS

Ascertained on Day Post-Partum

 

Group 1

0 ppm

Group 2

2500 ppm

Group 3

5000 ppm

Group 4

10000 ppm

 

Day 2

M

1

-

-

1

 

F

1

1

-

6

 

U

-

-

-

-

 

Day 3

M

-

-

-

5

 

F

-

-

-

4

 

U

-

-

-

-

 

Day 4

M

-

-

-

2

 

F

1

-

-

8

 

U

-

-

-

-

 

 

Table 12. Mean Body Weights of Pups per Group On a Litter Basis (G) Lactation Period

Day/Sex

 

Group 1

0 ppm

Group 2

2500 ppm

Group 3

5000 ppm

Group 4

10000 ppm

 

Day 1 - Male

Mean

6.62

6.12 -

6.00 –

5.33**

 

ST. Dev

0.62

0.64

0.34

0.83

 

N

12

11

11

11

 

Day 1 - Female

Mean

6.2

5.83 -

5.78 -

5.08**

 

ST. Dev

0.49

0.79

0.43

0.70

 

N

12

11

11

11

 

Day 1 –

Male + Female

Mean

6.42

5.97 -

5.89 -

5.20**

 

ST. Dev

0.53

0.73

0.38

0.77

 

N

12

11

11

11

 

Day 4 - Male

Mean

9.86

8.81 -

8.62 -

7.44**

 

ST. Dev

1.41

1.31

1.28

1.53

 

N

12

11

11

9

 

Day 4 - Female

Mean

9.51

8.46 -

8.22*

7.15**

 

ST. Dev

1.11

1.29

1.21

1.46

 

N

12

11

11

9

 

Day 4 –

Male + Female

Mean

9.69

8.64 -

8.44 -

7.31**

 

ST. Dev

1.20

1.30

1.25

1.50

 

N

12

11

11

9

*/**/-: DUNNETT-Test based on pooled variance sig. at 5% (*), 1% (**) or not sig. (-)

Conclusions:
Based on the results of this study, a NOEL (No Observed Effect Level) for general toxicity could not be established due to effects on body weights at all dose levels in females during the lactation period. The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for general toxicity was established at the dose level of 2500 ppm. The NOEL and the NOAEL for reproduction/developmental toxicity were established at 5000 ppm.
Executive summary:

In a key combined repeated dose, reproductive/developmental toxicity study, Gum Rosin was administered to rats (12/sex/dose) in dietary mixtures at concentrations of 0, 2500, 5000, and 10000 ppm for a period of 50 days for male rats and to female rats for 14 days prior to pairing, through the pairing and gestation periods until the F1 generation reached day 4 post partum (at least 36 days, up to 53 days).

 

The treatment with the test item did not lead to any premature mortalities and had no effects on behaviour, reflexes, grip strength, locomotor activity, and hematology parameters. Mating performance, fertility index, duration of gestation, and post-implantation loss were not affected by the treatment with the test item at any dose level. No abnormal findings were recorded at the first litter check and at necropsy of the pups. No effects of the treatment on sex ratio and righting reflex were observed.

 

In the high dose group (10000 ppm), in both sexes, significantly lower food consumption was recorded during the first treatment week. From treatment week 2 until the end of the treatment period the food consumption was slightly decreased in males, but still significantly decreased in females when compared to the control group. The lower food consumption led to a transient lower body weight gain and lower body weights until the end of the study in both sexes. Except for ruffled fur in one female from the last day of gestation to the end of the lactation period, no clinical signs were observed. The water consumption was significantly reduced during the lactation period which

was possibly due to the lower number of pups and therefore lower milk production in this group.

 

Increased activity of alkaline phosphatase in males and increased bilirubin concentration in both sexes did not correlate with other findings and were therefore not considered adverse. Decreased absolute and relative thymus weights in females recorded at necropsy correlated with decreased lymphocytes in the cortex of the thymus. This finding was considered to be stress-related and likely not a direct effect of the test item.

 

The mean numbers of corpora lutea and implantations per dam as well as the mean litter size at the first litter check were decreased. The postnatal loss was slightly increased. In addition, the male and female pup weights were significantly lower on day 1 and 4 post partum when compared to the controls. Pups from one litter were cold to the touch on days 3 and 4 post partum. The effects on reproduction and pups were considered likely to be secondary to the effects of the treatment on food consumption and body weight development of the dams.

 

In the intermediate dose group (5000 ppm), lower food consumption was recorded in males and females during the first treatment week. From treatment week 2 onwards the food consumption was similar to the control group in males, but still decreased in females. The lower food consumption led to a transient lower body weight gain in males during the pre-paring period. However, decreased body weights compared to the concurrent controls were recorded during the entire treatment period in females. No clinical signs were observed at this dose level. The water consumption of females was slightly reduced during the lactation period.

 

In the low dose group (2500 ppm), a transiently slightly lower body weight gain was recorded during the pre-pairing period in males. Afterwards the body weight development at this dose level was similar to the controls.

 

The creatinine concentration was increased at all dose levels in males. An increase of creatinine is usually a sign for kidney damage. However, no histopathological findings were recorded in the kidneys. Therefore, the increase of the creatinine was not considered to be an adverse effect. Minimal hypertrophy/vacuolation of the zona glomerulosa was observed in the adrenal glands of males from the 2500 ppm group and in females from the 5000 ppm group with dose related-incidence. The pathogenesis of this change is uncertain. The zona glomerulosa is the site of synthesis of aldosterone which is mainly involved in the control of salt and water balance in the body. Secretion of aldosterone is controlled through the renin-angiotensin system and hypertrophy of the zona glomerulosa is generally considered to be an adaptative process following stimulation of this system. Therefore, this change was not considered to be an adverse effect.

 

Based on the results of this study, a NOEL (No Observed Effect Level) for general toxicity could not be established due to effects on body weights at all dose levels in females during the lactation period. The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for general toxicity was established at the dose level of 2500 ppm. The NOEL and the NOAEL for reproduction/developmental toxicity were established at 5000 ppm.

Endpoint:
screening for reproductive / developmental toxicity
Type of information:
experimental study
Adequacy of study:
key study
Study period:
2013-10-22 to 2014-09-16
Reliability:
1 (reliable without restriction)
Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:
guideline study
Justification for type of information:
A discussion and report on the read across strategy is given as an attachment in Section 13.
Reason / purpose for cross-reference:
read-across: supporting information
Reason / purpose for cross-reference:
reference to same study
Remarks:
Section 7.5.1 and 7.8.2.
Qualifier:
according to guideline
Guideline:
OECD Guideline 422 (Combined Repeated Dose Toxicity Study with the Reproduction / Developmental Toxicity Screening Test)
Deviations:
yes
Remarks:
The deviation did not impact the scientific validity of the study
GLP compliance:
yes (incl. QA statement)
Limit test:
no
Specific details on test material used for the study:
SOURCE OF TEST MATERIAL
- Source and lot/batch No.of test material: KB13G178
- Expiration date of the lot/batch: 2014-06-29
- Purity test date: 100%

STABILITY AND STORAGE CONDITIONS OF TEST MATERIAL
- Storage condition of test material: Bulk sample was stored frozen (-20 ± 5 °C) under nitrogen in the dark. For temperature adjustment, working samples were kept under nitrogen at room temperature (20 ± 3 °C) for a maximum of 3 hours, prior to feed preparation.
- Stability under test conditions: At least 8 days if stored at room temperature in the dark

TREATMENT OF TEST MATERIAL PRIOR TO TESTING
- Treatment of test material prior to testing: No
Species:
rat
Strain:
other: RccHan TM : WIST(SPF)
Sex:
male/female
Details on test animals or test system and environmental conditions:
TEST ANIMALS
- Source: Harlan Laboratories, B.V. Kreuzelweg 53, 5961 NM Horst / Netherlands
- Females (if applicable) nulliparous and non-pregnant: not specified
- Age at study initiation: (P) 12 wks
- Weight at study initiation: (P) Males: 304 - 353 g; Females: 200 - 236 g
- Fasting period before study: No
- Housing: During acclimatization and pre-pairing in groups of up to three animals by sexin Makrolon type-4 cages, cages with males were interspersed amongst those holding females to promote the development of regular estrus cycles. During pairing females were housed with males (1:1) in Makrolon type-3. Following pairing period males were re-housed in their original prepairing cages and females were individually housed in Makrolon type-3 cages. All cages were provided with wire mesh tops and sterilized standard softwood bedding (‘Lignocel’ J. Rettenmaier & Söhne GmbH & CoKG, 73494 Rosenberg / Germany, imported by Provimi Kliba SA, 4303 Kaiseraugst / Switzerland) with paper enrichment (Enviro-dri from Lillico, Biotechnology, Surrey / UK and ISO-BLOX from Harlan Laboratories B.V. / Netherlands). In addition a wood stick was provided (batch nos. 02105130819, 77, 6960C-100267, 6960C-101212, 122207 and 132211).
- Diet (e.g. ad libitum): Microgranulated standard Harlan Teklad 2018C (batch no. 41/13) rodent maintenance diet (Provimi Kliba SA, 4303 Kaiseraugst / Switzerland) was available ad libitum.
- Water (e.g. ad libitum): Community tap-water from Itingen was available ad libitumin water bottles.
- Acclimation period: 8 days
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
- Temperature (°C): 22 ± 3 °C
- Humidity (%): 30-70%
- Air changes (per hr): 10-15
- Photoperiod (hrs dark / hrs light): 12-hour fluorescent light / 12-hour dark cycle with at least eight hours music during the light period.
IN-LIFE DATES: From: 2013-10-22 To: 2013-12-22
Route of administration:
oral: feed
Vehicle:
unchanged (no vehicle)
Details on exposure:
DIET PREPARATION
- Rate of preparation of diet (frequency): Dietary admixtures were prepared at intervals not exceeding 8 days using the test item as supplied by the supplier.
- Mixing appropriate amounts with (Type of food): Gum Rosin, CAS no. 8050-09-7, was ground to powder using an electrical grinder, weighed into a tared glass beaker on a suitable precision balance, and mixed with microgranulated feed separately for each dose group. No heat was used during diet preparation. Control feed for the animals of group 1 was prepared similarly, but without test item.
- Storage temperature of food: Stability of the test item in feedwas at least 8 days according to the results of stability analyses performed within the Harlan Laboratories study no. D80871 (Method Implementation and Development; non-GLP). Feed preparations were stored at room temperature protected from light in metal containers until use.
Details on mating procedure:
- M/F ratio per cage: During the pairing period, females were housed withsexually mature males (1:1) from the same group until evidence of copulation was observed.
- Length of cohabitation: until evidence of copulation was observed
- Proof of pregnancy: sperm in vaginal smear referred to as day 0 of pregnancy
- After 14 days of unsuccessful pairing replacement of first male by another male with proven fertility.
- Further matings after two unsuccessful attempts: not specified
- After successful mating each pregnant female was caged (how): housed individually
- Any other deviations from standard protocol: No
Analytical verification of doses or concentrations:
yes
Details on analytical verification of doses or concentrations:
Samples for analyses of test item, its content and homogeneity in the feed were drawn at the start of the pre-pairing period and at the end of gestation/start of lactation period (i.e. two occasions). Stability of the test item in the feed for 8 and 28 days at room temperature was determined at the start of the pre-pairing period (i.e. one occasion). For assessment of content and homogeneity, a 100 g sample was collected from each of the top, middle and bottom of every dietary admixture ofthe respective diet preparation (from group 1 admixtures only one sample was drawn from the middle of the preparation). Samples for assessment of content and homogeneity were collected on the day of preparation. For assessment of stability, a 100 g sample was drawn from the middle of the dietary admixture on the day of preparation and stored at roomtemperature for 8 or 28 days. After preparation the samples were delivered to the analytical department at ambient temperature and stored there frozen (at -20 ± 5 °C) until analysis. The samples were analyzed by HPLC coupled toan ELSD detector following an analytical procedure developed at Harlan Laboratories. The test item was usedas the analytical standard. Duplicates were taken of all samples and were stored at Harlan Laboratories Ltd., Itingen / Switzerland. The samples were discarded after finalization of the report without any further note.
Duration of treatment / exposure:
Males: 50 days (during 14 days pre-pairing period, and 36 days pairing period and postpairing period).
Females: Minimum 5 weeks (14 days pre-pairing period, up to 17 days pairing period, approximately 21 days of gestation period and lactation period to day 4 post partum).
Frequency of treatment:
Continuously (ad libitum)
Details on study schedule:
- F1 parental animals not mated until [...] weeks after selected from the F1 litters.
- Selection of parents from F1 generation when pups were [...] days of age.
- Age at mating of the mated animals in the study: [...] weeks
Dose / conc.:
0 ppm
Remarks:
Control
Dose / conc.:
2 500 ppm
Remarks:
Low Concentration
Dose / conc.:
5 000 ppm
Remarks:
Intermediate Concentration
Dose / conc.:
10 000 ppm
Remarks:
High Concentration
No. of animals per sex per dose:
12/sex/dose
Control animals:
yes, concurrent no treatment
Details on study design:
- Dose selection rationale: The dose levels were selectedbased on a previous dose range-finding toxicity study in Han Wistar rats, Harlan Laboratories study no. D80882, using concentrations in feed of 5000, 10000 and 20000 ppm and resulting in adverse reduction of food consumption, body weight loss and early termination of males and females treated with feed containing test item at a concentration of 20000 ppm.A dietary inclusion level of 10000 ppm resulted in approximately 6% (males) and 10% (females) reduction in body weight compared to the control group during 15 days of treatment.
- Rationale for animal assignment (if not random): Performed after at least three days of acclimatization using a computer-generatedrandom algorithm. Bodyweights (recorded on the day of allocation) were taken into consideration in order to ensure similar
mean body weights in all groups.
Parental animals: Observations and examinations:
CAGE SIDE OBSERVATIONS: Yes
- Time schedule: Daily cage-side clinical observations (once daily, during acclimatization and up to day of necropsy).

DETAILED CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS: Yes
- Time schedule: Males: Once prior to the first administration of the test item and weekly thereafter.
Females: Once prior to the first administration of the test item, weekly during the pre-pairing and pairing and on days 0, 6, 13 and 20 post coitum.

BODY WEIGHT: Yes
- Time schedule for examinations: Males: Once during acclimatization, at three-day intervals during pre-pairing and postpairing periods and weekly during pairing period.
Females: Once during acclimatization, at three-day intervals during pre-pairing period, weekly during pairing period and on the following days: 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21 post coitum and 1 and 4 post partum.

FOOD CONSUMPTION AND COMPOUND INTAKE (if feeding study):
- Food consumption for each animal determined and mean daily diet consumption calculated as g food/kg body weight/day: Yes
Males: At three-day intervals during pre-pairing and post-pairing.
Females: At three-day intervals during pre-pairing and gestation, and from days 1 to day 4 post partum in all females (except nos. 50, 53, 56, 58, 62, 65, 69, 74, 77, 79, 80, 82, 85, and 89 for which no food consumption was recorded during the lactation period due to a planning error). No food consumption was recorded during the pairing period
- Compound intake calculated as time-weighted averages from the consumption and body weight gain data: No data

WATER CONSUMPTION INTAKE: Yes
- Time schedule for examinations: Daily water intake was measured gravimetrically during pre-pairing, post-pairing, gestation and lactation.

Sperm parameters (parental animals):
Parameters examined in P male parental generations:
[other: spermatogenesis]
Litter observations:
PARAMETERS EXAMINED
The following parameters were examined in F1 offspring:
[number and sex of pups, stillbirths, live births, postnatal mortality, presence of gross anomalies, weight gain, other: surface righting reflex]

GROSS EXAMINATION OF DEAD PUPS:
[yes, for external and internal abnormalities]

Postmortem examinations (parental animals):
SACRIFICE
- Male animals: All surviving animals - Males were sacrificed on the day after completion of the treatment for 50 days, when they were no longer necessary for the assessment of reproductive performance.
- Maternal animals: All surviving animals - Dams were sacrificed on day 5 post partum. Females for which no mating was recorded were sacrificed 8 days after completion of the second pairing period or, if consideredappropriate, at any other time. If birth did not occur on the expected date (day 21 post coitum), the dam was sacrificed on day 25 post coitum.

GROSS NECROPSY
- All parent animals were examined macroscopically for any structural changes at the scheduled necropsy. Special attention was directed at the organs of the reproductive system. The uteri of all dams were placed in a solution of ammonium sulfide to visualize possible hemorrhagic areas of implantation sites and the number of implantation sites were noted. The number of corpora luteain each ovary was recorded for all pregnant females.

HISTOPATHOLOGY / ORGAN WEIGHTS
The tissues indicated in Table 2 and Table 3. were prepared for microscopic examination and weighed, respectively.
Postmortem examinations (offspring):
SACRIFICE
- The F1 offspring were sacrificed on day 4 days post partum.
- These animals were subjected to postmortem examinations (macroscopic and/or microscopic examination) as follows: All pups were examined macroscopically for any structural changes at the scheduled necropsy.

GROSS NECROPSY
- Gross necropsy consisted of external examinations
Statistics:
The following statistical methods were used to analyze grip strength, locomotor activity, food and water consumption, body weights, clinical laboratory investigations, organ weights, macroscopical findings, and reproduction data:
• Means and standard deviationsof various data were calculated and included in the report.
• The Dunnett-test (many to one t-test) based on a pooled variance estimate was applied, if the variables could be assumed to follow a normal distribution for the comparison of the treated groups and the control groups for each sex.
• The Steel-test (many-one rank test) was applied instead of the Dunnett-test when the data could not be assumed to follow a normal distribution.
• Fisher's exact-test was applied, if the variables could be dichotomized without loss of information.
• Kruskal Wallis for the righting reflex.
Reproductive indices:
1) Corpora lutea count
2) Duration of gestation
3) Implantation rate and post-implantation loss
Offspring viability indices:
1) External Examination at First Litter Check and during Lactation
2) Sex Ratios
3) Righting Reflex
4) Body Weights to Day 4 Post Partum
5) Macroscopic observations
Clinical signs:
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
Ruffled fur was recorded in one female of group 4 from the last day of gestation to the end of the lactation period. This was considered to be related to the treatment with the test item. No clinical signs were observed in females of groups 2 and 3 and in males at any dose level.
Mortality:
no mortality observed
Description (incidence):
All animals survived until the scheduled necropsy.
Body weight and weight changes:
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
Males - A dose-related effect of the test item on body weight development was recorded at all dose levels. During the pre-pairing period lower body weight gain was recordedin all test item-treated groups (6.2%, 4.9%, and 0.6% in groups 2, 3, and 4 on day 7) when compared to the control group (8.6%). During the post-pairing period the body weight gainwas similar in all groups. Weights were decreased in males of group 4 fromtreatment day 4 until the end of the study but remained within 10% of concurrent control group values. No significant effects on body weights were recorded in males of groups 2 and 3.

Females - A dose-related effect of the test item on body weight development was recorded at all dose levels. During the pre-pairing period lower body weight gainwas recorded in females of groups 3 and 4 (0.2%, and -3.4% on day 7) when compared to the control group (5.1%).During the gestation period the body weight gain in females of group 3 and 4 was still lower (46.9% and 37.6% vs. 56.7% in the control group on day 21). During the lactation periodno significant differences in
body weight gain were recorded. Weights were decreased in females of groups 3 and 4 from treatment day 4 until the end of the study. Body weights in females of groups 3 and 4 were within 10% of the concurrent control value during the pre-pairing period. In group 3, body weights remained at 87-93% of control for the remainder of the study. In group 4, the mean body weight fell to about 80% of the concurrent control value at the end of the gestation period and throughout the lactation period. In group 2, slightly lower body weights wererecorded during the lactation period.
Food consumption and compound intake (if feeding study):
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
Males - Test item-related effects on food consumption were recorded in group 3 and 4. Lower food consumption (-42%) was recorded in males of group 4 during the first treatment week when compared to the control group. From treatment week 2 until the end of the treatment period the food consumption was slightly decreased (-12% during the second week of the prepairing period and -8% during post-pairing period). Slightly lower food consumption (-15%) was recorded in males of group 3 during the first treatment week. From treatment week 2 onwards the food consumption was similar to the control group. No effects were recorded in males of group 2.

Females - Test item-related effects on food consumption were recorded in group 3 and 4. Lower food consumption (-53%) was recorded in females of group 4 during the first treatment week when compared to the control group. From treatment week 2 until the end of the treatment period the food consumption was still decreased (-20% during gestation and -45% during lactation). Lower food consumption was recorded in females of group 3 during the whole treatment period (-16% during pre-paring, -14% during gestation and -37% during lactation) when compared to the control group. No effects were recorded in females of group 2.
Food efficiency:
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
Males - A dose-related effect of the test item on food conversion efficiency was recorded at all dose levels. Lower food conversion efficiency (-55%) was recorded in males of group 4 during the prepairing period when compared to the control group. During post paring the food conversion efficiency was similar to the controls. Lower food conversion efficiency was recorded in males of groups 2 (-25%) and 3 (-31%) during the first four days of treatment when compared to the control group. Afterwards the food conversion efficiency was similar to the controls.

Females - A dose-related effect of the test item on food conversion efficiency was recorded at all dose levels. Lower food conversion efficiency was recorded in females of groups 3 and 4 during the first four days of the pre-pairing period when compared to the controls. Afterwards the food conversion efficiency was similar to the control group. At the end of the gestation lower food conversion efficiency was recorded in all test item-treated groups. During the lactation period the feed consumption in all test item-treated groups was similar to the control group.
Water consumption and compound intake (if drinking water study):
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
Males - No effects of the treatment with Gum Rosin on water consumption were recorded.

Females - During the lactation period the water consumption was decreased by 33% in females of group 4 and by 20% in females of group 3. This was considered to be a test item-related effect. No effects of the treatment on water consumption were in recorded in females during the prepairing and gestation period. No effects were recorded in group 2.
Haematological findings:
effects observed, non-treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
No effects of the treatment with Gum Rosin on hematology parameters were recorded. Changes in a few parameters achieving individual statistical significance were considered to be unrelated to treatment, because they lacked a dose-relationship and/or were clearly within the historical control range.
Clinical biochemistry findings:
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
Males - The following changes were considered to be test item-related:
• The activity of alkaline phosphatase was increased in males of group 3 by 48% and by 61% in group 4.
• The total bilirubin concentration was increased in males of group 4 (8.40 µmol/L vs. 0.43 in the controls).
• The creatinine concentration was increased at all dose levels (+19%, +32%, and +47% in groups 2, 3, and 4, respectively).

Increased triglyceride concentration in group 2 reaching statistical significance was considered to be incidental, because the values were within the range of the historical controls and this change was not dose-related.

Females - Increased concentration of total bilirubin in females of group 4 (3.27 µmol/L vs. 0.00 in the controls) was considered to be treatment-related. Changes in a few other parameters reaching statistical significance were considered to be incidental, because the values were within the range of the historical controls and/or the changes were not dose-related.
Organ weight findings including organ / body weight ratios:
effects observed, treatment-related
Histopathological findings: non-neoplastic:
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
In adrenals, minimal hypertrophy/vacuolation of the zona glomerulosa was recorded in 0/12, 2/12, 5/12 and 9/12 males of groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively and 0/12, 0/12, 3/12 and 5/12 females of groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. The change was characterized by diffuse hypertrophy of the zona glomerulosa associated with vacuolization of the zona glomerulosa cells. Decreased lymphocytes in the cortex of the thymus was observed in 0/12, 0/12, 0/12 and 6/12 females of groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively, changes being minimal, slight, moderate and marked in 3/5, 1/5, 1/5 and 1/5 females respectively. Of note, moderate focal erosion/ulcer was observed in the non-glandular gastric mucosa of rat no. 93 (group 4).
Reproductive function: oestrous cycle:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
There were no test item related microscopic findings in the reproductive organs during the evaluation of the uterus or evaluation of follicles and corpora lutea in the ovaries. The only noteworthy finding in the examined animals suspected of
reduced fertility was moderate atrophy of the ovary (reduced number of corpus lutei and lack of visible follicles) in one female of group 2; this isolated finding was considered to be coincidental. All the other microscopic observations were few and were those commonly recorded as spontaneous findings in the Wistar rat.
Reproductive function: sperm measures:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
There were no test item related microscopic findings in the reproductive organs, including following the qualitative examination of the stages of spermatogenesis in the testes (no test item related abnormalities in the integrity of the various cell types present within the different stages of the sperm cycle).
Reproductive performance:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
No effects on mating performance were recorded. All females except one group 2 female mated within the first pairing period. All males except one group 2 male mated. The median and mean precoital times were unaffected by treatment with the test item. Mean precoital times were 2.8, 3.5, 2.3 and 3.0 days in groups 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. The median precoital time was 3, 3, 2 and 3 days in order of ascending dose level. The fertility index was unaffectedby treatment with the test item. It was 100% in the control group and 91.7% in all test item-treated groups. The gestation index was 100% in all groups. All males except one group 3 and 4 male each produced offspring.
Corpora Lutea Count:
Mean number of corpora luteaper dam (determined at necropsy)was statistically significantly lower (12.6) in females of group 4 when comparedto the control group (15.3). This effect was considered test item-related. No effect of the treatment on mean number of corpora luteaper dam (determined at necropsy) was observed in females of groups 2 and 3.

Duration of Gestation:
No effect of the treatment on duration of gestation was observed at any dose level. Slightly statistically significant shorter duration of gestation in females of group 4 was considered to be biological variation, because the value recorded for this group (21.2 days) was within the range of the historical control data.

Implantation Rate and Post-Implantation Loss:
The mean number of implantationsper dam was statistically significant lower (10.9) in females of group 4 when compared to the control group (13.8). This effectwas considered to be test item-related. No effect of the treatment on the mean numberof implantations was observed in females of groups 2 and 3. No effect on post-implantation loss was observed at any dose level.
Dose descriptor:
NOAEL
Remarks:
Systemic Toxicity
Effect level:
2 500 ppm
Based on:
test mat.
Sex:
male/female
Basis for effect level:
body weight and weight gain
Dose descriptor:
NOAEL
Effect level:
5 000 ppm
Based on:
test mat.
Sex:
male/female
Basis for effect level:
other: Reproductive Toxicity
Remarks on result:
other: Based on a reduction in corpora lutea count followed by a lower number of implantation sites and lower mean litter size observed at the 10000 ppm concentration
Critical effects observed:
yes
Lowest effective dose / conc.:
5 000 ppm
System:
other: Body weight and body weight gain
Organ:
other: Body weight
Treatment related:
yes
Dose response relationship:
yes
Relevant for humans:
not specified
Clinical signs:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
No abnormal findings were notedat the first litter check. In one litter (no. 95) from group 4, ten pups were cold to the touch on day 3 and seven pups from the same litter were still cold to the touch on day 4 post partum. Scabs were recorded in one pup
from litter 83 (group 3). No further abnormal findings were noted.
Mortality / viability:
mortality observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
The total postnatal loss was increased and the viability index was statistically significantly reduced in group 4. Meanpostnatal loss was 0.3, 0.1, 0.0 and 2.4 in groups 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. The viability index was 98.1, 99.2, 100.0, and 76.1 in order of ascending dose level. This resulted in a statistically significant lower mean number of pups per dam on day 4 post partum in group 4.
Body weight and weight changes:
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
In group 4, mean pup weights on day 1 post partum were significantly lower in males (-19%) and females (-18%) when compared to the control group. On day 4 post partum mean pup weights were also significantly lower in males (-25%) and females (-25%). No relevant effects of the treatment on pup weights were recorded in groups 2 and 3.
Gross pathological findings:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
No findings were noted at macroscopic examination of F1 pups.
Sex Ratios:
Sex ratios at the first litter check wereunaffected by exposure to the test item.

Righting Reflex:
No effects on righting reflex of pups were observed at any dose level. The mean percentages of pups litters for which the righting reflex was observed within the first one minute of the test were 87%, 86%, 77% and 75% in groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively.

Dose descriptor:
NOAEL
Generation:
F1
Effect level:
5 000 ppm
Based on:
test mat.
Sex:
male/female
Basis for effect level:
mortality
body weight and weight gain
Remarks on result:
other: Based on mortality and body weight effects observed at the 10000 ppm concentration level
Critical effects observed:
yes
Lowest effective dose / conc.:
10 000 ppm
System:
other: Body weight and mortality
Organ:
other: Body weight
Treatment related:
yes
Dose response relationship:
not specified
Relevant for humans:
not specified
Reproductive effects observed:
yes
Lowest effective dose / conc.:
10 000 ppm
Treatment related:
yes
Relation to other toxic effects:
reproductive effects occurring together with other toxic effects, but not as a secondary non-specific consequence of other toxic effects
Dose response relationship:
yes
Relevant for humans:
not specified

Table 4. BODY WEIGHTS (GRAM) OF MALES SUMMARY P GENERATION - PRE-PAIRING PERIOD

 

 

Group 1

0 ppm

Group 2

2500 ppm

Group 3

5000 ppm

Group 4

10000 ppm

 

Day 1

Mean

325

328

330

328

 

ST. Dev

10.3

7.1

9.2

12.9

 

N

12

12

12

12

 

Day 4

Mean

344

342

341

326**

 

ST. Dev

10.3

7.5

9.6

10.9

 

N

12

12

12

12

 

Day 7

Mean

353

349

346

330**

 

ST. Dev

11.7

8.7

10.3

9.1

 

N

12

12

12

12

 

Day 10

Mean

361

354

352

332**

 

ST. Dev

13.0

10.7

10.4

11.3

 

N

12

12

12

12

 

Day 13

Mean

369

367

362

342**

 

ST. Dev

12.9

11.7

11.6

13.3

 

N

12

12

12

12

* / **: Dunnett-Test based on pooled variance significant at 5% (*) or 1% (**) level

 

Table 5. BODY WEIGHTS (GRAM) OF MALES SUMMARY P GENERATION - PAIRING

 

 

Group 1

0 ppm

Group 2

2500 ppm

Group 3

5000 ppm

Group 4

10000 ppm

 

Day 2

Mean

373

367

363

338**

 

ST. Dev

15.0

12.6

11.0

16.4

 

N

12

12

12

12

 

Day 8

Mean

387

381

378

348**

 

ST. Dev

15.1

13.6

14.2

18.3

 

N

12

12

12

12

 

Day 15

Mean

400

395

393

361**

 

ST. Dev

18.9

16.7

16.3

15.6

 

N

12

12

12

12

* / **: T-Test based on pooled variance significant at 5% (*) or 1% (**) level

 

Table 6. BODY WEIGHTS (GRAM) OF MALES SUMMARY P GENERATION - POST-PAIRING

 

 

Group 1

0 ppm

Group 2

2500 ppm

Group 3

5000 ppm

Group 4

10000 ppm

 

Day 1

Mean

416

404

404

375**

 

ST. Dev

18.6

16.8

17.5

15.5

 

N

12

12

12

12

 

Day 4

Mean

419

411

404

379**

 

ST. Dev

18.9

18.8

18.1

17.6

 

N

12

12

12

12

 

Day 7

Mean

423

416

412

378**

 

ST. Dev

18.0

19.2

16.5

17.8

 

N

12

12

12

12

 

Day 10

Mean

425

421

415

382**

 

ST. Dev

19.7

21.2

18.0

16.3

 

N

12

12

12

12

 

Day 13

Mean

425

423

418

385**

 

ST. Dev

19.2

22.9

18.1

16.0

 

N

12

12

12

12

 

Day 16

Mean

428

425

419

383**

 

ST. Dev

18.9

23.9

18.3

17.7

 

N

12

12

12

12

* / **: Dunnett-Test based on pooled variance significant at 5% (*) or 1% (**) level

Table 7. BODY WEIGHTS (GRAM) OF FEMALES SUMMARY P GENERATION - PRE-PAIRING PERIOD

 

 

Group 1

0 ppm

Group 2

2500 ppm

Group 3

5000 ppm

Group 4

10000 ppm

 

Day 1

Mean

219

220

217

216

 

ST. Dev

9.3

8.6

8.4

8.0

 

N

12

12

12

12

 

Day 4

Mean

227

227

215**

206**

 

ST. Dev

7.3

13.2

8.1

9.2

 

N

12

12

12

12

 

Day 7

Mean

230

231

217*

209**

 

ST. Dev

8.4

13.9

9.1

10.9

 

N

12

12

12

12

 

Day 10

Mean

235

232

222*

211**

 

ST. Dev

10.0

13.8

9.1

10.3

 

N

12

12

12

12

 

Day 13

Mean

237

236

225*

213**

 

ST. Dev

11.7

15.2

7.3

12.1

 

N

12

12

12

12

* / **: Dunnett-Test based on pooled variance significant at 5% (*) or 1% (**) level

 

Table 8. BODY WEIGHTS (GRAM) OF FEMALES SUMMARY P GENERATION - GESTATION

 

 

Group 1

0 ppm

Group 2

2500 ppm

Group 3

5000 ppm

Group 4

10000 ppm

 

Day 0

Mean

245

242

229**

220**

 

ST. Dev

11.0

12.7

9.6

9.8

 

N

12

10

11

11

 

Day 3

Mean

262

257

243**

230**

 

ST. Dev

10.6

13.7

11.7

11.0

 

N

12

10

11

11

 

Day 6

Mean

274

267

252**

239**

 

ST. Dev

11.2

14.0

13.6

9.9

 

N

12

10

11

11

 

Day 9

Mean

283

277

260**

247**

 

ST. Dev

10.9

13.2

13.9

11.4

 

N

12

10

11

11

 

Day 12

Mean

297

292

272**

256**

 

ST. Dev

14.1

13.0

17.9

10.3

 

N

12

10

11

11

 

Day 15

Mean

314

306

287**

270**

 

ST. Dev

14.9

15.3

17.0

13.7

 

N

12

10

11

11

 

Day 18

Mean

347

343

315**

291**

 

ST. Dev

21.7

15.0

19.7

13.7

 

N

12

10

11

11

 

Day 21

Mean

385

368

336**

302**

 

ST. Dev

28.6

20.5

23.4

15.8

 

N

12

10

11

11

* / **: T-Test based on pooled variance significant at 5% (*) or 1% (**) level

 

Table 9. BODY WEIGHTS (GRAM) OF FEMALES SUMMARY P GENERATION - LACTATION

 

 

Group 1

0 ppm

Group 2

2500 ppm

Group 3

5000 ppm

Group 4

10000 ppm

 

Day 1

Mean

282

263*

250**

232**

 

ST. Dev

20.5

15.5

20.1

12.3

 

N

11

11

11

11

 

Day 4

Mean

296

280*

257**

237**

 

ST. Dev

18.0

18.3

15.1

11.8

 

N

12

11

11

11

* / **: T-Test based on pooled variance significant at 5% (*) or 1% (**) level

Table 10. REPRODUCTION and BREEDING DATA – P GENERATION

 

 

Group 1

0 ppm

Group 2

2500 ppm

Group 3

5000 ppm

Group 4

10000 ppm

 

Litters

Total

12

11

11

11

 

Excluded

-

-

-

-

 

Evaluated

12

11

11

11

 

Duration of Gestation

Mean (+)

21.8

21.8 -

21.3 -

21.2 +

 

ST. Dev

0.6

0.6

0.5

0.4

 

N

12

10

11

11

 

Corpora Lutea

Total

193

162

152

139

 

Mean (+)

15.3

14.7 -

13.8 -

12.6 +

 

ST. Dev

3.0

1.6

2.5

1.5

 

N

12

11

11

11

 

Implantations

Total

163

145

136

120

 

Mean (+)

13.8

13.2 -

12.4 -

10.9 +

 

ST. Dev

3.3

1.4

3.4

2.3

 

N

12

11

11

11

+/++/-: Steel Test, significant at 5% (+), 1% (++) or not significant (-)

Table 11. DATES OF POSTNATAL AND BREEDING LOSSES OF PUPS

Ascertained on Day Post-Partum

 

Group 1

0 ppm

Group 2

2500 ppm

Group 3

5000 ppm

Group 4

10000 ppm

 

Day 2

M

1

-

-

1

 

F

1

1

-

6

 

U

-

-

-

-

 

Day 3

M

-

-

-

5

 

F

-

-

-

4

 

U

-

-

-

-

 

Day 4

M

-

-

-

2

 

F

1

-

-

8

 

U

-

-

-

-

 

 

Table 12. Mean Body Weights of Pups per Group On a Litter Basis (G) Lactation Period

Day/Sex

 

Group 1

0 ppm

Group 2

2500 ppm

Group 3

5000 ppm

Group 4

10000 ppm

 

Day 1 - Male

Mean

6.62

6.12 -

6.00 –

5.33**

 

ST. Dev

0.62

0.64

0.34

0.83

 

N

12

11

11

11

 

Day 1 - Female

Mean

6.2

5.83 -

5.78 -

5.08**

 

ST. Dev

0.49

0.79

0.43

0.70

 

N

12

11

11

11

 

Day 1 –

Male + Female

Mean

6.42

5.97 -

5.89 -

5.20**

 

ST. Dev

0.53

0.73

0.38

0.77

 

N

12

11

11

11

 

Day 4 - Male

Mean

9.86

8.81 -

8.62 -

7.44**

 

ST. Dev

1.41

1.31

1.28

1.53

 

N

12

11

11

9

 

Day 4 - Female

Mean

9.51

8.46 -

8.22*

7.15**

 

ST. Dev

1.11

1.29

1.21

1.46

 

N

12

11

11

9

 

Day 4 –

Male + Female

Mean

9.69

8.64 -

8.44 -

7.31**

 

ST. Dev

1.20

1.30

1.25

1.50

 

N

12

11

11

9

*/**/-: DUNNETT-Test based on pooled variance sig. at 5% (*), 1% (**) or not sig. (-)

Conclusions:
Based on the results of this study, a NOEL (No Observed Effect Level) for general toxicity could not be established due to effects on body weights at all dose levels in females during the lactation period. The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for general toxicity was established at the dose level of 2500 ppm. The NOEL and the NOAEL for reproduction/developmental toxicity were established at 5000 ppm.
Executive summary:

In a key combined repeated dose, reproductive/developmental toxicity study, Gum Rosin was administered to rats (12/sex/dose) in dietary mixtures at concentrations of 0, 2500, 5000, and 10000 ppm for a period of 50 days for male rats and to female rats for 14 days prior to pairing, through the pairing and gestation periods until the F1 generation reached day 4 post partum (at least 36 days, up to 53 days).

 

The treatment with the test item did not lead to any premature mortalities and had no effects on behaviour, reflexes, grip strength, locomotor activity, and hematology parameters. Mating performance, fertility index, duration of gestation, and post-implantation loss were not affected by the treatment with the test item at any dose level. No abnormal findings were recorded at the first litter check and at necropsy of the pups. No effects of the treatment on sex ratio and righting reflex were observed.

 

In the high dose group (10000 ppm), in both sexes, significantly lower food consumption was recorded during the first treatment week. From treatment week 2 until the end of the treatment period the food consumption was slightly decreased in males, but still significantly decreased in females when compared to the control group. The lower food consumption led to a transient lower body weight gain and lower body weights until the end of the study in both sexes. Except for ruffled fur in one female from the last day of gestation to the end of the lactation period, no clinical signs were observed. The water consumption was significantly reduced during the lactation period which

was possibly due to the lower number of pups and therefore lower milk production in this group.

 

Increased activity of alkaline phosphatase in males and increased bilirubin concentration in both sexes did not correlate with other findings and were therefore not considered adverse. Decreased absolute and relative thymus weights in females recorded at necropsy correlated with decreased lymphocytes in the cortex of the thymus. This finding was considered to be stress-related and likely not a direct effect of the test item.

 

The mean numbers of corpora lutea and implantations per dam as well as the mean litter size at the first litter check were decreased. The postnatal loss was slightly increased. In addition, the male and female pup weights were significantly lower on day 1 and 4 post partum when compared to the controls. Pups from one litter were cold to the touch on days 3 and 4 post partum. The effects on reproduction and pups were considered likely to be secondary to the effects of the treatment on food consumption and body weight development of the dams.

 

In the intermediate dose group (5000 ppm), lower food consumption was recorded in males and females during the first treatment week. From treatment week 2 onwards the food consumption was similar to the control group in males, but still decreased in females. The lower food consumption led to a transient lower body weight gain in males during the pre-paring period. However, decreased body weights compared to the concurrent controls were recorded during the entire treatment period in females. No clinical signs were observed at this dose level. The water consumption of females was slightly reduced during the lactation period.

 

In the low dose group (2500 ppm), a transiently slightly lower body weight gain was recorded during the pre-pairing period in males. Afterwards the body weight development at this dose level was similar to the controls.

 

The creatinine concentration was increased at all dose levels in males. An increase of creatinine is usually a sign for kidney damage. However, no histopathological findings were recorded in the kidneys. Therefore, the increase of the creatinine was not considered to be an adverse effect. Minimal hypertrophy/vacuolation of the zona glomerulosa was observed in the adrenal glands of males from the 2500 ppm group and in females from the 5000 ppm group with dose related-incidence. The pathogenesis of this change is uncertain. The zona glomerulosa is the site of synthesis of aldosterone which is mainly involved in the control of salt and water balance in the body. Secretion of aldosterone is controlled through the renin-angiotensin system and hypertrophy of the zona glomerulosa is generally considered to be an adaptative process following stimulation of this system. Therefore, this change was not considered to be an adverse effect.

 

Based on the results of this study, a NOEL (No Observed Effect Level) for general toxicity could not be established due to effects on body weights at all dose levels in females during the lactation period. The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for general toxicity was established at the dose level of 2500 ppm. The NOEL and the NOAEL for reproduction/developmental toxicity were established at 5000 ppm.

Effect on fertility: via oral route
Endpoint conclusion:
no adverse effect observed
Dose descriptor:
NOAEL
Study duration:
subacute
Species:
rat
Effect on fertility: via inhalation route
Endpoint conclusion:
no study available
Effect on fertility: via dermal route
Endpoint conclusion:
no study available

Justification for classification or non-classification

Not classified for reproductive or developmental toxicity according to EU Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures (CLP) Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008 or UN Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).

Additional information