Registration Dossier
Registration Dossier
Data platform availability banner - registered substances factsheets
Please be aware that this old REACH registration data factsheet is no longer maintained; it remains frozen as of 19th May 2023.
The new ECHA CHEM database has been released by ECHA, and it now contains all REACH registration data. There are more details on the transition of ECHA's published data to ECHA CHEM here.
Diss Factsheets
Use of this information is subject to copyright laws and may require the permission of the owner of the information, as described in the ECHA Legal Notice.
EC number: 204-409-7 | CAS number: 120-57-0
- Life Cycle description
- Uses advised against
- Endpoint summary
- Appearance / physical state / colour
- Melting point / freezing point
- Boiling point
- Density
- Particle size distribution (Granulometry)
- Vapour pressure
- Partition coefficient
- Water solubility
- Solubility in organic solvents / fat solubility
- Surface tension
- Flash point
- Auto flammability
- Flammability
- Explosiveness
- Oxidising properties
- Oxidation reduction potential
- Stability in organic solvents and identity of relevant degradation products
- Storage stability and reactivity towards container material
- Stability: thermal, sunlight, metals
- pH
- Dissociation constant
- Viscosity
- Additional physico-chemical information
- Additional physico-chemical properties of nanomaterials
- Nanomaterial agglomeration / aggregation
- Nanomaterial crystalline phase
- Nanomaterial crystallite and grain size
- Nanomaterial aspect ratio / shape
- Nanomaterial specific surface area
- Nanomaterial Zeta potential
- Nanomaterial surface chemistry
- Nanomaterial dustiness
- Nanomaterial porosity
- Nanomaterial pour density
- Nanomaterial photocatalytic activity
- Nanomaterial radical formation potential
- Nanomaterial catalytic activity
- Endpoint summary
- Stability
- Biodegradation
- Bioaccumulation
- Transport and distribution
- Environmental data
- Additional information on environmental fate and behaviour
- Ecotoxicological Summary
- Aquatic toxicity
- Endpoint summary
- Short-term toxicity to fish
- Long-term toxicity to fish
- Short-term toxicity to aquatic invertebrates
- Long-term toxicity to aquatic invertebrates
- Toxicity to aquatic algae and cyanobacteria
- Toxicity to aquatic plants other than algae
- Toxicity to microorganisms
- Endocrine disrupter testing in aquatic vertebrates – in vivo
- Toxicity to other aquatic organisms
- Sediment toxicity
- Terrestrial toxicity
- Biological effects monitoring
- Biotransformation and kinetics
- Additional ecotoxological information
- Toxicological Summary
- Toxicokinetics, metabolism and distribution
- Acute Toxicity
- Irritation / corrosion
- Sensitisation
- Repeated dose toxicity
- Genetic toxicity
- Carcinogenicity
- Toxicity to reproduction
- Specific investigations
- Exposure related observations in humans
- Toxic effects on livestock and pets
- Additional toxicological data
Toxicity to reproduction
Administrative data
- Endpoint:
- screening for reproductive / developmental toxicity
- Remarks:
- Combined Repeated Dose Toxicity Study with the Reproduction/Developmental Toxicity Screening Test
- Type of information:
- experimental study
- Adequacy of study:
- key study
- Study period:
- 03 Feb 2019 - 18 Oct 2019
- Reliability:
- 1 (reliable without restriction)
- Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:
- guideline study
Cross-referenceopen allclose all
- Reason / purpose for cross-reference:
- reference to same study
Reference
- Endpoint:
- sub-chronic toxicity: oral
- Remarks:
- Combined Repeated Dose Toxicity Study with the Reproduction/Developmental Toxicity Screening Test
- Type of information:
- experimental study
- Adequacy of study:
- key study
- Study period:
- 03 Feb 2019 - 18 Oct 2019
- Reliability:
- 1 (reliable without restriction)
- Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:
- guideline study
- Reason / purpose for cross-reference:
- reference to same study
- Reason / purpose for cross-reference:
- reference to same study
- Qualifier:
- according to guideline
- Guideline:
- OECD Guideline 422 (Combined Repeated Dose Toxicity Study with the Reproduction / Developmental Toxicity Screening Test)
- Version / remarks:
- 2016
- Deviations:
- no
- Qualifier:
- according to guideline
- Guideline:
- other: EPA OPPTS 870.3650 (Combined Repeated Dose Toxicity Study with the Reproduction/Developmental Toxicity Screening Test)
- Version / remarks:
- 2000
- Deviations:
- no
- Principles of method if other than guideline:
- In addition, the procedures described in this study plan essentially conform to the following guidelines:
• OECD 421, Reproduction/Developmental Toxicity Screening Test, 2016.
• EPA OPPTS 870.3550, Reproduction/Developmental Toxicity Screening Test, 2000.
• EC No 440/2008, B.7 Repeated Dose (28 days) Toxicity (oral), 2008.
• OECD 408, Repeated Dose 90-day Oral Toxicity Study in Rodents, 2018.
• EPA OPPTS 870.3100, Repeated Dose 90-day Oral Toxicity Study in Rodents, 1998. - GLP compliance:
- yes
- Limit test:
- no
- Species:
- rat
- Strain:
- Wistar
- Remarks:
- Crl: WI(Han)
- Details on species / strain selection:
- The Wistar Han rat was chosen as the animal model for this study as it is an accepted rodent species for toxicity testing by regulatory agencies. Charles River Den Bosch has general and reproduction/developmental historical data in this species from the same strain and source. This animal model has been proven to be susceptible to the effects of reproductive toxicants.
- Sex:
- male/female
- Details on test animals or test system and environmental conditions:
- TEST ANIMALS
- Source: Charles River Deutschland, Sulzfeld, Germany
- Females nulliparous and non-pregnant: yes
- Age at study initiation: 7-9 wks
- Weight at study initiation: Males: 194-243 g; Females: 140-172 g
- Fasting period before study: No
- Housing: On arrival and following randomization, animals were group housed (up to 5 animals of the same sex and same dosing group together) in polycarbonate cages (Macrolon, MIV type, height 18 cm).
During the mating phase, males and females were cohabitated on a 1:1 basis in Macrolon plastic cages (MIII type, height 18 cm).
During the post-mating phase, males were housed in their home cage (Macrolon plastic cages, MIV type, height 18 cm) with a maximum of 5 males/cage. Females were individually housed in Macrolon plastic cages (MIII type, height 18 cm).
During the lactation phase, females were housed in Macrolon plastic cages (MIII type, height 18 cm). Pups were housed with the dam, except during locomotor activity monitoring of the dams, when the pups were kept warm in their home cage using bottles filled with warm water. In order to avoid hypothermia of pups, pups were not left without their dam or a bottle filled with warm water for longer than 30-40 minutes.
During locomotor activity monitoring, animals were housed individually in a Hi-temp polycarbonate cage (Ancare corp., USA; dimensions: 48.3 x 26.7 x 20.3 cm) without cage enrichment, bedding material, food and water.
Animals were separated during designated procedures/activities.
- Diet: Pelleted rodent diet (SM R/M-Z from SSNIFF® Spezialdiäten GmbH, Soest, Germany) was provided ad libitum throughout the study, except during designated procedures.
- Water: Municipal tap water was freely available to each animal via water bottles. During motor activity measurements, animals had no access to water for a maximum of 2 hours.
- Animal enrichment: For psychological/environmental enrichment and nesting material, animals were provided with paper (Enviro-dri, Wm. Lilico & Son (Wonham Mill Ltd), Surrey, United Kingdom), except when interrupted by study procedures/activities.
- Acclimation period: 13 days prior to start of the pretest period
The feed was analyzed by the supplier for nutritional components and environmental contaminants and periodic analysis of the water was performed. It is considered that there were no known contaminants in the feed or water that would interfere with the objectives of the study.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
- Temperature (°C): 20-21
- Humidity (%): 48-80
- Air changes (per hr): ≥10
- Photoperiod (hrs dark / hrs light): 12/12
IN-LIFE DATES: From: 29 Mar 2019 To: 19 Jul 2019 - Route of administration:
- oral: gavage
- Vehicle:
- polyethylene glycol
- Remarks:
- 400
- Details on oral exposure:
- PREPARATION OF DOSING SOLUTIONS:
Test item dosing formulations (w/w) were homogenized to visually acceptable levels at appropriate concentrations to meet dose level requirements. The dosing formulations were prepared weekly as a solution, filled out in daily portions and stored in the refrigerator protected from light. Formulations were prepared in amber colored glassware and/or glassware wrapped in aluminum foil. The dosing formulations were removed from the refrigerator and stirred at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before dosing. Test item dosing formulations were kept at room temperature until dosing. If practically possible, the dosing formulations and vehicle were continuously stirred and protected from light until and during dosing. No adjustment was made for specific gravity of the test item. Adjustment was made for specific gravity of the vehicle (1.125). No correction was made for the purity/composition of the test item.
VEHICLE
- Justification for use and choice of vehicle: Trial preparations were performed to select the suitable vehicle and to establish a suitable formulation procedure.
- Concentration in vehicle: 0, 20, 60, 200 mg/mL
- Amount of vehicle: 5 mL/kg - Analytical verification of doses or concentrations:
- yes
- Details on analytical verification of doses or concentrations:
- Dose formulation samples were collected for analysis during week 1, 6 and 13 of treatment for concentration analysis (all dose groups) and homogeneity analysis (in low and high dose groups; The homogeneity results obtained from the top, middle and bottom for the Group 2 and 4 preparations were averaged and utilized as the concentration results). Analyses were performed using a validated analytical procedure.
Concentration results were considered acceptable if mean sample concentration results were within or equal to ± 10% for solutions of target concentration.
Homogeneity results were considered acceptable if the coefficient of variation (CV) of concentrations was ≤10%.
Stability analysis: Stability analyses performed previously in conjunction with the method development and validation study demonstrated that the test item is stable in the vehicle when prepared and stored under the same conditions at concentrations bracketing those used in the present study. - Duration of treatment / exposure:
- The test item and vehicle were administered to the appropriate animals for a minimum of 13 weeks. Animals were treated minimally 8 weeks prior to mating, up to and including the day before scheduled necropsy. For females, this included the variable time to conception, the duration of pregnancy and at least 13 days after delivery, up to and including the day before scheduled necropsy. Females which failed to deliver or had a total litter loss were treated for 95-112 days.
- Frequency of treatment:
- once daily oral gavage 7 days a week
- Dose / conc.:
- 100 mg/kg bw/day (actual dose received)
- Remarks:
- group 2
- Dose / conc.:
- 300 mg/kg bw/day (actual dose received)
- Remarks:
- group 3
- Dose / conc.:
- 1 000 mg/kg bw/day (actual dose received)
- Remarks:
- group 4
- No. of animals per sex per dose:
- 10
- Control animals:
- yes, concurrent vehicle
- Details on study design:
- - Dose selection rationale: The dose levels were selected based on the results of a 10-day Dose Range Finder with oral administration of Piperonal or Heliotropine in rats (see other information on Materials and Methods), and in an attempt to produce graded responses to the test item.
- Fasting period before blood sampling for clinical biochemistry: F0-males only.
The dose volume for each animal was based on the most recent body weight measurement. The dosing formulations were stirred continuously during dose administration. Pups were not treated directly but were potentially exposed to the test item in utero, via maternal milk, or from exposure to maternal urine/feces. - Observations and examinations performed and frequency:
- CAGE SIDE OBSERVATIONS: Yes
- Time schedule: twice daily
DETAILED CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS: Yes
- Time schedule: once daily
BODY WEIGHT: Yes
- Time schedule for examinations: Animals were weighed individually on the first day of treatment (prior to dosing), and weekly thereafter. Mated females were weighed on Days 0, 4, 7, 11, 14, 17, and 20 post-coitum and during lactation on PND 1, 4, 7, and 13. For mated females that fail to deliver viable offspring, body weights were recorded weekly from Day 20 post-coitum onwards until the day of scheduled necropsy.
FOOD CONSUMPTION: Yes
- Food consumption was quantitatively measured weekly, except for males and females which were housed together for mating and for females without evidence of mating. Food consumption of mated females was measured on Days 0, 4, 7, 11, 14, 17, and 20 post-coitum and during lactation on PND 1, 4, 7, and 13.
WATER CONSUMPTION: Yes
- Time schedule for examinations: Subjective appraisal was maintained during the study, but no quantitative investigation was introduced as no effect was suspected.
OPHTHALMOSCOPIC EXAMINATION: Yes
- Time schedule for examinations: Examination after application of a mydriatic agent (Tropicol 5 mg/ml solution) during Pretreatment in all animals (including spare animals), at the end of the Dosing Period in Week 13 in all males, during lactation in all females with litters, and all Group 1-4 females without viable litters.
HAEMATOLOGY: Yes
- Time schedule for collection of blood: Blood of F0-animals (all males, and all females with or without live offspring; except for animals which were found dead and females with total litter loss) was collected on the day of scheduled necropsy. Samples were collected, between 7.00 and 10.30 a.m..
- Anaesthetic used for blood collection: Yes (isoflurane)
- Animals fasted: Yes, F0-males only
- How many animals: all animals
- Parameters: See additional information on materials and methods
CLINICAL CHEMISTRY: Yes
- Time schedule for collection of blood: Blood of F0-animals (all males, and all females with or without live offspring; except for animals which were found dead and females with total litter loss) was collected on the day of scheduled necropsy. Samples were collected, between 7.00 and 10.30 a.m..
- Animals fasted: Yes, F0-males only (overnight with a maximum of 24 hours before blood sampling, but water was available)
- How many animals: all animals
- Parameters: See additional information on materials and methods
THYOIRD HORMONE
- Time schedule for collection of blood: Blood of F0-animals (all males, and all females with or without live offspring; except for animals which were found dead and females with total litter loss) was collected on the day of scheduled necropsy. Samples were collected, between 7.00 and 10.30 a.m..
- Animals fasted: Yes, F0-males only (overnight with a maximum of 24 hours before blood sampling, but water was available)
- How many animals: all animals
- Parameters: Triiodothyronine (T3), Thyroxine (T4), Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
URINALYSIS: No
NEUROBEHAVIOURAL EXAMINATION: Yes
- Time schedule for examinations: on all males during Week 13 of treatment and all females during the last week of lactation (i.e. PND 6-13).
- Battery of functions tested: hearing ability, pupillary reflex, static righting reflex, fore- and hind-limb grip strength, locomotor activity.
ESTROUS CYCLE: Yes
Estrous cycles were evaluated by examining the vaginal cytology of samples obtained by vaginal lavage.
Daily vaginal lavage was performed for all females beginning 14 days prior to mating, and during mating until evidence of copulation was observed. Vaginal lavage was continued for those females with no evidence of copulation until termination of the mating period.
On the day of necropsy, a vaginal lavage was also taken to determine the stage of estrous. This was done for all females, except for females with total litter loss. - Sacrifice and pathology:
- SACRIFICE
- Male animals: All surviving animals; following completion of the mating period (a minimum of 13 weeks of administration).
- Maternal animals: All surviving animals PND 14-16; Females which failed to deliver with evidence of mating: Post-coitum Day 25-38; Dams with total litter loss were euthanized within 24 hours after the last pup was found dead or missing.
GROSS NECROPSY
- All animals were subjected to a full post mortem examination, with special attention being paid to the reproductive organs.
HISTOPATHOLOGY / ORGAN WEIGHTS
The tissues indicated in additional material on materials and methods were weighed and prepared for microscopic examination, respectively.
For the testes of all males of Groups 1 and 4, and all males that failed to sire or died before mating, a detailed qualitative examination was made, taking into account the tubular stages of the spermatogenic cycle. - Statistics:
- All statistical tests were conducted at the 5% significance level. All pairwise comparisons were conducted using two sided tests and were reported at the 1% or 5% levels.
Numerical data collected on scheduled occasions for the listed variables were analyzed as indicated according to sex and occasion. Inferential statistics were performed according to the matrix below when possible, but excluded semi-quantitative data, and any group with less than 3 observations.
The following pairwise comparisons were made:
Group 2 vs. Group 1
Group 3 vs. Group 1
Group 4 vs. Group 1
Parametric
Datasets with at least 3 groups (the designated control group and 2 other groups) were compared using Dunnett-test (many-to-one-t-test). For the motor activity data set (at least 3 groups) parametric (ANOVA) tests on group means were applied with Bonferroni correction for multiple testing. Mixed modelling techniques, comparing six different covariance structures, were used in order to select the best fitting statistical model.
Non-Parametric
Datasets with at least 3 groups were compared using a Steel-test (many-to-one rank test).
Incidence
An overall Fisher’s exact test was used to compare all groups at the 5% significance level. The above pairwise comparisons were conducted using Fisher’s exact test whenever the overall test was significant. - Clinical signs:
- effects observed, treatment-related
- Description (incidence and severity):
- No toxicologically relevant clinical signs were noted during daily detailed clinical observations or during weekly arena observations up to 1000 mg/kg bw/day.
Slight salivation seen after dosing among animals of the 300 and 1000 mg/kg bw/day dose groups from the second week of treatment onwards and animals of the 100 mg/kg bw/day group from the eight week of treatment onwards was considered not toxicologically relevant, taking into account the nature and minor severity of the effect and its time of occurrence (i.e. after dosing). This sign was considered to be a physiological response related to taste of the test item rather than a sign of systemic toxicity.
Incidental findings that were noted included scabs, chromodacryorrhoea, hunched posture, abnormal posture, piloerection and alopecia. These findings occurred within the range of background findings to be expected for rats of this age and strain which are housed and treated under the conditions in this study. At the incidence observed, these were considered not to be signs of toxicological relevance. - Mortality:
- mortality observed, non-treatment-related
- Description (incidence):
- No mortality occurred during the study period that was considered to be related to treatment with the test item up to 1000 mg/kg bw/day.
One male of the 100 mg/kg bw/day group was found dead on Day 21 of the premating period. No clinical signs were observed and gross findings at necropsy included isolated, dark red focus/foci in the glandular mucosa of the stomach, enlarged liver and watery-clear fluid in the thoracic cavity. Many organs were autolytic and no cause of death could be established. Due to the single occurrence in the low dose group (100 mg/kg bw/day), this mortality was regarded as unrelated to the test item.
One female of the 1000 mg/kg bw/day group was sacrificed on Day 1 of lactation, because of a total litter loss. No abnormalities were noted for this female at macroscopic evaluation. - Body weight and weight changes:
- effects observed, treatment-related
- Description (incidence and severity):
- Body weights and body weight gain of males and females up to 300 mg/kg bw/day were considered to have been unaffected by treatment with the test item.
Male rats treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day:
At 1000 mg/kg bw/day, absolute body weights in males were decreased from Day 22 onwards (up to 12% compared with concurrent controls at end of treatment), reaching statistical significance from Day 43 onwards. Moreover, statistically significant reduced body weight gain was recorded for males treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day from Day 22 onwards (up to 29% lower than concurrent controls at end of treatment).
Female rats treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day:
No effects on body weights and body weight gain were noted during the premating and mating period. From post-coitum Day 14 onwards, a lower mean body weight and body weight gain was observed, reaching statistical significance on Day 17 and/or Day 20, respectively. This could be explained by the reduced weight gain and/or weight loss in 4/4 pregnant females, which had abnormal pregnancies (three females with implantation sites only and one female with total litter loss on PND 1). At Day 1 of lactation, mean body weight of the one female that delivered one pup (with total litter loss on PND 1) was similar to that of controls. Due to the abnormal pregnancies, no body weight data of females treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day during lactation is available. - Food consumption and compound intake (if feeding study):
- effects observed, non-treatment-related
- Description (incidence and severity):
- Male rats treated up to 1000 mg/kg bw/day:
Food consumption before or after correction for body weight was similar to the control level up to 1000 mg/kg bw/day in males during the premating and mating period.
Female rats treated up to 300 mg/kg bw/day:
During lactation from Day 4-7 onwards, relative food consumption was decreased in females treated at 300 mg/kg bw/day (8% lower than concurrent controls, statistically significant on Days 4-7 and 7-13), which was considered not toxicologically relevant, due to the minimal magnitude of the change, and/or the absence of an effect on body weight. During the post coitum period, a higher absolute and relative food consumption was noted in females treated at 300 mg/kg bw/day on Days 11-14 (up to 13% higher than concurrent controls). This change was considered to be unrelated to treatment with the test item, due to the minimal magnitude of the change, and/or no clear trend was apparent regarding dose and duration of treatment.
Female rats treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day:
Food consumption before or after correction for body weight was increased during premating Day 8-71, although no statistical significance was achieved. In addition, absolute food consumption (of 4 pregnant females only) was increased on post coitum Days 4-7 and relative food consumption was increased from post coitum Days 4-7 onwards, reaching statistical significance on Days 4-7, 14-17 and 17-20. These changes were considered not toxicologically relevant, due to the minimal magnitude and direction of change. No food consumption data was collected for females at 1000 mg/kg bw/day during lactation, since none of the females delivered a healthy litter. - Water consumption and compound intake (if drinking water study):
- no effects observed
- Ophthalmological findings:
- no effects observed
- Description (incidence and severity):
- No ophthalmology findings were noted that were considered to be related to treatment with the test item up to 1000 mg/kg bw/day. The nature and incidence of ophthalmology findings noted during the pretreatment period and end of treatment period was similar among the groups, and occurred within the range considered normal for rats of this age and strain.
- Haematological findings:
- effects observed, treatment-related
- Description (incidence and severity):
- No changes in haematology parameters of treated males were noted that were considered to be related to treatment with the test item up to 300 mg/kg bw/day.
Male rats treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day:
Mean platelet count was decreased in males (0.80x). Although no statistical significance was achieved, the mean value and individual values of 4/9 males at 1000 mg/kg bw/day were below or at the lower limit of historical control range (mean = 730; P5 – P95 = 563.0 – 883.0 (n= 158)).
In addition, the following statistically significant changes in haematology parameters distinguished treated animals from control animals.
- Mean number of reticulocytes was increased (1.30x). The mean value and individual values of 4/9 males were above the upper limit of historical control range.
- Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was increased (1.04x). The mean value and individual values of 4/9 males were above the upper limit of historical control range.
- Mean number of red blood cells was decreased (0.93x). No statistical significance was achieved. The mean value and individual values of 4/9 males were below the lower limit of historical control range.
The decreased mean red blood cell count, accompanied by an increased mean reticulocyte count and a minimally increased mean MCV might be indicative for a slightly larger volume of the red blood cell population. However, these changes were considered not toxicologically relevant based on the absence of a correlation between these parameters on the individual animal level and/or the absence of a clear dose-related response.
The mean number of eosinophils was decreased in males at 1000 mg/kg bw/day. As values remained within the range of historical control data and no dose-related response was observed, this change was considered unrelated to treatment with the test item.
Female rats treated up to 300 mg/kg bw/day:
No changes in haematology parameters were noted that were considered to be related to treatment with the test item up to 300 mg/kg bw/day. The statistically significant increase in mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) of females at 100 mg/kg bw/day was considered to be unrelated to treatment in the absence of a dose-related trend.
Female rats treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day:
For evaluation, these values were compared with historical control data from 90-day studies (with a comparable physiologic status, i.e. non-lactating animals).
- Decreased number of red blood cells (0.86x).
- Decreased level of haemoglobin (0.89x).
- Decreased level of hematocrit (0.89x).
- Decreased mean platelet count (0.70x).
Since the historical control data from 90-day studies was obtained from fasted females and the females in this study were not fasted prior to blood collection for clinical pathology, historical control data from OECD 422 studies was additionally evaluated (both from fasted and not-fasted females). The mean values of hematocrit and platelet counts were below the lower level of historical control data from OECD 422 studies (both fasted and not fasted) as well. Despite the physiological and glycemic status of these females, levels were decreased when compared with historical control data. The changes in red blood cells and haemoglobin were within the range of historical control data of OECD 422 studies for not fasted females. These changes were probably not related to treatment with the test item, but due to the different physiological and/or glycemic status of these females.
Any other statistically significant changes in hematology parameters in females treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day were within the range of the historical control data from 90-day studies and considered to be unrelated to treatment with the test item. These changes were probably not related to treatment with the test item, but due to the different physiological status of these females.
Coagulation
Male rats treated up to 1000 mg/kg bw/day:
No changes in coagulation parameters were noted in treated males that were considered to be test item-related up to 1000 mg/kg bw/day.
Prothrombin time (PT) was statistically significantly increased in males at 1000 mg/kg bw/day (1.07x of control). The mean value remained within the range of historical control data (mean = 17.2; P5 – P95 =15.6 – 18.8 (n= 160)) and no dose-related response was observed. Therefore, this was considered unrelated to treatment with the test item.
Female rats treated up to 300 mg/kg bw/day:
No changes in coagulation parameters were noted that were considered to be related to treatment with the test item up to 300 mg/kg bw/day.
Female rats treated at 1000 mg/kg/day:
No changes in coagulation parameters were noted that were considered to be related to treatment with the test item at 1000 mg/kg bw/day.
Historical control data for Wistar Han rats; 90-day studies (2018):
Platelets (10E9/L) males: mean = 730; P5 – P95 = 563.0 – 883.0 (n= 158).
Reticulocytes (10E9/L) males: mean = 183.9; P5 – P95 = 146.9 – 215.2 (n=40).
Eosinophils (10E9/L) males: mean = 0.1; P5 – P95 = 0.0 – 0.2 (n=49).
MCV (fL) males: mean = 51.9; P5 – P95 = 49.6 – 54.8 (n=159).
Red blood cells (10E12/L) males: mean = 9.06; P5 – P95 = 8.16 – 9.86 (n=159).
Eosinophils (10E9/L) males: mean = 0.1; P5 – P95 = 0.0 – 0.2 (n=49).
Red blood cells (10E12/L) females: mean = 8.21; P5 – P95 =7.54 – 8.79 (n= 162).
Haemoglobin (mmol/L) females: mean = 9.5; P5 – P95 =8.8 – 10.1 (n= 162).
Hematocrit (L/L) females: mean = 0.445; P5 – P95 =0.408 – 0.481 (n=162).
Platelets (10E9/L) females: mean = 731; P5 – P95 =526 – 927 (n= 161).
PT (s) males: mean = 17.2; P5 – P95 =15.6 – 18.8 (n= 160). - Clinical biochemistry findings:
- effects observed, treatment-related
- Description (incidence and severity):
- Male rats treated up to 1000 mg/kg bw/day:
The following, statistically significant, test item-related changes were noted in treated males.
- Mean alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) activity was increased in at 1000 mg/kg bw/day (1.47x). The mean value and individual values of 8/10 males at 1000 mg/kg bw/day were above the upper limit of historical control range (mean = 40.1; P5 – P95 = 27.9 – 60.8 (n=164)).
- Mean alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was increased in males treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day (2.00x). The mean value and individual values of all males at 1000 mg/kg bw/day were above the upper limit of historical control range (mean = 75.0; P5 – P95 = 60.8 – 95.2 (n=164)).
- Mean levels of cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol were mildly decreased in males treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day (0.66x, 0.76x and 0.73x, respectively).
- Bile acids were increased at 300 and 1000 mg/kg bw/day (1.57x and 2.86x, respectively; statistically significance achieved at 1000 mg/kg bw/day). The mean value and individual values of 6/10 males at 1000 mg/kg bw/day were above the upper limit of historical control range (mean = 20.1; P5 – P95 = 7.60 – 42.50 (n=134)).
- Mean inorganic phosphate was increased in males treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day (1.34x). The mean value and individual values of 5/10 males at 1000 mg/kg bw/day were above the upper limit of historical control range (mean = 1.76; P5 – P95 = 1.400 – 2.170 (n=164)).
In addition, the following (statistically significant) changes were noted in treated males.
- Decreased mean total protein in males at 1000 mg/kg bw/day (0.92x).
- Mean urea was increased at 300 and 1000 mg/kg bw/day, although not statistically significant (1.12x and 1.18x, respectively).
- Mean level of creatinine was increased in males treated at 300 mg/kg bw/day (1.09x).
- Mean potassium was increased at 1000 mg/kg bw/day (1.08x).
- Mean chloride was increased at 300 and 1000 mg/kg bw/day (1.01x and 1.02x, respectively).
While several of these changes were statistically significant, the changes in total protein, urea, creatinine, potassium and chloride were considered not toxicologically relevant, as values remained within the range of historical control data, due to the direction or magnitude of change and/or in the absence of a clear dose-response.
Female rats treated at 100 and 300 mg/kg bw/day:
In addition, the following statistically significant changes were noted in treated females.
- Mean level of albumin was increased at 100 mg/kg bw/day (1.08x).
- Mean urea was decreased at 300 mg/kg bw/day (0.84x).
These changes were considered not toxicologically relevant based on the minimal magnitude of the change and/or absence of a dose-related response.
Female rats treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day:
For evaluation, these values were compared with historical control data from 90-day studies (with a comparable physiologic state, i.e. not lactating animals). Relative changes in mean values relative to the mean values of historical control data are indicated between parentheses.
- Increased ALP activity (2.50x).
- Decreased level of creatinine (0.88x).
- Increased level of glucose (1.53x).
Since the historical control data from 90-day studies was obtained from fasted females and the females in this study were not fasted prior to blood collection for clinical pathology, historical control data from OECD 422 studies was additionally evaluated (both from fasted and not-fasted females). The mean value of glucose was above the upper level of historical control data from OECD 422 studies (both fasted and not fasted) as well. Despite the physiological and glycemic status of these females, glucose level was increased when compared with historical control data. The changes in ALP and creatinine were within the range of historical control data of OEC 422 studies for not fasted females. These changes were probably not related to treatment with the test item, but due to the different physiological and/or glycemic status of these females.
Any other statistically significant changes in clinical biochemistry parameters in females treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day were within the range of the historical control data from 90-day studies and considered to be unrelated to treatment with the test item. These changes were probably not related to treatment with the test item, but due to the different physiological status of these females.
Thyroid hormone analyses:
Mean serum levels of Total thyroxine (T4) were dose-dependently decreased in treated males at 300 and 1000 mg/kg bw/day (0.72x and 0.37x lower than concurrent control, respectively. Serum levels of T4 in males at 1000 mg/kg bw/day were below the lower limit of historical control range. In females, T4 serum levels were comparable among all dose groups.
For serum levels of Total triiodothyronine (T3) no results were available for the females of the control group, 2 values were available for females treated at 100 and 300 mg/kg bw/day and 5 values were available for females treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day as values were below the reportable range. In order to have a proper evaluation, historical control data was used to complete the evaluation. For females at 1000 mg/kg bw/day, results were available for 5 out of 9 animals. As these results were within the historical control range, it was concluded that T3 was not affected by treatment.
Historical control data for Wistar Han rats; 90-day studies (2018):
ALAT (U/L) males: mean = 40.1; P5 – P95 = 27.9 – 60.8 (n=164).
ALP (U/L) males: mean = 75.0; P5 – P95 = 60.8 – 95.2 (n=164).
Cholesterol (mmol/L) males: mean = 1.97; P5 – P95 = 1.46 – 2.50 (n=164).
Bile acids (umol/L) males: mean = 20.1; P5 – P95 = 7.60 – 42.50 (n=134).
Inorganic phosphate (mmol/L) males: mean = 1.76; P5 – P95 = 1.400 – 2.170 (n=164).
Total protein (g/L) males: mean = 64.0; P5 – P95 = 58.60 – 68.10 (n=164).
Urea (mmol/L) males: mean = 5.8; P5 – P95 = 3.10 – 8.80 (n=164).
Creatinine (umol/L) males: mean = 38.9; P5 – P95 = 34.80 – 43.50 (n=164).
Potassium (mmol/L) males: mean = 3.94; P5 – P95 = 3.560 – 4.280 (n=164).
Chloride (mmol/L) males: mean = 103; P5 – P95 = 99.0 – 106.0 (n=164).
ALP (U/L) females: mean = 61; P5 – P95 =30 – 105 (n= 164)
Creatinine (umol/L) females: mean = 42.3; P5 – P95 =38.2 – 47.3 (n= 164)
Glucose (mmol/L) females: mean = 7.71; P5 – P95 =6.16 – 9.94 (n= 164)
Historical control data for Wistar Han rats; F0-animals (period 2017-2019):
Total T4 (μg/dL) males: mean = 4.51; P5-P95 = 2.85-6.37 (n= 557).
Historical control data for Wistar Han rats; 90-day studies (period 2018-2019):
Total T3 (ng/dL) females: mean = 59.7; P5-P95 = 42.29-78.91 (n= 53). - Behaviour (functional findings):
- effects observed, non-treatment-related
- Description (incidence and severity):
- Male rats treated up to 1000 mg/kg bw/day:
Hearing ability, pupillary reflex and static righting reflex were normal in all examined males treated up to 1000 mg/kg bw/day. Forelimb and hind limb grip strength were unaffected by treatment with the test item up to 1000 mg/kg bw/day.
The variation in motor activity did not indicate a relation with treatment. All groups showed a similar habituation profile with very high activity in the first interval that decreased over the duration of the test period. The mean total movements appeared statistically significantly lower in males at 1000 mg/kg bw/day as compared with concurrent control (0.68x). However, as values remained within the historical control range (mean = 3609; P5 – P95 = 1990 – 5497 (n=424)) and the habituation profile remained similar to control, this change was considered unrelated to treatment with the test item.
Female rats treated up to 300 mg/kg bw/day:
Hearing ability, pupillary reflex and static righting reflex were normal in all examined females treated up to 300 mg/kg bw/day. Forelimb and hind limb grip strength were unaffected by treatment with the test item up to 300 mg/kg bw/day. The variation in motor activity did not indicate a relation with treatment. All groups showed a similar habituation profile with very high activity in the first interval that decreased over the duration of the test period. Mean values of total movements as well as ambulations appeared to be statistically significantly higher in females at 100 mg/kg bw/day as compared with concurrent control (1.55x and 1.92x, respectively). However, as no dose related-response was observed and the habituation profile remained similar to control, this change was considered unrelated to treatment with the test item.
Female rats treated up to 1000 mg/kg bw/day:
Functional observation parameters were considered unaffected by treatment at 1000 mg/kg bw/day. - Organ weight findings including organ / body weight ratios:
- effects observed, treatment-related
- Description (incidence and severity):
- Males
Test item-related higher liver weights and lower thymus weights (absolute and relative to body weights) were noted in the 300 and/or 1000 mg/kg bw/day group males (see table additional information on results). Some organ weight differences in males were statistically significant when compared to the control group but were considered to be the result of a test item-related effect on final body weight (-14%). This was the case for the pituitary gland, kidney, adrenal glands, the prostate gland and the epididymides. The brain and heart weights showed no dose-response and therefore their statistically significance at 300 and/or 1000 mg/kg bw/day was considered unrelated to treatment.
Female rats treated up to 1000 mg/kg bw/day:
Test-item related higher thymus weights (absolute and relative to body weights) were noted at 300 and 1000 mg/kg bw/day (See table additional information on results).
At 1000 mg/kg bw/day, organ weights of the brain, heart, liver, thyroid gland, kidneys, adrenal gland, ovaries and uterus were statistically significant different from the control group mean values. Since there was no evidence of test item related microscopic lesions in these organs and since all females of the 1000 mg/kg bw/day group were not pregnant or did not produce healthy offspring, these organ weight differences were regarded to be caused by their difference in physiologic status and/or lower body weight, rather than by a direct effect of the test item on the organ weight. - Gross pathological findings:
- no effects observed
- Description (incidence and severity):
- There were no test item-related gross observations.
All recorded macroscopic findings were within the range of background gross observations encountered in rats of this age and strain. - Histopathological findings: non-neoplastic:
- effects observed, treatment-related
- Description (incidence and severity):
- Test item-related microscopic findings after treatment with Piperonal or Heliotropine were noted in the liver, thymus and bones of femur and sternum of the 300 and/or 1000 mg/kg bw/day group males and females (See table additional information on results).
Thymus: A minimal degree of lymphoid atrophy was noted in 1000 mg/kg bw/day males. (Cystic) epithelial hyperplasia was noted at increased incidence and severity (up to moderate) in 1000 mg/kg bw/day females.
Liver: A minimal degree of hepatocellular hypertrophy was noted in 1000 mg/kg bw/day males. The recorded hepatocellular hypertrophy in a single 1000 mg/kg bw/day female, showing total litter loss, was considered to be within background range findings.
Bone-sternum and femur: increased trabecular bone was noted in females starting at 300 mg/kg bw/day and in males at 1000 mg/kg bw/day. In general, females were more severely affected than males, and the femur more than the sternal bone.
The remainder of the recorded microscopic findings were within the range of background pathology encountered in rats of this age and strain. There was no test item related alteration in the prevalence, severity, or histologic character of those incidental tissue alterations. - Other effects:
- effects observed, non-treatment-related
- Description (incidence and severity):
- Length and regularity of the estrous cycle were considered not to have been affected by treatment with the test item up to 1000 mg/kg bw/day.
Most females had regular cycles of 4 to 5 days during the premating period. During the premating period, one control female and one 100 mg/kg bw/day female appeared to be acyclic and for one control female estrous cycle regularity could not be determined (all with normal litters). At 1000 mg/kg bw/day, one female was acyclic and an irregular cycle was noted for one female. These females had implantation sites only. Despite the normal length and regularity of the estrous cycle for the other females treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day, none of these females delivered a healthy litter. Given their incidental nature, absence of a dose-related incidence and absence of an apparent correlation to pregnancy status, these findings did not indicate a relation with treatment. - Key result
- Dose descriptor:
- NOAEL
- Remarks:
- parental
- Effect level:
- 300 mg/kg bw/day (actual dose received)
- Based on:
- test mat.
- Sex:
- male/female
- Basis for effect level:
- histopathology: non-neoplastic
- Key result
- Critical effects observed:
- yes
- Lowest effective dose / conc.:
- 1 000 mg/kg bw/day (actual dose received)
- System:
- musculoskeletal system
- Organ:
- bone
- Treatment related:
- yes
- Dose response relationship:
- yes
- Relevant for humans:
- not specified
- Conclusions:
- In a combined 90-day repeated dose toxicity study with the reproduction/developmental toxicity screening test peformed according to OECD TGs the parental NOAEL was established at 300 mg/kg bw/day based on an adverse increase in trabecular bone in both sexes at 1000 mg/kg bw/day.
- Executive summary:
A combined 90-day repeated dose toxicity study with the reproduction/developmental toxicity screening test was performed according to OECD TGs 422 and 408 and in accordance with GLP principles. Wistar Han rats were given Piperonal or Heliotropine orally by gavage for a minimum of 13 weeks. The following parameters and end points were evaluated in this study: mortality, clinical signs, functional observations, ophthalmoscopic observations, body weight and food consumption, estrous cycle determination, clinical pathology, measurement of thyroid hormones T4, T3 and TSH (F0-animals), gross necropsy findings, organ weights and histopathologic examinations.
Chemical analyses of formulations were conducted three times during the study and confirmed that formulations of test item in Polyethylene glycol 400 were prepared accurately and homogenously.
There was no test item-related mortality up to 1000 mg/kg bw/day.
The increased trabecular bone observed in males at 1000 mg/kg bw/day and in females at 300 and 1000 mg/kg bw/day was most obvious in the femur, just below the growth plate in the metaphysis area and to a lesser extent in the femur head. Due to the increase in bone, the spaces for the bone marrow appeared to be slightly diminished. However, this was not (yet) expressed in hematology parameters or haematopoiesis/ myelopoiesis in other organs. For the sternum, the bone adjacent to the intervertebral discs was the most affected. Given the nature and severity, this finding was considered adverse at 1000 mg/kg bw/day and non-adverse at 300 mg/kg bw/day.
Mean serum levels of Thyroxine (T4) were dose-dependently decreased at all dose levels in males. No changes were noted in the TSH values, thyroid weight or during histopathological examination of the thyroid of males in any of the dose groups. As values of males at 100 and 300 mg/kg bw/day remained within the historical control range, the changes in serum T4 in these animals were considered non-adverse. For males at 1000 mg/kg bw/day, values were outside the historical control range, however under the conditions of this screening study no adverse effect was observed that could be linked to the reduction of total T4 and therefore this reduction was not taken into account when determining the parental NOAEL. In addition, the following effects were observed at 300 and/or 1000 mg/kg bw/day, which were considered non-adverse:
- A lower mean body weight gain was observed for males treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day from Day 22 of premating onwards, corresponding with a lower mean body weight at the end of the treatment period. As the food consumption of these animals was similar to concurrent control, this effect was considered as non-adverse.
- A few clinical pathology parameters were affected in males (platelets, alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), cholesterol (including HDL and LDL), bile acids and inorganic phosphate) and females (haematocrit, platelets and glucose) at 1000 mg/kg bw/day. For these parameters, mean values in this study exceeded the range of relevant historical control data. However, the changes observed in males and females were not associated with adverse anatomic pathology findings, remained within physiological ranges and/or were not observed at critically levels which would impair function (e.g. tissue oxygenation or resistance to infection). These changes were therefore regarded as nonadverse.
- Hepatocellular hypertrophy was recorded at minimal severity in 1000 mg/kg bw/day group males and was associated with higher liver weights. Since this finding was not accompanied by any other morphologic alteration indicating cell damage, it was considered non-adverse.
- In males treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day, lymphoid atrophy in the thymus was recorded at minimal severity and related with a lower thymus weight. At this low degree, these findings were considered non-adverse. In females treated at 1000 mg/kg/day, an increased incidence and severity of (cystic) epithelial hyperplasia was noted in the thymus.
In conclusion, based on the results of this combined 90-day repeated dose toxicity study with the reproduction/developmental toxicity screening test, the No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) parental for Piperonal or Heliotropine was 300 mg/kg bw/day based on an adverse increase in trabecular bone in both sexes at 1000 mg/kg bw/day.
Dose formulation analysis
In the Group 1 formulations, no formulation related signal was detected.
The concentrations analysed in the formulations of Groups 2, 3 and 4 were in agreement with target concentrations (i.e. mean accuracies between 90% and 110%; actual week 1: 102%, 98% and 98%; week 6: 98%, 95% and 95% ; week 13: 97%, 98% and 97% in groups 2, 3 and 4, respectively).
The formulations of Groups 2 and 4 were homogeneous (i.e. coefficient of variation ≤ 10%; actual week 1: 3.0% and 1.6%; week 6: 1.3% and 3.4%; week 13: 0.82% and 1.2% in groups 2 and 4, respectively).
Mean Percent Liver and Thymus Weight Differences from Control Groups- Males
|
Males |
||
Dose level (mg/kg bw/day): |
100 |
300 |
1000 |
|
|
|
|
LIVER |
|
|
|
Absolute |
3 |
6 |
21** |
Relative to body weight |
1 |
9* |
41** |
|
|
|
|
THYMUS |
|
|
|
Absolute |
8 |
-12 |
-32** |
Relative to body weight |
7 |
-8 |
-20* |
*: P<0.05, **: P<0.01
Mean Percent Thymus Weight Differences from Control Groups- Females
|
Females |
||
Dose level (mg/kg/day ): |
100 |
300 |
1000a |
|
|
|
|
THYMUS |
|
|
|
Absolute |
18 |
41** |
45** |
Relative to body weight |
24 |
47** |
75** |
*
P<0.05, **: P<0.01
aNote, none of the 1000 mg/kg/day group females did have
healthy offspring, and the physiological status is therefore not
comparable to the other groups.
Summary Test Item-Related Microscopic Findings
|
Males |
Females |
||||||
Dose level (mg/kg/day): |
0 |
100 |
300 |
1000 |
0 |
100 |
300 |
1000b |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
THYMUSa |
10 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
Lymphoid atrophy |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minimal |
- |
- |
- |
4 |
2 |
2 |
- |
1 |
(Cystic) Epithelial hyperplasia |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minimal |
3 |
1 |
- |
- |
3 |
2 |
2 |
4 |
Slight |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
1 |
1 |
4 |
Moderate |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIVERa |
10 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
Hepatocellular hypertrophy |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minimal |
- |
- |
- |
7 |
- |
- |
- |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BONE - STERNUMa |
10 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
Increased bonec |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minimal |
- |
- |
- |
7 |
- |
- |
2 |
1 |
Slight |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BONE - FEMURa |
10 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
Increased bonec,metaphysis |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minimal |
- |
- |
- |
1 |
- |
- |
1 |
- |
Slight |
- |
- |
- |
6 |
- |
- |
1 |
2 |
Moderate |
- |
- |
- |
2 |
- |
- |
- |
8 |
a = Number
of tissues examined from each group.
b = Note,
none of the 1000 mg/kg/day group females did have healthy offspring, and
the physiological status is therefore not comparable to the other groups.
c Other
termsHyperostosis (proliferative or non-proliferative types);
Osteopetrosis; Osteosclerosis; Trabecular hypertrophy (reference INHAND):
- Reason / purpose for cross-reference:
- reference to same study
Reference
- Endpoint:
- developmental toxicity
- Remarks:
- Combined Repeated Dose Toxicity Study with the Reproduction/Developmental Toxicity Screening Test
- Type of information:
- experimental study
- Adequacy of study:
- key study
- Study period:
- 03 Feb 2019 - 18 Oct 2019
- Reliability:
- 1 (reliable without restriction)
- Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:
- guideline study
- Reason / purpose for cross-reference:
- reference to same study
- Reason / purpose for cross-reference:
- reference to same study
- Qualifier:
- according to guideline
- Guideline:
- other: OECD Guideline 422 (Combined Repeated Dose Toxicity Study with the Reproduction / Developmental Toxicity Screening Test)
- Version / remarks:
- 2016
- Deviations:
- no
- Qualifier:
- according to guideline
- Guideline:
- other: EPA OPPTS 870.3650 (Combined Repeated Dose Toxicity Study with the Reproduction/Developmental Toxicity Screening Test)
- Version / remarks:
- 2000
- Deviations:
- no
- Principles of method if other than guideline:
- In addition, the procedures described in this study plan essentially conform to the following guidelines:
• OECD 421, Reproduction/Developmental Toxicity Screening Test, 2016.
• EPA OPPTS 870.3550, Reproduction/Developmental Toxicity Screening Test, 2000.
• EC No 440/2008, B.7 Repeated Dose (28 days) Toxicity (oral), 2008.
• OECD 408, Repeated Dose 90-day Oral Toxicity Study in Rodents, 2018.
• EPA OPPTS 870.3100, Repeated Dose 90-day Oral Toxicity Study in Rodents, 1998. - GLP compliance:
- yes
- Limit test:
- no
- Species:
- rat
- Strain:
- Wistar
- Remarks:
- Crl: WI(Han)
- Details on test animals or test system and environmental conditions:
- TEST ANIMALS
- Source:
Charles River Deutschland, Sulzfeld, Germany
- Females nulliparous and non-pregnant: yes
- Age at study initiation: 7-9 wks
- Weight at study initiation: Males: 194-243 g; Females: 140-172 g
- Fasting period before study: No
- Housing: On arrival and following randomization, animals were group housed (up to 5 animals of the same sex and same dosing group together) in polycarbonate cages (Macrolon, MIV type, height 18 cm).
During the mating phase, males and females were cohabitated on a 1:1 basis in Macrolon plastic cages (MIII type, height 18 cm).
During the post-mating phase, males were housed in their home cage (Macrolon plastic cages, MIV type, height 18 cm) with a maximum of 5 males/cage. Females were individually housed in Macrolon plastic cages (MIII type, height 18 cm).
During the lactation phase, females were housed in Macrolon plastic cages (MIII type, height 18 cm). Pups were housed with the dam, except during locomotor activity monitoring of the dams, when the pups were kept warm in their home cage using bottles filled with warm water. In order to avoid hypothermia of pups, pups were not left without their dam or a bottle filled with warm water for longer than 30-40 minutes.
During locomotor activity monitoring, animals were housed individually in a Hi-temp polycarbonate cage (Ancare corp., USA; dimensions: 48.3 x 26.7 x 20.3 cm) without cage enrichment, bedding material, food and water.
Animals were separated during designated procedures/activities.
- Diet: Pelleted rodent diet (SM R/M-Z from SSNIFF® Spezialdiäten GmbH, Soest, Germany) was provided ad libitum throughout the study, except during designated procedures.
- Water: Municipal tap water was freely available to each animal via water bottles. During motor activity measurements, animals had no access to water for a maximum of 2 hours.
- Animal enrichment: For psychological/environmental enrichment and nesting material, animals were provided with paper (Enviro-dri, Wm. Lilico & Son (Wonham Mill Ltd), Surrey, United Kingdom), except when interrupted by study procedures/activities.
- Acclimation period: 13 days prior to start of the pretest period
The feed was analyzed by the supplier for nutritional components and environmental contaminants and periodic analysis of the water was performed. It is considered that there were no known contaminants in the feed or water that would interfere with the objectives of the study.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
- Temperature (°C): 20-21
- Humidity (%): 48-80
- Air changes (per hr): ≥10
- Photoperiod (hrs dark / hrs light): 12/12
IN-LIFE DATES: From: 29 Mar 2019 To: 19 Jul 2019 - Route of administration:
- oral: gavage
- Vehicle:
- polyethylene glycol
- Remarks:
- 400
- Details on exposure:
- PREPARATION OF DOSING SOLUTIONS:
Test item dosing formulations (w/w) were homogenized to visually acceptable levels at appropriate concentrations to meet dose level requirements. The dosing formulations were prepared weekly as a solution, filled out in daily portions and stored in the refrigerator protected from light. Formulations were prepared in amber colored glassware and/or glassware wrapped in aluminum foil. The dosing formulations were removed from the refrigerator and stirred at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before dosing. Test item dosing formulations were kept at room temperature until dosing. If practically possible, the dosing formulations and vehicle were continuously stirred and protected from light until and during dosing. No adjustment was made for specific gravity of the test item. Adjustment was made for specific gravity of the vehicle (1.125). No correction was made for the purity/composition of the test item.
VEHICLE
- Justification for use and choice of vehicle: Trial preparations were performed to select the suitable vehicle and to establish a suitable formulation procedure.
- Concentration in vehicle: 0, 20, 60, 200 mg/mL
- Amount of vehicle: 5 mL/kg - Analytical verification of doses or concentrations:
- yes
- Details on analytical verification of doses or concentrations:
- Dose formulation samples were collected for analysis during week 1, 6 and 13 of treatment for concentration analysis (all dose groups) and homogeneity analysis (in low and high dose groups; The homogeneity results obtained from the top, middle and bottom for the Group 2 and 4 preparations were averaged and utilized as the concentration results). Analyses were performed using a validated analytical procedure.
Concentration results were considered acceptable if mean sample concentration results were within or equal to ± 10% for solutions of target concentration.
Homogeneity results were considered acceptable if the coefficient of variation (CV) of concentrations was ≤10%.
Stability analysis: Stability analyses performed previously in conjunction with the method development and validation study demonstrated that the test item is stable in the vehicle when prepared and stored under the same conditions at concentrations bracketing those used in the present study. - Details on mating procedure:
- - M/F ratio per cage: 1:1
- Length of cohabitation: maximum of 14 days
- Proof of pregnancy: vaginal plug or 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.
- After successful mating each pregnant female was caged: individually - Duration of treatment / exposure:
- The test item and vehicle were administered to the appropriate animals for a minimum of 13 weeks. Animals were treated minimally 8 weeks prior to mating, up to and including the day before scheduled necropsy. For females, this included the variable time to conception, the duration of pregnancy and at least 13 days after delivery, up to and including the day before scheduled necropsy. Females which failed to deliver or had a total litter loss were treated for 95-112 days.
- Frequency of treatment:
- once daily oral gavage 7 days a week
- Dose / conc.:
- 100 mg/kg bw/day (actual dose received)
- Remarks:
- group 2
- Dose / conc.:
- 300 mg/kg bw/day (actual dose received)
- Remarks:
- group 3
- Dose / conc.:
- 1 000 mg/kg bw/day (actual dose received)
- Remarks:
- group 4
- No. of animals per sex per dose:
- 10
- Control animals:
- yes, concurrent vehicle
- Details on study design:
- - Dose selection rationale: The dose levels were selected based on the results of a 10-day Dose Range Finder with oral administration of Piperonal or Heliotropine in rats (see other information on Materials and Methods), and in an attempt to produce graded responses to the test item.
The dose volume for each animal was based on the most recent body weight measurement. The dosing formulations were stirred continuously during dose administration. Pups were not treated directly but were potentially exposed to the test item in utero, via maternal milk, or from exposure to maternal urine/feces. - Maternal examinations:
- CAGE SIDE OBSERVATIONS: Yes
- Time schedule: twice daily
DETAILED CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS: Yes
- Time schedule: once daily
BODY WEIGHT: Yes
- Time schedule for examinations: Animals were weighed individually on the first day of treatment (prior to dosing), and weekly thereafter. Mated females were weighed on Days 0, 4, 7, 11, 14, 17, and 20 post-coitum and during lactation on PND 1, 4, 7, and 13. For mated females that fail to deliver viable offspring, body weights were recorded weekly from Day 20 post-coitum onwards until the day of scheduled necropsy.
FOOD CONSUMPTION: Yes
- Food consumption was quantitatively measured weekly, except for males and females which were housed together for mating and for females without evidence of mating. Food consumption of mated females was measured on Days 0, 4, 7, 11, 14, 17, and 20 post-coitum and during lactation on PND 1, 4, 7, and 13.
WATER CONSUMPTION: Yes
- Time schedule for examinations: Subjective appraisal was maintained during the study, but no quantitative investigation was introduced as no effect was suspected.
OPHTHALMOSCOPIC EXAMINATION: Yes
- Time schedule for examinations: Examination after application of a mydriatic agent (Tropicol 5 mg/ml solution) during Pretreatment in all animals (including spare animals), during lactation in all females with litters, and all Group 1-4 females without viable litters.
HAEMATOLOGY: Yes
- Time schedule for collection of blood: Blood of F0-females (with or without live offspring; except for animals which were found dead and females with total litter loss) was collected on the day of scheduled necropsy. Samples were collected, between 7.00 and 10.30 a.m..
- Anaesthetic used for blood collection: Yes (isoflurane)
- Animals fasted: No
- How many animals: all animals
- Parameters: According to guideline.
CLINICAL CHEMISTRY: Yes
- Time schedule for collection of blood: Blood of F0-females (with or without live offspring; except for animals which were found dead and females with total litter loss) was collected on the day of scheduled necropsy. Samples were collected, between 7.00 and 10.30 a.m..
- Animals fasted: No
- How many animals: all animals
- Parameters: According to guideline.
THYOIRD HORMONE
- Time schedule for collection of blood: Blood of F0-females (with or without live offspring; except for animals which were found dead and females with total litter loss) was collected on the day of scheduled necropsy. Samples were collected, between 7.00 and 10.30 a.m..
- Animals fasted: No
- How many animals: all animals
- Parameters: Triiodothyronine (T3), Thyroxine (T4), Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
URINALYSIS: No
NEUROBEHAVIOURAL EXAMINATION: Yes
- Time schedule for examinations: on all females during the last week of lactation (i.e. PND 6-13).
- Battery of functions tested: hearing ability, pupillary reflex, static righting reflex, fore- and hind-limb grip strength, locomotor activity.
SACRIFICE
- Maternal animals: All surviving animals PND 14-16; Females which failed to deliver with evidence of mating: Post-coitum Day 25-38; Dams with total litter loss were euthanized within 24 hours after the last pup was found dead or missing.
GROSS NECROPSY
- All animals were subjected to a full post mortem examination, with special attention being paid to the reproductive organs.
HISTOPATHOLOGY / ORGAN WEIGHTS
Organs weighed and prepared for microscopic examination according to the guideline. - Ovaries and uterine content:
- The ovaries and uterine content was examined after termination: Yes
Examinations included:
- Gravid uterus weight: No
- Number of corpora lutea: In case no macroscopically visible implantation sites were present, non-gravid uteri were stained using the Salewski technique in order to detect any former implantation sites and the number of corpora lutea was recorded in addition.
- Number of implantations: Yes
- Number of early resorptions: No
- Number of late resorptions: No - Fetal examinations:
- STANDARDISATION OF LITTERS
- Performed on day 4 postpartum: yes
- If yes, maximum of 8 pups/litter (4/sex/litter as nearly as possible); excess pups were killed and discarded.
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, physical or behavioural abnormalities, anogenital distance (AGD), pup weight on the day of AGD, presence of nipples/areolae in male pups.
Thyroxine (T4) levels were determined in PND 14-16 pups. Assessment of T3 and T4 for PND 4 pups and T3 and TSH for PND 14-16 pups was considered not relevant because no treatment-related changes in T4 were noted in pups at PND 14-16.
GROSS EXAMINATION OF DEAD PUPS:
Except for one missing pup, no pups died during the course of the study.
SACRIFICE
- These animals were subjected to postmortem examinations (macroscopic and/or microscopic examination) as follows: On PND 4, the surplus pups (> 8 pups per litter) were euthanized by decapitation. From two surplus pups per litter, blood was collected, if possible. All remaining pups were euthanized on PND 14-16. Blood was collected from two pups per litter, and the thyroid from two pups per litter (if possible one male and one female pup) was preserved in 10% buffered formalin. The pups selected for (complete) blood sampling were the same pups as selected for thyroid preservation.
GROSS NECROPSY
Sex was determined both externally and internally. Descriptions of all external abnormalities were recorded. Particular attention was paid to the external reproductive genitals to examine signs of altered development. - Statistics:
- All statistical tests were conducted at the 5% significance level. All pairwise comparisons were conducted using two sided tests and were reported at the 1% or 5% levels.
Numerical data collected on scheduled occasions for the listed variables were analyzed as indicated according to sex and occasion. Inferential statistics were performed according to the matrix below when possible, but excluded semi-quantitative data, and any group with less than 3 observations.
The following pairwise comparisons were made:
Group 2 vs. Group 1
Group 3 vs. Group 1
Group 4 vs. Group 1
Parametric
Datasets with at least 3 groups (the designated control group and 2 other groups) were compared using Dunnett-test (many-to-one-t-test). For the motor activity data set (at least 3 groups) parametric (ANOVA) tests on group means were applied with Bonferroni correction for multiple testing. Mixed modelling techniques, comparing six different covariance structures, were used in order to select the best fitting statistical model.
Non-Parametric
Datasets with at least 3 groups were compared using a Steel-test (many-to-one rank test).
Incidence
An overall Fisher’s exact test was used to compare all groups at the 5% significance level. The above pairwise comparisons were conducted using Fisher’s exact test whenever the overall test was significant. - Indices:
- Post-implantation survival index (%): (Total number of offspring born/Total number of uterine implantation sites) x 100
Live birth index (%): (Number of live offspring on Day 1 after littering/Total number of offspring born) x 100
Percentage live males at First Litter Check (%): (Number of live male pups at First Litter Check/Number of live pups at First Litter Check) x 100
Percentage live females at First Litter Check (%): (Number of live female pups at First Litter Check/Number of live pups at First Litter Check) x 100
Viability index (%): (Number of live offspring on Day 4 before culling/Number live offspring on Day 1 after littering) x 100
Lactation index (%): (Number of live offspring on Day 13 after littering/Number live offspring on Day 4 (after culling)) x 100 - Clinical signs:
- effects observed, treatment-related
- Description (incidence and severity):
- No toxicologically relevant clinical signs were noted during daily detailed clinical observations or during weekly arena observations up to 1000 mg/kg bw/day.
Slight salivation seen after dosing among animals of the 300 and 1000 mg/kg bw/day dose groups from the second week of treatment onwards and animals of the 100 mg/kg bw/day group from the eight week of treatment onwards was considered not toxicologically relevant, taking into account the nature and minor severity of the effect and its time of occurrence (i.e. after dosing). This sign was considered to be a physiological response related to taste of the test item rather than a sign of systemic toxicity.
Incidental findings that were noted included scabs, chromodacryorrhoea, hunched posture, abnormal posture, piloerection and alopecia. These findings occurred within the range of background findings to be expected for rats of this age and strain which are housed and treated under the conditions in this study. At the incidence observed, these were considered not to be signs of toxicological relevance. - Mortality:
- mortality observed, non-treatment-related
- Description (incidence):
- No mortality occurred during the study period that was considered to be related to treatment with the test item up to 1000 mg/kg bw/day.
One female of the 1000 mg/kg bw/day group was sacrificed on Day 1 of lactation, because of a total litter loss. No abnormalities were noted for this female at macroscopic evaluation. - Body weight and weight changes:
- effects observed, treatment-related
- Description (incidence and severity):
- Body weights and body weight gain of females up to 300 mg/kg bw/day were considered to have been unaffected by treatment with the test item.
Female rats treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day:
No effects on body weights and body weight gain were noted during the premating and mating period. From post-coitum Day 14 onwards, a lower mean body weight and body weight gain was observed, reaching statistical significance on Day 17 and/or Day 20, respectively. This could be explained by the reduced weight gain and/or weight loss in 4/4 pregnant females, which had abnormal pregnancies (three females with implantation sites only and one female with total litter loss on PND 1). At Day 1 of lactation, mean body weight of the one female that delivered one pup (with total litter loss on PND 1) was similar to that of controls. Due to the abnormal pregnancies, no body weight data of females treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day during lactation is available. - Food consumption and compound intake (if feeding study):
- effects observed, non-treatment-related
- Description (incidence and severity):
- Female rats treated up to 300 mg/kg bw/day:
During lactation from Day 4-7 onwards, relative food consumption was decreased in females treated at 300 mg/kg bw/day (8% lower than concurrent controls, statistically significant on Days 4-7 and 7-13), which was considered not toxicologically relevant, due to the minimal magnitude of the change, and/or the absence of an effect on body weight. During the post coitum period, a higher absolute and relative food consumption was noted in females treated at 300 mg/kg bw/day on Days 11-14 (up to 13% higher than concurrent controls). This change was considered to be unrelated to treatment with the test item, due to the minimal magnitude of the change, and/or no clear trend was apparent regarding dose and duration of treatment.
Female rats treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day:
Food consumption before or after correction for body weight was increased during premating Day 8-71, although no statistical significance was achieved. In addition, absolute food consumption (of 4 pregnant females only) was increased on post coitum Days 4-7 and relative food consumption was increased from post coitum Days 4-7 onwards, reaching statistical significance on Days 4-7, 14-17 and 17-20. These changes were considered not toxicologically relevant, due to the minimal magnitude and direction of change. No food consumption data was collected for females at 1000 mg/kg bw/day during lactation, since none of the females delivered a healthy litter. - Water consumption and compound intake (if drinking water study):
- no effects observed
- Ophthalmological findings:
- no effects observed
- Description (incidence and severity):
- No ophthalmology findings were noted that were considered to be related to treatment with the test item up to 1000 mg/kg bw/day. The nature and incidence of ophthalmology findings noted during the pretreatment period and end of treatment period was similar among the groups, and occurred within the range considered normal for rats of this age and strain.
- Haematological findings:
- effects observed, non-treatment-related
- Description (incidence and severity):
- No changes in haematology parameters were noted that were considered to be related to treatment with the test item up to 300 mg/kg bw/day. The statistically significant increase in mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) of females at 100 mg/kg bw/day was considered to be unrelated to treatment in the absence of a dose-related trend.
Female rats treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day:
For evaluation, these values were compared with historical control data from 90-day studies (with a comparable physiologic status, i.e. non-lactating animals).
- Decreased number of red blood cells (0.86x).
- Decreased level of haemoglobin (0.89x).
- Decreased level of hematocrit (0.89x).
- Decreased mean platelet count (0.70x).
Since the historical control data from 90-day studies was obtained from fasted females and the females in this study were not fasted prior to blood collection for clinical pathology, historical control data from OECD 422 studies was additionally evaluated (both from fasted and not-fasted females). The mean values of hematocrit and platelet counts were below the lower level of historical control data from OECD 422 studies (both fasted and not fasted) as well. Despite the physiological and glycemic status of these females, levels were decreased when compared with historical control data. The changes in red blood cells and haemoglobin were within the range of historical control data of OECD 422 studies for not fasted females. These changes were probably not related to treatment with the test item, but due to the different physiological and/or glycemic status of these females.
Any other statistically significant changes in hematology parameters in females treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day were within the range of the historical control data from 90-day studies and considered to be unrelated to treatment with the test item. These changes were probably not related to treatment with the test item, but due to the different physiological status of these females.
Coagulation
Female rats treated up to 300 mg/kg bw/day:
No changes in coagulation parameters were noted that were considered to be related to treatment with the test item up to 300 mg/kg bw/day.
Female rats treated at 1000 mg/kg/day:
No changes in coagulation parameters were noted that were considered to be related to treatment with the test item at 1000 mg/kg bw/day.
Historical control data for Wistar Han rats; 90-day studies (2018):
Red blood cells (10E12/L) females: mean = 8.21; P5 – P95 =7.54 – 8.79 (n= 162).
Haemoglobin (mmol/L) females: mean = 9.5; P5 – P95 =8.8 – 10.1 (n= 162).
Hematocrit (L/L) females: mean = 0.445; P5 – P95 =0.408 – 0.481 (n=162).
Platelets (10E9/L) females: mean = 731; P5 – P95 =526 – 927 (n= 161). - Clinical biochemistry findings:
- effects observed, non-treatment-related
- Description (incidence and severity):
- Female rats treated at 100 and 300 mg/kg bw/day:
The following statistically significant changes were noted in treated females.
- Mean level of albumin was increased at 100 mg/kg bw/day (1.08x).
- Mean urea was decreased at 300 mg/kg bw/day (0.84x).
These changes were considered not toxicologically relevant based on the minimal magnitude of the change and/or absence of a dose-related response.
Female rats treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day:
For evaluation, these values were compared with historical control data from 90-day studies (with a comparable physiologic state, i.e. not lactating animals). Relative changes in mean values relative to the mean values of historical control data are indicated between parentheses.
- Increased ALP activity (2.50x).
- Decreased level of creatinine (0.88x).
- Increased level of glucose (1.53x).
Since the historical control data from 90-day studies was obtained from fasted females and the females in this study were not fasted prior to blood collection for clinical pathology, historical control data from OECD 422 studies was additionally evaluated (both from fasted and not-fasted females). The mean value of glucose was above the upper level of historical control data from OECD 422 studies (both fasted and not fasted) as well. Despite the physiological and glycemic status of these females, glucose level was increased when compared with historical control data. The changes in ALP and creatinine were within the range of historical control data of OEC 422 studies for not fasted females. These changes were probably not related to treatment with the test item, but due to the different physiological and/or glycemic status of these females.
Any other statistically significant changes in clinical biochemistry parameters in females treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day were within the range of the historical control data from 90-day studies and considered to be unrelated to treatment with the test item. These changes were probably not related to treatment with the test item, but due to the different physiological status of these females.
Thyroid hormone analyses:
For serum levels of Total triiodothyronine (T3) no results were available for the females of the control group, 2 values were available for females treated at 100 and 300 mg/kg bw/day and 5 values were available for females treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day as values were below the reportable range. In order to have a proper evaluation, historical control data was used to complete the evaluation. For females at 1000 mg/kg bw/day, results were available for 5 out of 9 animals. As these results were within the historical control range, it was concluded that T3 was not affected by treatment.
Historical control data for Wistar Han rats; 90-day studies (2018):
ALP (U/L) females: mean = 61; P5 – P95 =30 – 105 (n= 164)
Creatinine (umol/L) females: mean = 42.3; P5 – P95 =38.2 – 47.3 (n= 164)
Glucose (mmol/L) females: mean = 7.71; P5 – P95 =6.16 – 9.94 (n= 164)
Historical control data for Wistar Han rats; 90-day studies (period 2018-2019):
Total T3 (ng/dL) females: mean = 59.7; P5-P95 = 42.29-78.91 (n= 53). - Behaviour (functional findings):
- effects observed, non-treatment-related
- Description (incidence and severity):
- Female rats treated up to 300 mg/kg bw/day:
Hearing ability, pupillary reflex and static righting reflex were normal in all examined females treated up to 300 mg/kg bw/day. Forelimb and hind limb grip strength were unaffected by treatment with the test item up to 300 mg/kg bw/day. The variation in motor activity did not indicate a relation with treatment. All groups showed a similar habituation profile with very high activity in the first interval that decreased over the duration of the test period. Mean values of total movements as well as ambulations appeared to be statistically significantly higher in females at 100 mg/kg bw/day as compared with concurrent control (1.55x and 1.92x, respectively). However, as no dose related-response was observed and the habituation profile remained similar to control, this change was considered unrelated to treatment with the test item.
Female rats treated up to 1000 mg/kg bw/day:
Functional observation parameters were considered unaffected by treatment at 1000 mg/kg bw/day. - Organ weight findings including organ / body weight ratios:
- effects observed, treatment-related
- Description (incidence and severity):
- Female rats treated up to 1000 mg/kg bw/day:
Test-item related higher thymus weights (absolute and relative to body weights) were noted at 300 and 1000 mg/kg bw/day (See table additional information on results).
At 1000 mg/kg bw/day, organ weights of the brain, heart, liver, thyroid gland, kidneys, adrenal gland, ovaries and uterus were statistically significant different from the control group mean values. Since there was no evidence of test item related microscopic lesions in these organs and since all females of the 1000 mg/kg bw/day group were not pregnant or did not produce healthy offspring, these organ weight differences were regarded to be caused by their difference in physiologic status and/or lower body weight, rather than by a direct effect of the test item on the organ weight. - Gross pathological findings:
- no effects observed
- Description (incidence and severity):
- There were no test item-related gross observations.
All recorded macroscopic findings were within the range of background gross observations encountered in rats of this age and strain. - Histopathological findings: non-neoplastic:
- effects observed, treatment-related
- Description (incidence and severity):
- Test item-related microscopic findings after treatment with Piperonal or Heliotropine were noted in the liver, thymus and bones of femur and sternum of the 300 and/or 1000 mg/kg bw/day group females (See table additional information on results).
Thymus: (Cystic) epithelial hyperplasia was noted at increased incidence and severity (up to moderate) in 1000 mg/kg bw/day females.
Liver: The recorded hepatocellular hypertrophy in a single 1000 mg/kg bw/day female, showing total litter loss, was considered to be within background range findings.
Bone-sternum and femur: increased trabecular bone was noted in females starting at 300 mg/kg bw/day. In general, the femur was more severly affected than the sternal bone.
The remainder of the recorded microscopic findings were within the range of background pathology encountered in rats of this age and strain. There was no test item related alteration in the prevalence, severity, or histologic character of those incidental tissue alterations. - Description (incidence and severity):
- Length and regularity of the estrous cycle were considered not to have been affected by treatment with the test item up to 1000 mg/kg bw/day.
Most females had regular cycles of 4 to 5 days during the premating period. During the premating period, one control female and one 100 mg/kg bw/day female appeared to be acyclic and for one control female estrous cycle regularity could not be determined (all with normal litters). At 1000 mg/kg bw/day, one female was acyclic and an irregular cycle was noted for one female. These females had implantation sites only. Despite the normal length and regularity of the estrous cycle for the other females treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day, none of these females delivered a healthy litter. Given their incidental nature, absence of a dose-related incidence and absence of an apparent correlation to pregnancy status, these findings did not indicate a relation with treatment.
There were 2/10 couples of the 100 mg/kg bw/day group, 1/10 couple of the 300 mg/kg bw/day group and 10/10 couples of the 1000 mg/kg bw/day group without healthy offspring. Microscopic examination of the reproductive organs of these rats did not reveal an explanation for their lack of healthy offspring.
Mating index was considered not to be affected by treatment with the test item. All females showed evidence of mating, resulting in mating incidences of 100% for all groups, although the mating period was extended for two females treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day.
Precoital time was considered not to be affected by treatment with the test item. Most females showed evidence of mating within 4 days. For one female at 100 mg/kg bw/day, evidence of mating was noted after 6 days. Two females at 1000 mg/kg bw/day were re-cohabited with different males after 14 days of mating. These females were proven to be mated one or three days after re-cohabitation. At the incidence observed and in the absence of a dose-relationship, this was considered to be unrelated to treatment.
The mean number of implantation sites was decreased at 1000 mg/kg bw/day (2.3 versus 12.4 in controls), due to the low numbers of implantation sites in all 4/10 pregnant females (Two females with one implantation site, and two females with two and five implantation sites, respectively).
Treatment with the test item at 100 or 300 mg/kg bw/day did not affect the number of implantation sites.
The fertility indices were 100, 90, 90 and 40% for the control, 100, 300 and 1000 mg/kg bw/day groups, respectively.
At 1000 mg/kg/day, 6/10 mated females were not pregnant. There were no histopathology changes in reproductive organs or abnormalities in estrous cyclicity that could explain this.
At the lower dose levels, two females were not pregnant at 100 and 300 mg/kg bw/day, respectively. These cases of non-pregnancy were regarded as unrelated to treatment with the test item as they occurred incidentally and without related histopathology changes in reproductive organs or decrease in number of implantation sites.
Except for one female at 100 mg/kg bw/day, which had implantation sites only, all pregnant females of the control, 100 and 300 mg/kg bw/day groups had live offspring. The gestation indices were 100, 89 and 100% for the control, 100 and 300 mg/kg bw/day groups, respectively.
The failed pregnancy of female at 100 mg/kg bw/day, without related histopathology changes in reproductive organs, was judged to be unrelated to treatment due to the incidental occurrence and lack of a dose-related trend.
Duration of gestation was slightly, but statistically significantly lower in females treated at 100 mg/kg bw/day (0.98x). This was considered to be unrelated to treatment with the test item, due to the lack of a dose-related trend.
No signs of difficult or prolonged parturition were noted among the pregnant females. Examination of cage debris of pregnant females revealed no signs of abortion or premature birth. No deficiencies in maternal care were observed. - Description (incidence and severity):
- The total number of offspring born compared to the total number of uterine implantations was considered not to be affected by treatment with the test item up to 300 mg/kg bw/day.
Post-implantation survival index (total number of offspring born as percentage of total number of uterine implantation sites) was 94, 85 and 81% for the control, 100 and 300 mg/kg bw/day groups, respectively.
The survival index at 300 mg/kg bw/day was slightly lower than concurrent controls and the mean was below the range of the historical control data (mean = 92; P5 – P95 = 83 – 98 (n= 118)). This decrease was considered unrelated to treatment with the test item, as the absolute numbers of living pups at first litter check and implantation sites were both comparable to concurrent control group and within normal limits.
For two control females the number of pups was slightly higher than the number of implantations. This phenomenon is observed from time to time and is caused by normal resorption of these areas during (the 14-16) days of lactation. No toxicological relevance was attached to this finding in the current study. - Total litter losses by resorption:
- effects observed, non-treatment-related
- Description (incidence and severity):
- Except for one female at 100 mg/kg bw/day, which had implantation sites only, all pregnant females of the control, 100 and 300 mg/kg bw/day groups had live offspring. The gestation indices were 100, 89 and 100% for the control, 100 and 300 mg/kg/day groups, respectively.
The failed pregnancy of one female at 100 mg/kg bw/day, without related histopathology changes in reproductive organs, was judged to be unrelated to treatment due to the incidental occurrence
and lack of a dose-related trend. - Changes in pregnancy duration:
- effects observed, non-treatment-related
- Description (incidence and severity):
- Duration of gestation was slightly, but statistically significantly lower in females treated at 100 mg/kg/day (0.98x). This was considered to be unrelated to treatment with the test item, due to the lack of a dose-related trend.
- Changes in number of pregnant:
- effects observed, treatment-related
- Description (incidence and severity):
- The fertility indices were 100, 90, 90 and 40% for the control, 100, 300 and 1000 mg/kg bw/day groups, respectively.
At 1000 mg/kg bw/day, 6/10 mated females were not pregnant. There were no histopathology changes in reproductive organs or abnormalities in estrous cyclicity that could explain this.
At the lower dose levels, two females at 100 and 300 mg/kg/day, respectively were not pregnant. These cases of non-pregnancy were regarded as unrelated to treatment with the test item as they occurred incidentally and without related histopathology changes in reproductive organs or decrease in number of implantation sites. - Key result
- Dose descriptor:
- NOAEL
- Remarks:
- maternal
- Effect level:
- 300 mg/kg bw/day (actual dose received)
- Based on:
- test mat.
- Basis for effect level:
- other: based on an adverse increase in trabecular bone at 1000 mg/kg/day
- Key result
- Abnormalities:
- effects observed, treatment-related
- Localisation:
- other: trabecular bone
- Description (incidence and severity):
- The increased trabecular bone observed in females at 300 and 1000 mg/kg bw/day was most obvious in the femur, just below the growth plate in the metaphysis area and to a lesser extent in the femur head. Due to the increase in bone, the spaces for the bone marrow appeared to be slightly diminished. However, this was not (yet) expressed in hematology parameters or haematopoiesis/ myelopoiesis in other organs. For the sternum, the bone adjacent to the intervertebral discs was the most affected. Given the nature and severity, this finding was considered adverse at 1000 mg/kg bw/day and non-adverse at 300 mg/kg bw/day.
- Reduction in number of live offspring:
- effects observed, non-treatment-related
- Description (incidence and severity):
- The number of live offspring on Day 1 after littering compared to the total number of offspring born was considered not to be affected by treatment with the test item up to 300 mg/kg bw/day.
Live birth index (number of live offspring on PND 1 as percentage of total number of offspring born) was considered not to be affected by treatment with the test item. The live birth indices were 100, 100 and 97% for the control, 100 and 300 mg/kg bw/day groups, respectively. - Changes in sex ratio:
- no effects observed
- Description (incidence and severity):
- Sex ratio was considered not to be affected by treatment with the test item.
- Changes in litter size and weights:
- effects observed, non-treatment-related
- Description (incidence and severity):
- Litter size was considered not affected by treatment with the test item up to 300 mg/kg bw/day. Live litter sizes were 11.7, 11.6 and 9.7 living pups/litter at first litter check for the control, 100 and 300 mg/kg bw/day groups, respectively.
A slightly lower mean number of living pups was recorded at 300 mg/kg bw/day (9.7 vs. 11.7 in the control group), since three pups in one litter were found dead at first litter check. As the mean remained within the range considered normal for rats of this strain and age, this was considered not to be toxicologically relevant (Historical control data for living pups at first litter check for Wistar Han rats (period 2015 – wk 4 2019):
mean = 11.0; P5 – P95 = 5.0-15.0 (n=468)).
Body weights of pups were considered not to be affected by treatment with the test item up to 300 mg/kg bw/day. Mean body weight of female pups and the combined weight of male and female pups was statistically significantly lower at 100 mg/kg bw/day and of female pups at 300 mg/kg bw/day on PND 1. No clear dose response was observed. As the changes in body weight remained minimal, pup body weight was comparable with the control after PND 1, and values remained within the historical control range it was considered to be of no toxicological relevance.
Historical control data for pup body weight of Wistar Han rats (period 2017-2019):
PND 1 pups (males): mean = 6.0 ; P5 – P95 = 5.3 – 7.6 (n=2590)
PND 1 pups (females): mean = 6.0; P5 – P95 = 5.0 – 7.3 (n=2623) - Changes in postnatal survival:
- no effects observed
- Description (incidence and severity):
- The number of live offspring on Day 4 before culling compared to the number of offspring on Day 1 was considered not affected by treatment with the test item up to 300 mg/kg bw/day.
Viability index (number of live offspring on PND 4 before culling as percentage of number of live offspring on PND 1) was considered not to be affected by treatment. Viability indices were 100% for the control and 100 mg/kg bw/day groups and 99% for the 300 mg/kg bw/day group, respectively.
One pup at 300 mg/kg bw/day was missing on PND 2, which was most likely cannibalized. No toxicological relevance was attributed to this missing pup since the mortality incidence did not show a dose-related trend and remained within the range considered normal for pups of this age.
The number of live offspring on Day 13 after littering compared to the number of live offspring on Day 4 (after culling) was considered not to be affected by treatment with the test item. No pups were found dead/missing between lactation Days 5 and 13, resulting in a lactation index of 100% for the control, 100 and 300 mg/kg bw/day groups. - External malformations:
- no effects observed
- Description (incidence and severity):
- No macroscopic findings were noted among pups that were considered to be related to treatment with the test item.
- Other effects:
- no effects observed
- Description (incidence and severity):
- No clinical signs occurred among pups that were considered to be related to treatment with the test item.
Serum T4 levels in male and female PND 14-16 pups were considered not to be affected by treatment with the test item.
Anogenital distance (absolute and normalized for body weight) in male and female pups was considered not to be affected by treatment with the test item up to 300 mg/kg bw/day.
Treatment up to 300 mg/kg bw/day had no effect on areola/nipple retention. For none of the examined male pups nipples were observed at PND 13. - Key result
- Dose descriptor:
- NOAEL
- Remarks:
- developmental
- Effect level:
- >= 300 mg/kg bw/day (actual dose received)
- Based on:
- test mat.
- Sex:
- male/female
- Basis for effect level:
- other: Absence of adverse effects up to ad including 300 mg/kg bw/day. No litters were available for evaluation of post-natal development at 1000 mg/kg/day.
- Key result
- Abnormalities:
- no effects observed
- Key result
- Developmental effects observed:
- no
- Conclusions:
- In a combined 90-day repeated dose toxicity study with the reproduction/developmental toxicity screening test peformed according to OECD TGs 422 and 408 the maternal NOAEL was established at 300 mg/kg bw/day based on an adverse increase in trabecular bone at 1000 mg/kg bw/day and developmental NOAEL was at least 300 mg/kg bw/day based on the absence of adverse effects (at 1000 mg/kg bw/day no litters were available for evaluation of post-natal development).
- Executive summary:
A combined 90-day repeated dose toxicity study with the reproduction/developmental toxicity screening test was performed according to OECD TGs 422 and 408 and in accordance with GLP principles. Wistar Han rats were given Piperonal or Heliotropine orally by gavage for a minimum of 13 weeks. The following parameters and end points were evaluated in this study: mortality, clinical signs, functional observations, ophthalmoscopic observations, body weight and food consumption, estrous cycle determination, clinical pathology, measurement of thyroid hormones T4, T3 and TSH (F0-animals), gross necropsy findings, organ weights and histopathologic examinations. In addition, the following reproduction/developmental parameters were determined: mating and fertility indices, precoital time, number of implantation sites, gestation index and duration, parturition, maternal care, sex ratio and early postnatal pup development (mortality, clinical signs, body weights, sex, anogenital distance, areola/nipple retention and macroscopy, measurement of thyroid hormone T4 (PND14-16 pups)).
Chemical analyses of formulations were conducted three times during the study and confirmed that formulations of test item in Polyethylene glycol 400 were prepared accurately and homogenously.
There was no test item-related mortality up to 1000 mg/kg bw/day.
The increased trabecular bone observed in females at 300 and 1000 mg/kg bw/day was most obvious in the femur, just below the growth plate in the metaphysis area and to a lesser extent in the femur head. Due to the increase in bone, the spaces for the bone marrow appeared to be slightly diminished. However, this was not (yet) expressed in hematology parameters or haematopoiesis/ myelopoiesis in other organs. For the sternum, the bone adjacent to the intervertebral discs was the most affected. Given the nature and severity, this finding was considered adverse at 1000 mg/kg bw/day and non-adverse at 300 mg/kg bw/day.
In addition, the following effects were observed at 300 and/or 1000 mg/kg bw/day, which were considered non-adverse:
- A few clinical pathology parameters were affected in females (haematocrit, platelets and glucose) at 1000 mg/kg bw/day. For these parameters, mean values in this study exceeded the range of relevant historical control data. However, the changes observed in females were not associated with adverse anatomic pathology findings, remained within physiological ranges and/or were not observed at critically levels which would impair function (e.g. tissue oxygenation or resistance to infection). These changes were therefore regarded as nonadverse.
- In females treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day, an increased incidence and severity of (cystic) epithelial hyperplasia was noted in the thymus.
Reproductive and developmental results
No toxicologically relevant changes were noted in any of the reproductive or developmental parameters examined in this study after treatment with the test item up to 300 mg/kg bw/day.
In the group treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day, a decreased number of implantation sites and a low fertility index at was observed. Despite the absence of any changes in mating index, estrous cycle, precoital time, spermatogenic profiling and histopathology of reproductive organs, none of the couples treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day was able to produce healthy offspring.
In addition, as the non-pregnancy of one female at 300 mg/kg bw/day was observed in combination with thymus findings and bone findings similar to the findings observed in females at 1000 mg/kg bw/day (but at a lower severity), it cannot be excluded that the findings in this female are related to the test item. However, as it concerned a single female the combination of the changes observed in this female at 300 mg/kg bw/day was considered nonadverse within the current study.
In conclusion, based on the results of this combined 90-day repeated dose toxicity study with the reproduction/developmental toxicity screening test, the following No Observed Adverse Effect Levels (NOAEL) for Piperonal or Heliotropine were established:
Maternal NOAEL: 300 mg/kg bw/day (based on an adverse increase in trabecular bone in both sexes at 1000 mg/kg bw/day).
Developmental NOAEL: at least 300 mg/kg bw/day. Note: at 1000 mg/kg bw/day no litters were available for evaluation of post-natal development.
Dose formulation analysis
In the Group 1 formulations, no formulation related signal was detected.
The concentrations analysed in the formulations of Groups 2, 3 and 4 were in agreement with target concentrations (i.e. mean accuracies between 90% and 110%; actual week 1: 102%, 98% and 98%; week 6: 98%, 95% and 95% ; week 13: 97%, 98% and 97% in groups 2, 3 and 4, respectively.
The formulations of Groups 2 and 4 were homogeneous (i.e. coefficient of variation ≤ 10%; actual week 1: 3.0% and 1.6%; week 6: 1.3% and 3.4%; week 13: 0.82% and 1.2% in groups 2 and 4, respectively).
Mean Percent Thymus Weight Differences from Control Groups- Females
|
Females |
||
Dose level (mg/kg/day ): |
100 |
300 |
1000a |
|
|
|
|
THYMUS |
|
|
|
Absolute |
18 |
41** |
45** |
Relative to body weight |
24 |
47** |
75** |
*
P<0.05, **: P<0.01
aNote, none of the 1000 mg/kg/day group females did have
healthy offspring, and the physiological status is therefore not
comparable to the other groups.
Summary Test Item-Related Microscopic Findings
|
Females |
|||
Dose level (mg/kg/day): |
0 |
100 |
300 |
1000b |
|
|
|
|
|
THYMUSa |
10 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
Lymphoid atrophy |
|
|
|
|
Minimal |
2 |
2 |
- |
1 |
(Cystic) Epithelial hyperplasia |
|
|
|
|
Minimal |
3 |
2 |
2 |
4 |
Slight |
- |
1 |
1 |
4 |
Moderate |
- |
- |
- |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
LIVERa |
10 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
Hepatocellular hypertrophy |
|
|
|
|
Minimal |
- |
- |
- |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
BONE - STERNUMa |
10 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
Increased bonec |
|
|
|
|
Minimal |
- |
- |
2 |
1 |
Slight |
- |
- |
- |
9 |
|
|
|
|
|
BONE - FEMURa |
10 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
Increased bonec,metaphysis |
|
|
|
|
Minimal |
- |
- |
1 |
- |
Slight |
- |
- |
1 |
2 |
Moderate |
- |
- |
- |
8 |
a = Number
of tissues examined from each group.
b = Note,
none of the 1000 mg/kg/day group females did have healthy offspring, and
the physiological status is therefore not comparable to the other groups.
c Other
termsHyperostosis (proliferative or non-proliferative types);
Osteopetrosis; Osteosclerosis; Trabecular hypertrophy (reference INHAND):
Data source
Reference
- Reference Type:
- study report
- Title:
- Unnamed
- Year:
- 2 020
Materials and methods
Test guidelineopen allclose all
- Qualifier:
- according to guideline
- Guideline:
- OECD Guideline 422 (Combined Repeated Dose Toxicity Study with the Reproduction / Developmental Toxicity Screening Test)
- Version / remarks:
- 2016
- Deviations:
- no
- Qualifier:
- according to guideline
- Guideline:
- other: EPA OPPTS 870.3650 (Combined Repeated Dose Toxicity Study with the Reproduction/Developmental Toxicity Screening Test)
- Version / remarks:
- 2000
- Deviations:
- no
- Principles of method if other than guideline:
- In addition, the procedures described in this study plan essentially conform to the following guidelines:
• OECD 421, Reproduction/Developmental Toxicity Screening Test, 2016.
• EPA OPPTS 870.3550, Reproduction/Developmental Toxicity Screening Test, 2000.
• EC No 440/2008, B.7 Repeated Dose (28 days) Toxicity (oral), 2008.
• OECD 408, Repeated Dose 90-day Oral Toxicity Study in Rodents, 2018.
• EPA OPPTS 870.3100, Repeated Dose 90-day Oral Toxicity Study in Rodents, 1998. - GLP compliance:
- yes
- Limit test:
- no
Test material
- Reference substance name:
- Piperonal
- EC Number:
- 204-409-7
- EC Name:
- Piperonal
- Cas Number:
- 120-57-0
- Molecular formula:
- C8H6O3
- IUPAC Name:
- 1,3-benzodioxole-5-carbaldehyde
- Test material form:
- solid: particulate/powder
Constituent 1
Test animals
- Species:
- rat
- Strain:
- Wistar
- Remarks:
- Crl: WI(Han)
- Details on species / strain selection:
- The Wistar Han rat was chosen as the animal model for this study as it is an accepted rodent species for toxicity testing by regulatory agencies. Charles River Den Bosch has general and reproduction/developmental historical data in this species from the same strain and source. This animal model has been proven to be susceptible to the effects of reproductive toxicants.
- Sex:
- male/female
- Details on test animals or test system and environmental conditions:
- TEST ANIMALS
- Source: Charles River Deutschland, Sulzfeld, Germany
- Females nulliparous and non-pregnant: yes
- Age at study initiation: 7-9 wks
- Weight at study initiation: Males: 194-243 g; Females: 140-172 g
- Fasting period before study: No
- Housing: On arrival and following randomization, animals were group housed (up to 5 animals of the same sex and same dosing group together) in polycarbonate cages (Macrolon, MIV type, height 18 cm).
During the mating phase, males and females were cohabitated on a 1:1 basis in Macrolon plastic cages (MIII type, height 18 cm).
During the post-mating phase, males were housed in their home cage (Macrolon plastic cages, MIV type, height 18 cm) with a maximum of 5 males/cage. Females were individually housed in Macrolon plastic cages (MIII type, height 18 cm).
During the lactation phase, females were housed in Macrolon plastic cages (MIII type, height 18 cm). Pups were housed with the dam, except during locomotor activity monitoring of the dams, when the pups were kept warm in their home cage using bottles filled with warm water. In order to avoid hypothermia of pups, pups were not left without their dam or a bottle filled with warm water for longer than 30-40 minutes.
During locomotor activity monitoring, animals were housed individually in a Hi-temp polycarbonate cage (Ancare corp., USA; dimensions: 48.3 x 26.7 x 20.3 cm) without cage enrichment, bedding material, food and water.
Animals were separated during designated procedures/activities.
- Diet: Pelleted rodent diet (SM R/M-Z from SSNIFF® Spezialdiäten GmbH, Soest, Germany) was provided ad libitum throughout the study, except during designated procedures.
- Water: Municipal tap water was freely available to each animal via water bottles. During motor activity measurements, animals had no access to water for a maximum of 2 hours.
- Animal enrichment: For psychological/environmental enrichment and nesting material, animals were provided with paper (Enviro-dri, Wm. Lilico & Son (Wonham Mill Ltd), Surrey, United Kingdom), except when interrupted by study procedures/activities.
- Acclimation period: 13 days prior to start of the pretest period
The feed was analyzed by the supplier for nutritional components and environmental contaminants and periodic analysis of the water was performed. It is considered that there were no known contaminants in the feed or water that would interfere with the objectives of the study.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
- Temperature (°C): 20-21
- Humidity (%): 48-80
- Air changes (per hr): ≥10
- Photoperiod (hrs dark / hrs light): 12/12
IN-LIFE DATES: From: 29 Mar 2019 To: 19 Jul 2019
Administration / exposure
- Route of administration:
- oral: gavage
- Vehicle:
- polyethylene glycol
- Remarks:
- 400
- Details on exposure:
- PREPARATION OF DOSING SOLUTIONS:
Test item dosing formulations (w/w) were homogenized to visually acceptable levels at appropriate concentrations to meet dose level requirements. The dosing formulations were prepared weekly as a solution, filled out in daily portions and stored in the refrigerator protected from light. Formulations were prepared in amber colored glassware and/or glassware wrapped in aluminum foil. The dosing formulations were removed from the refrigerator and stirred at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before dosing. Test item dosing formulations were kept at room temperature until dosing. If practically possible, the dosing formulations and vehicle were continuously stirred and protected from light until and during dosing. No adjustment was made for specific gravity of the test item. Adjustment was made for specific gravity of the vehicle (1.125). No correction was made for the purity/composition of the test item.
VEHICLE
- Justification for use and choice of vehicle: Trial preparations were performed to select the suitable vehicle and to establish a suitable formulation procedure.
- Concentration in vehicle: 0, 20, 60, 200 mg/mL
- Amount of vehicle: 5 mL/kg - Details on mating procedure:
- - M/F ratio per cage: 1:1
- Length of cohabitation: maximum of 14 days
- Proof of pregnancy: vaginal plug or 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.
- After successful mating each pregnant female was caged: individually - Analytical verification of doses or concentrations:
- yes
- Details on analytical verification of doses or concentrations:
- Dose formulation samples were collected for analysis during week 1, 6 and 13 of treatment for concentration analysis (all dose groups) and homogeneity analysis (in low and high dose groups; The homogeneity results obtained from the top, middle and bottom for the Group 2 and 4 preparations were averaged and utilized as the concentration results). Analyses were performed using a validated analytical procedure.
Concentration results were considered acceptable if mean sample concentration results were within or equal to ± 10% for solutions of target concentration.
Homogeneity results were considered acceptable if the coefficient of variation (CV) of concentrations was ≤10%.
Stability analysis: Stability analyses performed previously in conjunction with the method development and validation study demonstrated that the test item is stable in the vehicle when prepared and stored under the same conditions at concentrations bracketing those used in the present study. - Duration of treatment / exposure:
- The test item and vehicle were administered to the appropriate animals for a minimum of 13 weeks. Animals were treated minimally 8 weeks prior to mating, up to and including the day before scheduled necropsy. For females, this included the variable time to conception, the duration of pregnancy and at least 13 days after delivery, up to and including the day before scheduled necropsy. Females which failed to deliver or had a total litter loss were treated for 95-112 days.
- Frequency of treatment:
- once daily oral gavage 7 days a week
Doses / concentrationsopen allclose all
- Dose / conc.:
- 100 mg/kg bw/day (actual dose received)
- Remarks:
- group 2
- Dose / conc.:
- 300 mg/kg bw/day (actual dose received)
- Remarks:
- group 3
- Dose / conc.:
- 1 000 mg/kg bw/day (actual dose received)
- Remarks:
- group 4
- No. of animals per sex per dose:
- 10
- Control animals:
- yes, concurrent vehicle
- Details on study design:
- - Dose selection rationale:
The dose levels were selected based on the results of a 10-day Dose Range Finder with oral administration of Piperonal or Heliotropine in rats (see other information on Materials and Methods), and in an attempt to produce graded responses to the test item.
- Fasting period before blood sampling for clinical biochemistry: F0-males only.
The dose volume for each animal was based on the most recent body weight measurement. The dosing formulations were stirred continuously during dose administration. Pups were not treated directly but were potentially exposed to the test item in utero, via maternal milk, or from exposure to maternal urine/feces.
Examinations
- Parental animals: Observations and examinations:
- CAGE SIDE OBSERVATIONS: Yes
- Time schedule: twice daily
DETAILED CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS: Yes
- Time schedule: once daily
BODY WEIGHT: Yes
- Time schedule for examinations: Animals were weighed individually on the first day of treatment (prior to dosing), and weekly thereafter. Mated females were weighed on Days 0, 4, 7, 11, 14, 17, and 20 post-coitum and during lactation on PND 1, 4, 7, and 13. For mated females that fail to deliver viable offspring, body weights were recorded weekly from Day 20 post-coitum onwards until the day of scheduled necropsy.
FOOD CONSUMPTION: Yes
- Food consumption was quantitatively measured weekly, except for males and females which were housed together for mating and for females without evidence of mating. Food consumption of mated females was measured on Days 0, 4, 7, 11, 14, 17, and 20 post-coitum and during lactation on PND 1, 4, 7, and 13.
WATER CONSUMPTION: Yes
- Time schedule for examinations: Subjective appraisal was maintained during the study, but no quantitative investigation was introduced as no effect was suspected.
OPHTHALMOSCOPIC EXAMINATION: Yes
- Time schedule for examinations: Examination after application of a mydriatic agent (Tropicol 5 mg/ml solution) during Pretreatment in all animals (including spare animals), at the end of the Dosing Period in Week 13 in all males, during lactation in all females with litters, and all Group 1-4 females without viable litters.
HAEMATOLOGY: Yes
- Time schedule for collection of blood: Blood of F0-animals (all males, and all females with or without live offspring; except for animals which were found dead and females with total litter loss) was collected on the day of scheduled necropsy. Samples were collected, between 7.00 and 10.30 a.m..
- Anaesthetic used for blood collection: Yes (isoflurane)
- Animals fasted: Yes, F0-males only (overnight with a maximum of 24 hours before blood sampling, but water was available)
- How many animals: all animals
- Parameters: According to guideline.
CLINICAL CHEMISTRY: Yes
- Time schedule for collection of blood: Blood of F0-animals (all males, and all females with or without live offspring; except for animals which were found dead and females with total litter loss) was collected on the day of scheduled necropsy. Samples were collected, between 7.00 and 10.30 a.m..
- Animals fasted: Yes, F0-males only (overnight with a maximum of 24 hours before blood sampling, but water was available)
- How many animals: all animals
- Parameters: According to guideline.
THYOIRD HORMONE
- Time schedule for collection of blood: Blood of F0-animals (all males, and all females with or without live offspring; except for animals which were found dead and females with total litter loss) was collected on the day of scheduled necropsy. Samples were collected, between 7.00 and 10.30 a.m..
- Animals fasted: Yes, F0-males only
- How many animals: all animals
- Parameters: Triiodothyronine (T3), Thyroxine (T4), Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
URINALYSIS: No
NEUROBEHAVIOURAL EXAMINATION: Yes
- Time schedule for examinations: on all males during Week 13 of treatment and all females during the last week of lactation (i.e. PND 6-13).
- Battery of functions tested: hearing ability, pupillary reflex, static righting reflex, fore- and hind-limb grip strength, locomotor activity. - Oestrous cyclicity (parental animals):
- Estrous cycles were evaluated by examining the vaginal cytology of samples obtained by vaginal lavage.
Daily vaginal lavage was performed for all females beginning 14 days prior to mating, and during mating until evidence of copulation was observed. Vaginal lavage was continued for those females with no evidence of copulation until termination of the mating period.
On the day of necropsy, a vaginal lavage was also taken to determine the stage of estrous. This was done for all females, except for females with total litter loss. - Sperm parameters (parental animals):
- Parameters examined in P male animals: testis weight, epididymis weight. For the testes of all males of Groups 1 and 4, and all males that failed to sire or died before mating, a detailed qualitative examination was made, taking into account the tubular stages of the spermatogenic cycle.
- Litter observations:
- STANDARDISATION OF LITTERS
- Performed on day 4 postpartum: yes
- If yes, maximum of 8 pups/litter (4/sex/litter as nearly as possible); excess pups were killed and discarded.
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, physical or behavioural abnormalities, anogenital distance (AGD), pup weight on the day of AGD, presence of nipples/areolae in male pups.
Thyroxine (T4) levels were determined in PND 14-16 pups. Assessment of T3 and T4 for PND 4 pups and T3 and TSH for PND 14-16 pups was considered not relevant because no treatment-related changes in T4 were noted in pups at PND 14-16.
GROSS EXAMINATION OF DEAD PUPS:
Except for one missing pup, no pups died during the course of the study.
- Postmortem examinations (parental animals):
- SACRIFICE
- Male animals: All surviving animals; following completion of the mating period (a minimum of 13 weeks of administration).
- Maternal animals: All surviving animals PND 14-16; Females which failed to deliver with evidence of mating: Post-coitum Day 25-38; Dams with total litter loss were euthanized within 24 hours after the last pup was found dead or missing.
GROSS NECROPSY
- All animals were subjected to a full post mortem examination, with special attention being paid to the reproductive organs.
HISTOPATHOLOGY / ORGAN WEIGHTS
The tissues indicated in Tables 1 and 2 were weighed and prepared for microscopic examination, respectively.
For the testes of all males of Groups 1 and 4, and all males that failed to sire or died before mating, a detailed qualitative examination was made, taking into account the tubular stages of the spermatogenic cycle. - Postmortem examinations (offspring):
- SACRIFICE
- These animals were subjected to postmortem examinations (macroscopic and/or microscopic examination) as follows: On PND 4, the surplus pups (> 8 pups per litter) were euthanized by decapitation. From two surplus pups per litter, blood was collected, if possible. All remaining pups were euthanized on PND 14-16. Blood was collected from two pups per litter, and the thyroid from two pups per litter (if possible one male and one female pup) was preserved in 10% buffered formalin. The pups selected for (complete) blood sampling were the same pups as selected for thyroid preservation.
GROSS NECROPSY
Sex was determined both externally and internally. Descriptions of all external abnormalities were recorded. Particular attention was paid to the external reproductive genitals to examine signs of altered development. - Statistics:
- All statistical tests were conducted at the 5% significance level. All pairwise comparisons were conducted using two sided tests and were reported at the 1% or 5% levels.
Numerical data collected on scheduled occasions for the listed variables were analyzed as indicated according to sex and occasion. Inferential statistics were performed according to the matrix below when possible, but excluded semi-quantitative data, and any group with less than 3 observations.
The following pairwise comparisons were made:
Group 2 vs. Group 1
Group 3 vs. Group 1
Group 4 vs. Group 1
Parametric
Datasets with at least 3 groups (the designated control group and 2 other groups) were compared using Dunnett-test (many-to-one-t-test). For the motor activity data set (at least 3 groups) parametric (ANOVA) tests on group means were applied with Bonferroni correction for multiple testing. Mixed modelling techniques, comparing six different covariance structures, were used in order to select the best fitting statistical model.
Non-Parametric
Datasets with at least 3 groups were compared using a Steel-test (many-to-one rank test).
Incidence
An overall Fisher’s exact test was used to compare all groups at the 5% significance level. The above pairwise comparisons were conducted using Fisher’s exact test whenever the overall test was significant. - Reproductive indices:
- Mating index (%): (Number of females mated/Number of females paired) x 100
Precoital time: Number of days between initiation of cohabitation and confirmation of mating
Fertility index (%): (Number of pregnant females)/(Number of females mated) x 100
Gestation index (%): (Number of females with living pups on Day 1/Number of pregnant females) x 100
Duration of gestation: Number of days between confirmation of mating and the beginning of parturition - Offspring viability indices:
- Post-implantation survival index (%): (Total number of offspring born/Total number of uterine implantation sites) x 100
Live birth index (%): (Number of live offspring on Day 1 after littering/Total number of offspring born) x 100
Percentage live males at First Litter Check (%): (Number of live male pups at First Litter Check/Number of live pups at First Litter Check) x 100
Percentage live females at First Litter Check (%): (Number of live female pups at First Litter Check/Number of live pups at First Litter Check) x 100
Viability index (%): (Number of live offspring on Day 4 before culling/Number live offspring on Day 1 after littering) x 100
Lactation index (%): (Number of live offspring on Day 13 after littering/Number live offspring on Day 4 (after culling)) x 100
Results and discussion
Results: P0 (first parental generation)
General toxicity (P0)
- Clinical signs:
- effects observed, treatment-related
- Description (incidence and severity):
- No toxicologically relevant clinical signs were noted during daily detailed clinical observations or during weekly arena observations up to 1000 mg/kg bw/day.
Slight salivation seen after dosing among animals of the 300 and 1000 mg/kg bw/day dose groups from the second week of treatment onwards and animals of the 100 mg/kg bw/day group from the eight week of treatment onwards was considered not toxicologically relevant, taking into account the nature and minor severity of the effect and its time of occurrence (i.e. after dosing). This sign was considered to be a physiological response related to taste of the test item rather than a sign of systemic toxicity.
Incidental findings that were noted included scabs, chromodacryorrhoea, hunched posture, abnormal posture, piloerection and alopecia. These findings occurred within the range of background findings to be expected for rats of this age and strain which are housed and treated under the conditions in this study. At the incidence observed, these were considered not to be signs of toxicological relevance. - Mortality:
- mortality observed, non-treatment-related
- Description (incidence):
- No mortality occurred during the study period that was considered to be related to treatment with the test item up to 1000 mg/kg bw/day.
One male of the 100 mg/kg bw/day group was found dead on Day 21 of the premating period. No clinical signs were observed and gross findings at necropsy included isolated, dark red focus/foci in the glandular mucosa of the stomach, enlarged liver and watery-clear fluid in the thoracic cavity. Many organs were autolytic and no cause of death could be established. Due to the single occurrence in the low dose group (100 mg/kg bw/day), this mortality was regarded as unrelated to the test item.
One female of the 1000 mg/kg bw/day group was sacrificed on Day 1 of lactation, because of a total litter loss. No abnormalities were noted for this female at macroscopic evaluation. - Body weight and weight changes:
- effects observed, treatment-related
- Description (incidence and severity):
- Body weights and body weight gain of males and females up to 300 mg/kg bw/day were considered to have been unaffected by treatment with the test item.
Male rats treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day:
At 1000 mg/kg bw/day, absolute body weights in males were decreased from Day 22 onwards (up to 12% compared with concurrent controls at end of treatment), reaching statistical significance from Day 43 onwards. Moreover, statistically significant reduced body weight gain was recorded for males treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day from Day 22 onwards (up to 29% lower than concurrent controls at end of treatment).
Female rats treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day:
No effects on body weights and body weight gain were noted during the premating and mating period. From post-coitum Day 14 onwards, a lower mean body weight and body weight gain was observed, reaching statistical significance on Day 17 and/or Day 20, respectively. This could be explained by the reduced weight gain and/or weight loss in 4/4 pregnant females, which had abnormal pregnancies (three females with implantation sites only and one female with total litter loss on PND 1). At Day 1 of lactation, mean body weight of the one female that delivered one pup (with total litter loss on PND 1) was similar to that of controls. Due to the abnormal pregnancies, no body weight data of females treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day during lactation is available. - Food consumption and compound intake (if feeding study):
- effects observed, non-treatment-related
- Description (incidence and severity):
- Male rats treated up to 1000 mg/kg bw/day:
Food consumption before or after correction for body weight was similar to the control level up to 1000 mg/kg bw/day in males during the premating and mating period.
Female rats treated up to 300 mg/kg bw/day:
During lactation from Day 4-7 onwards, relative food consumption was decreased in females treated at 300 mg/kg bw/day (8% lower than concurrent controls, statistically significant on Days 4-7 and 7-13), which was considered not toxicologically relevant, due to the minimal magnitude of the change, and/or the absence of an effect on body weight. During the post coitum period, a higher absolute and relative food consumption was noted in females treated at 300 mg/kg bw/day on Days 11-14 (up to 13% higher than concurrent controls). This change was considered to be unrelated to treatment with the test item, due to the minimal magnitude of the change, and/or no clear trend was apparent regarding dose and duration of treatment.
Female rats treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day:
Food consumption before or after correction for body weight was increased during premating Day 8-71, although no statistical significance was achieved. In addition, absolute food consumption (of 4 pregnant females only) was increased on post coitum Days 4-7 and relative food consumption was increased from post coitum Days 4-7 onwards, reaching statistical significance on Days 4-7, 14-17 and 17-20. These changes were considered not toxicologically relevant, due to the minimal magnitude and direction of change. No food consumption data was collected for females at 1000 mg/kg bw/day during lactation, since none of the females delivered a healthy litter. - Water consumption and compound intake (if drinking water study):
- no effects observed
- Ophthalmological findings:
- no effects observed
- Description (incidence and severity):
- No ophthalmology findings were noted that were considered to be related to treatment with the test item up to 1000 mg/kg bw/day. The nature and incidence of ophthalmology findings noted during the pretreatment period and end of treatment period was similar among the groups, and occurred within the range considered normal for rats of this age and strain.
- Haematological findings:
- effects observed, treatment-related
- Description (incidence and severity):
- No changes in haematology parameters of treated males were noted that were considered to be related to treatment with the test item up to 300 mg/kg bw/day.
Male rats treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day:
Mean platelet count was decreased in males (0.80x). Although no statistical significance was achieved, the mean value and individual values of 4/9 males at 1000 mg/kg bw/day were below or at the lower limit of historical control range.
In addition, the following statistically significant changes in haematology parameters distinguished treated animals from control animals.
- Mean number of reticulocytes was increased (1.30x). The mean value and individual values of 4/9 males were above the upper limit of historical control range.
- Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was increased (1.04x). The mean value and individual values of 4/9 males were above the upper limit of historical control range.
- Mean number of red blood cells was decreased (0.93x). No statistical significance was achieved. The mean value and individual values of 4/9 males were below the lower limit of historical control range.
The decreased mean red blood cell count, accompanied by an increased mean reticulocyte count and a minimally increased mean MCV might be indicative for a slightly larger volume of the red blood cell population. However, these changes were considered not toxicologically relevant based on the absence of a correlation between these parameters on the individual animal level and/or the absence of a clear dose-related response.
The mean number of eosinophils was decreased in males at 1000 mg/kg bw/day. As values remained within the range of historical control data and no dose-related response was observed, this change was considered unrelated to treatment with the test item.
Female rats treated up to 300 mg/kg bw/day:
No changes in haematology parameters were noted that were considered to be related to treatment with the test item up to 300 mg/kg bw/day. The statistically significant increase in mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) of females at 100 mg/kg bw/day was considered to be unrelated to treatment in the absence of a dose-related trend.
Female rats treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day:
For evaluation, these values were compared with historical control data from 90-day studies (with a comparable physiologic status, i.e. non-lactating animals).
- Decreased number of red blood cells (0.86x).
- Decreased level of haemoglobin (0.89x).
- Decreased level of hematocrit (0.89x).
- Decreased mean platelet count (0.70x).
Since the historical control data from 90-day studies was obtained from fasted females and the females in this study were not fasted prior to blood collection for clinical pathology, historical control data from OECD 422 studies was additionally evaluated (both from fasted and not-fasted females). The mean values of hematocrit and platelet counts were below the lower level of historical control data from OECD 422 studies (both fasted and not fasted) as well. Despite the physiological and glycemic status of these females, levels were decreased when compared with historical control data. The changes in red blood cells and haemoglobin were within the range of historical control data of OECD 422 studies for not fasted females. These changes were probably not related to treatment with the test item, but due to the different physiological and/or glycemic status of these females.
Any other statistically significant changes in hematology parameters in females treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day were within the range of the historical control data from 90-day studies and considered to be unrelated to treatment with the test item. These changes were probably not related to treatment with the test item, but due to the different physiological status of these females.
Coagulation
Male rats treated up to 1000 mg/kg bw/day:
No changes in coagulation parameters were noted in treated males that were considered to be test item-related up to 1000 mg/kg bw/day.
Prothrombin time (PT) was statistically significantly increased in males at 1000 mg/kg bw/day (1.07x of control). The mean value remained within the range of historical control data (mean = 17.2; P5 – P95 =15.6 – 18.8 (n= 160)) and no dose-related response was observed. Therefore, this was considered unrelated to treatment with the test item.
Female rats treated up to 300 mg/kg bw/day:
No changes in coagulation parameters were noted that were considered to be related to treatment with the test item up to 300 mg/kg bw/day.
Female rats treated at 1000 mg/kg/day:
No changes in coagulation parameters were noted that were considered to be related to treatment with the test item at 1000 mg/kg bw/day.
Historical control data for Wistar Han rats; 90-day studies (2018):
Platelets (10E9/L) males: mean = 730; P5 – P95 = 563.0 – 883.0 (n= 158).
Reticulocytes (10E9/L) males: mean = 183.9; P5 – P95 = 146.9 – 215.2 (n=40).
Eosinophils (10E9/L) males: mean = 0.1; P5 – P95 = 0.0 – 0.2 (n=49).
MCV (fL) males: mean = 51.9; P5 – P95 = 49.6 – 54.8 (n=159).
Red blood cells (10E12/L) males: mean = 9.06; P5 – P95 = 8.16 – 9.86 (n=159).
Eosinophils (10E9/L) males: mean = 0.1; P5 – P95 = 0.0 – 0.2 (n=49).
Red blood cells (10E12/L) females: mean = 8.21; P5 – P95 =7.54 – 8.79 (n= 162).
Haemoglobin (mmol/L) females: mean = 9.5; P5 – P95 =8.8 – 10.1 (n= 162).
Hematocrit (L/L) females: mean = 0.445; P5 – P95 =0.408 – 0.481 (n=162).
Platelets (10E9/L) females: mean = 731; P5 – P95 =526 – 927 (n= 161).
PT (s) males: mean = 17.2; P5 – P95 =15.6 – 18.8 (n= 160). - Clinical biochemistry findings:
- effects observed, treatment-related
- Description (incidence and severity):
- Male rats treated up to 1000 mg/kg bw/day:
The following, statistically significant, test item-related changes were noted in treated males.
- Mean alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) activity was increased in at 1000 mg/kg bw/day (1.47x). The mean value and individual values of 8/10 males at 1000 mg/kg bw/day were above the upper limit of historical control range.
- Mean alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was increased in males treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day (2.00x). The mean value and individual values of all males at 1000 mg/kg bw/day were above the upper limit of historical control range.
- Mean levels of cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol were mildly decreased in males treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day.
- Bile acids were increased at 300 and 1000 mg/kg bw/day (1.57x and 2.86x, respectively; statistically significance achieved at 1000 mg/kg bw/day). The mean value and individual values of 6/10 males at 1000 mg/kg bw/day were above the upper limit of historical control range.
- Mean inorganic phosphate was increased in males treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day (1.34x). The mean value and individual values of 5/10 males at 1000 mg/kg bw/day were above the upper limit of historical control range.
In addition, the following (statistically significant) changes were noted in treated males.
- Decreased mean total protein in males at 1000 mg/kg bw/day (0.92x).
- Mean urea was increased at 300 and 1000 mg/kg bw/day, although not statistically significant (1.12x and 1.18x, respectively).
- Mean level of creatinine was increased in males treated at 300 mg/kg bw/day (1.09x).
- Mean potassium was increased at 1000 mg/kg bw/day (1.08x).
- Mean chloride was increased at 300 and 1000 mg/kg bw/day (1.01x and 1.02x, respectively).
While several of these changes were statistically significant, the changes in total protein, urea, creatinine, potassium and chloride were considered not toxicologically relevant, as values remained within the range of historical control data, due to the direction or magnitude of change and/or in the absence of a clear dose-response.
Female rats treated at 100 and 300 mg/kg bw/day:
In addition, the following statistically significant changes were noted in treated females.
- Mean level of albumin was increased at 100 mg/kg bw/day (1.08x).
- Mean urea was decreased at 300 mg/kg bw/day (0.84x).
These changes were considered not toxicologically relevant based on the minimal magnitude of the change and/or absence of a dose-related response.
Female rats treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day:
For evaluation, these values were compared with historical control data from 90-day studies (with a comparable physiologic state, i.e. not lactating animals). Relative changes in mean values relative to the mean values of historical control data are indicated between parentheses.
- Increased ALP activity (2.50x).
- Decreased level of creatinine (0.88x).
- Increased level of glucose (1.53x).
Since the historical control data from 90-day studies was obtained from fasted females and the females in this study were not fasted prior to blood collection for clinical pathology, historical control data from OECD 422 studies was additionally evaluated (both from fasted and not-fasted females). The mean value of glucose was above the upper level of historical control data from OECD 422 studies (both fasted and not fasted) as well. Despite the physiological and glycemic status of these females, glucose level was increased when compared with historical control data. The changes in ALP and creatinine were within the range of historical control data of OEC 422 studies for not fasted females. These changes were probably not related to treatment with the test item, but due to the different physiological and/or glycemic status of these females.
Any other statistically significant changes in clinical biochemistry parameters in females treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day were within the range of the historical control data from 90-day studies and considered to be unrelated to treatment with the test item. These changes were probably not related to treatment with the test item, but due to the different physiological status of these females.
Thyroid hormone analyses:
Mean serum levels of Total thyroxine (T4) were dose-dependently decreased in treated males at 300 and 1000 mg/kg bw/day (0.72x and 0.37x lower than concurrent control, respectively. Serum levels of T4 in males at 1000 mg/kg bw/day were below the lower limit of historical control range. In females, T4 serum levels were comparable among all dose groups.
For serum levels of Total triiodothyronine (T3) no results were available for the females of the control group, 2 values were available for females treated at 100 and 300 mg/kg bw/day and 5 values were available for females treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day as values were below the reportable range. In order to have a proper evaluation, historical control data was used to complete the evaluation. For females at 1000 mg/kg bw/day, results were available for 5 out of 9 animals. As these results were within the historical control range, it was concluded that T3 was not affected by treatment.
Historical control data for Wistar Han rats; 90-day studies (2018):
ALAT (U/L) males: mean = 40.1; P5 – P95 = 27.9 – 60.8 (n=164).
ALP (U/L) males: mean = 75.0; P5 – P95 = 60.8 – 95.2 (n=164).
Cholesterol (mmol/L) males: mean = 1.97; P5 – P95 = 1.46 – 2.50 (n=164).
Bile acids (umol/L) males: mean = 20.1; P5 – P95 = 7.60 – 42.50 (n=134).
Inorganic phosphate (mmol/L) males: mean = 1.76; P5 – P95 = 1.400 – 2.170 (n=164).
Total protein (g/L) males: mean = 64.0; P5 – P95 = 58.60 – 68.10 (n=164).
Urea (mmol/L) males: mean = 5.8; P5 – P95 = 3.10 – 8.80 (n=164).
Creatinine (umol/L) males: mean = 38.9; P5 – P95 = 34.80 – 43.50 (n=164).
Potassium (mmol/L) males: mean = 3.94; P5 – P95 = 3.560 – 4.280 (n=164).
Chloride (mmol/L) males: mean = 103; P5 – P95 = 99.0 – 106.0 (n=164).
ALP (U/L) females: mean = 61; P5 – P95 =30 – 105 (n= 164)
Creatinine (umol/L) females: mean = 42.3; P5 – P95 =38.2 – 47.3 (n= 164)
Glucose (mmol/L) females: mean = 7.71; P5 – P95 =6.16 – 9.94 (n= 164)
Historical control data for Wistar Han rats; F0-animals (period 2017-2019):
Total T4 (μg/dL) males: mean = 4.51; P5-P95 = 2.85-6.37 (n= 557).
Historical control data for Wistar Han rats; 90-day studies (period 2018-2019):
Total T3 (ng/dL) females: mean = 59.7; P5-P95 = 42.29-78.91 (n= 53). - Behaviour (functional findings):
- effects observed, non-treatment-related
- Description (incidence and severity):
- Male rats treated up to 1000 mg/kg bw/day:
Hearing ability, pupillary reflex and static righting reflex were normal in all examined males treated up to 1000 mg/kg bw/day. Forelimb and hind limb grip strength were unaffected by treatment with the test item up to 1000 mg/kg bw/day.
The variation in motor activity did not indicate a relation with treatment. All groups showed a similar habituation profile with very high activity in the first interval that decreased over the duration of the test period. The mean total movements appeared statistically significantly lower in males at 1000 mg/kg bw/day as compared with concurrent control (0.68x). However, as values remained within the historical control range (mean = 3609; P5 – P95 = 1990 – 5497 (n=424)) and the habituation profile remained similar to control, this change was considered unrelated to treatment with the test item.
Female rats treated up to 300 mg/kg bw/day:
Hearing ability, pupillary reflex and static righting reflex were normal in all examined females treated up to 300 mg/kg bw/day. Forelimb and hind limb grip strength were unaffected by treatment with the test item up to 300 mg/kg bw/day. The variation in motor activity did not indicate a relation with treatment. All groups showed a similar habituation profile with very high activity in the first interval that decreased over the duration of the test period. Mean values of total movements as well as ambulations appeared to be statistically significantly higher in females at 100 mg/kg bw/day as compared with concurrent control (1.55x and 1.92x, respectively). However, as no dose related-response was observed and the habituation profile remained similar to control, this change was considered unrelated to treatment with the test item.
Female rats treated up to 1000 mg/kg bw/day:
Functional observation parameters were considered unaffected by treatment at 1000 mg/kg bw/day. - Organ weight findings including organ / body weight ratios:
- effects observed, treatment-related
- Histopathological findings: non-neoplastic:
- effects observed, treatment-related
- Description (incidence and severity):
- Test item-related microscopic findings after treatment with Piperonal or Heliotropine were noted in the liver, thymus and bones of femur and sternum of the 300 and/or 1000 mg/kg bw/day group males and females (See table additional information on results).
Thymus: A minimal degree of lymphoid atrophy was noted in 1000 mg/kg bw/day males. (Cystic) epithelial hyperplasia was noted at increased incidence and severity (up to moderate) in 1000 mg/kg bw/day females.
Liver: A minimal degree of hepatocellular hypertrophy was noted in 1000 mg/kg bw/day males. The recorded hepatocellular hypertrophy in a single 1000 mg/kg bw/day female, showing total litter loss, was considered to be within background range findings.
Bone-sternum and femur: increased trabecular bone was noted in females starting at 300 mg/kg bw/day and in males at 1000 mg/kg bw/day. In general, females were more severely affected than males, and the femur more than the sternal bone.
The remainder of the recorded microscopic findings were within the range of background pathology encountered in rats of this age and strain. There was no test item related alteration in the prevalence, severity, or histologic character of those incidental tissue alterations.
Reproductive function / performance (P0)
- Reproductive function: oestrous cycle:
- effects observed, non-treatment-related
- Description (incidence and severity):
- Length and regularity of the estrous cycle were considered not to have been affected by treatment with the test item up to 1000 mg/kg bw/day.
Most females had regular cycles of 4 to 5 days during the premating period. During the premating period, one control female and one 100 mg/kg bw/day female appeared to be acyclic and for one control female estrous cycle regularity could not be determined (all with normal litters). At 1000 mg/kg bw/day, one female was acyclic and an irregular cycle was noted for one female. These females had implantation sites only. Despite the normal length and regularity of the estrous cycle for the other females treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day, none of these females delivered a healthy litter. Given their incidental nature, absence of a dose-related incidence and absence of an apparent correlation to pregnancy status, these findings did not indicate a relation with treatment. - Reproductive function: sperm measures:
- no effects observed
- Description (incidence and severity):
- Stage aware evaluation of all testes examined did not show any indication for abnormal spermatogenesis.
- Reproductive performance:
- effects observed, treatment-related
- Description (incidence and severity):
- There were 2/10 couples of the 100 mg/kg bw/day group, 1/10 couple of the 300 mg/kg bw/day group and 10/10 couples of the 1000 mg/kg bw/day group without healthy offspring. Microscopic examination of the reproductive organs of these rats did not reveal an explanation for their lack of healthy offspring.
Mating index was considered not to be affected by treatment with the test item. All females showed evidence of mating, resulting in mating incidences of 100% for all groups, although the mating period was extended for two females treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day.
Precoital time was considered not to be affected by treatment with the test item. Most females showed evidence of mating within 4 days. For one female at 100 mg/kg bw/day, evidence of mating was noted after 6 days. Two females at 1000 mg/kg bw/day were re-cohabited with different males after 14 days of mating. These females were proven to be mated one or three days after re-cohabitation. At the incidence observed and in the absence of a dose-relationship, this was considered to be unrelated to treatment.
The mean number of implantation sites was decreased at 1000 mg/kg bw/day (2.3 versus 12.4 in controls), due to the low numbers of implantation sites in all 4/10 pregnant females (Two females with one implantation site, and two females with two and five implantation sites, respectively).
Treatment with the test item at 100 or 300 mg/kg bw/day did not affect the number of implantation sites.
The fertility indices were 100, 90, 90 and 40% for the control, 100, 300 and 1000 mg/kg bw/day groups, respectively.
At 1000 mg/kg/day, 6/10 mated females were not pregnant. There were no histopathology changes in reproductive organs or abnormalities in estrous cyclicity that could explain this.
At the lower dose levels, two females were not pregnant at 100 and 300 mg/kg bw/day, respectively. These cases of non-pregnancy were regarded as unrelated to treatment with the test item as they occurred incidentally and without related histopathology changes in reproductive organs or decrease in number of implantation sites.
Except for one female at 100 mg/kg bw/day, which had implantation sites only, all pregnant females of the control, 100 and 300 mg/kg bw/day groups had live offspring. The gestation indices were 100, 89 and 100% for the control, 100 and 300 mg/kg bw/day groups, respectively.
The failed pregnancy of female at 100 mg/kg bw/day, without related histopathology changes in reproductive organs, was judged to be unrelated to treatment due to the incidental occurrence and lack of a dose-related trend.
Duration of gestation was slightly, but statistically significantly lower in females treated at 100 mg/kg bw/day (0.98x). This was considered to be unrelated to treatment with the test item, due to the lack of a dose-related trend.
No signs of difficult or prolonged parturition were noted among the pregnant females. Examination of cage debris of pregnant females revealed no signs of abortion or premature birth. No deficiencies in maternal care were observed.
Effect levels (P0)
open allclose all
- Key result
- Dose descriptor:
- NOAEL
- Remarks:
- parental
- Effect level:
- 300 mg/kg bw/day (actual dose received)
- Based on:
- test mat.
- Sex:
- male/female
- Basis for effect level:
- histopathology: non-neoplastic
- Key result
- Dose descriptor:
- NOAEL
- Remarks:
- reproduction
- Effect level:
- 300 mg/kg bw/day (actual dose received)
- Based on:
- test mat.
- Sex:
- male/female
- Basis for effect level:
- reproductive performance
Target system / organ toxicity (P0)
- Key result
- Critical effects observed:
- yes
- Lowest effective dose / conc.:
- 1 000 mg/kg bw/day (actual dose received)
- System:
- musculoskeletal system
- Organ:
- bone
- Treatment related:
- yes
- Dose response relationship:
- yes
- Relevant for humans:
- not specified
Results: F1 generation
General toxicity (F1)
- Clinical signs:
- no effects observed
- Description (incidence and severity):
- No clinical signs occurred among pups that were considered to be related to treatment with the test item.
- Mortality / viability:
- mortality observed, non-treatment-related
- Description (incidence and severity):
- The number of live offspring on Day 4 before culling compared to the number of offspring on Day 1 was considered not affected by treatment with the test item up to 300 mg/kg bw/day.
Viability index (number of live offspring on PND 4 before culling as percentage of number of live offspring on PND 1) was considered not to be affected by treatment.Viability indices were 100% for the control and 100 mg/kg bw/day groups and 99% for the 300 mg/kg bw/day group, respectively.
One pup at 300 mg/kg bw/day was missing on PND 2, which was most likely cannibalized. No toxicological relevance was attributed to this missing pup since the mortality incidence did not show a dose-related trend and remained within the range considered normal for pups of this age.
The number of live offspring on Day 13 after littering compared to the number of live offspring on Day 4 (after culling) was considered not to be affected by treatment with the test item. No pups were found dead/missing between lactation Days 5 and 13, resulting in a lactation index of 100% for the control, 100 and 300 mg/kg bw/day groups. - Body weight and weight changes:
- effects observed, non-treatment-related
- Description (incidence and severity):
- Body weights of pups were considered not to be affected by treatment with the test item up to 300 mg/kg bw/day.
Mean body weight of female pups and the combined weight of male and female pups was statistically significantly lower at 100 mg/kg bw/day and of female pups at 300 mg/kg bw/day on PND 1. No clear dose response was observed. As the changes in body weight remained minimal, pup body weight was comparable with the control after PND 1, and values remained within the historical control range it was considered to be of no toxicological relevance.
Historical control data for pup body weight of Wistar Han rats (period 2017-2019):
PND 1 pups (males): mean = 6.0 ; P5 – P95 = 5.3 – 7.6 (n=2590)
PND 1 pups (females): mean = 6.0; P5 – P95 = 5.0 – 7.3 (n=2623) - Clinical biochemistry findings:
- no effects observed
- Description (incidence and severity):
- Serum T4 levels in male and female PND 14-16 pups were considered not to be affected by treatment with the test item.
- Anogenital distance (AGD):
- no effects observed
- Description (incidence and severity):
- Anogenital distance (absolute and normalized for body weight) in male and female pups was considered not to be affected by treatment with the test item up to 300 mg/kg bw/day.
- Nipple retention in male pups:
- no effects observed
- Description (incidence and severity):
- Treatment up to 300 mg/kg bw/day had no effect on areola/nipple retention. For none of the examined male pups nipples were observed at PND 13.
- Gross pathological findings:
- no effects observed
- Description (incidence and severity):
- No macroscopic findings were noted among pups that were considered to be related to treatment with the test item.
- Other effects:
- effects observed, non-treatment-related
- Description (incidence and severity):
- The total number of offspring born compared to the total number of uterine implantations was considered not to be affected by treatment with the test item up to 300 mg/kg bw/day.
Post-implantation survival index (total number of offspring born as percentage of total number of uterine implantation sites) was 94, 85 and 81% for the control, 100 and 300 mg/kg bw/day groups, respectively.
The survival index at 300 mg/kg bw/day was slightly lower than concurrent controls and the mean was below the range of the historical control data. This decrease was considered unrelated to treatment with the test item, as the absolute numbers of living pups at first litter check and implantation sites were both comparable to concurrent control group and within normal limits.
For two females (control), the number of pups was slightly higher than the number of implantations. This phenomenon is observed from time to time and is caused by normal resorption of these areas during (the 14-16) days of lactation. No toxicological relevance was attached to this finding in the current study.
Litter size was considered not affected by treatment with the test item up to 300 mg/kg bw/day. Live litter sizes were 11.7, 11.6 and 9.7 living pups/litter at first litter check for the control, 100 and 300 mg/kg bw/day groups, respectively. A slightly lower mean number of living pups was recorded at 300 mg/kg bw/day (9.7 vs. 11.7 in the control group), since three pups in one litter were found dead at first litter check. As the mean remained within the range considered normal for rats of this strain and age, this was considered not to be toxicologically relevant.
Historical control data for post-implantation survival index for Wistar Han rats (period 2015 – wk 4 2019): mean = 92; P5 – P95 = 83 – 98 (n= 118).
Historical control data for living pups at first litter check for Wistar Han rats (period 2015 – wk 4 2019): mean = 11.0; P5 – P95 = 5.0-15.0 (n=468).
Effect levels (F1)
- Key result
- Dose descriptor:
- NOAEL
- Remarks:
- developmental
- Generation:
- F1
- Effect level:
- >= 300 mg/kg bw/day (actual dose received)
- Based on:
- test mat.
- Sex:
- male/female
- Basis for effect level:
- other: absence of adverse effects up to and including 300 mg/kg bw/day
- Remarks on result:
- other: at 1000 mg/kg/day no litters were available for evaluation of post-natal development.
Target system / organ toxicity (F1)
- Key result
- Critical effects observed:
- no
Overall reproductive toxicity
- Key result
- Reproductive effects observed:
- yes
- Lowest effective dose / conc.:
- 1 000 mg/kg bw/day (actual dose received)
- 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
Any other information on results incl. tables
Dose formulation analysis
In the Group 1 formulations, no formulation related signal was detected.
The concentrations analysed in the formulations of Groups 2, 3 and 4 were in agreement with target concentrations (i.e. mean accuracies between 90% and 110%; actual week 1: 102%, 98% and 98%; week 6: 98%, 95% and 95% ; week 13: 97%, 98% and 97% in groups 2, 3 and 4, respectively.
The formulations of Groups 2 and 4 were homogeneous (i.e. coefficient of variation ≤ 10%; actual week 1: 3.0% and 1.6%; week 6: 1.3% and 3.4%; week 13: 0.82% and 1.2% in groups 2 and 4, respectively).
Mean Percent Liver and Thymus Weight Differences from Control Groups- Males
| Males | ||
Dose level (mg/kg bw/day): | 100 | 300 | 1000 |
|
|
|
|
LIVER |
|
|
|
Absolute | 3 | 6 | 21** |
Relative to body weight | 1 | 9* | 41** |
|
|
|
|
THYMUS |
|
|
|
Absolute | 8 | -12 | -32** |
Relative to body weight | 7 | -8 | -20* |
*: P<0.05, **: P<0.01
Mean Percent Thymus Weight Differences from Control Groups- Females
| Females | ||
Dose level (mg/kg/day ): | 100 | 300 | 1000a |
|
|
|
|
THYMUS |
|
|
|
Absolute | 18 | 41** | 45** |
Relative to body weight | 24 | 47** | 75** |
* P<0.05, **: P<0.01
aNote, none of the 1000 mg/kg/day group females did have healthy offspring, and the physiological status is therefore not comparable to the other groups.
Summary Test Item-Related Microscopic Findings
| Males | Females | ||||||
Dose level (mg/kg/day): | 0 | 100 | 300 | 1000 | 0 | 100 | 300 | 1000b |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
THYMUSa | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
Lymphoid atrophy |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minimal | - | - | - | 4 | 2 | 2 | - | 1 |
(Cystic) Epithelial hyperplasia |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minimal | 3 | 1 | - | - | 3 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
Slight | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | 1 | 4 |
Moderate | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIVERa | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
Hepatocellular hypertrophy |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minimal | - | - | - | 7 | - | - | - | 1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BONE - STERNUMa | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
Increased bonec |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minimal | - | - | - | 7 | - | - | 2 | 1 |
Slight | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BONE - FEMURa | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
Increased bonec,metaphysis |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minimal | - | - | - | 1 | - | - | 1 | - |
Slight | - | - | - | 6 | - | - | 1 | 2 |
Moderate | - | - | - | 2 | - | - | - | 8 |
a = Number of tissues examined from each group.
b = Note, none of the 1000 mg/kg/day group females did have healthy offspring, and the physiological status is therefore not comparable to the other groups.
c Other terms Hyperostosis (proliferative or non-proliferative types); Osteopetrosis; Osteosclerosis; Trabecular hypertrophy (reference INHAND):
Applicant's summary and conclusion
- Conclusions:
- In a combined 90-day repeated dose toxicity study with the reproduction/developmental toxicity screening test peformed according to OECD TGs the parental NOAEL was established at 300 mg/kg bw/day based on an adverse increase in trabecular bone in both sexes at 1000 mg/kg bw/day and reproduction NOAEL was 300 mg/kg bw/day based on the absence of healthy offspring at 1000 mg/kg bw/day.
- Executive summary:
A combined 90-day repeated dose toxicity study with the reproduction/developmental toxicity screening test was performed according to OECD TGs 422 and 408 and in accordance with GLP principles. Wistar Han rats were given Piperonal or Heliotropine orally by gavage for a minimum of 13 weeks. The following parameters and end points were evaluated in this study: mortality, clinical signs, functional observations, ophthalmoscopic observations, body weight and food consumption, estrous cycle determination, clinical pathology, measurement of thyroid hormones T4, T3 and TSH (F0-animals), gross necropsy findings, organ weights and histopathologic examinations. In addition, the following reproduction/developmental parameters were determined: mating and fertility indices, precoital time, number of implantation sites, gestation index and duration, parturition, maternal care, sex ratio and early postnatal pup development (mortality, clinical signs, body weights, sex, anogenital distance, areola/nipple retention and macroscopy, measurement of thyroid hormone T4 (PND14-16 pups)).
Chemical analyses of formulations were conducted three times during the study and confirmed that formulations of test item in Polyethylene glycol 400 were prepared accurately and homogenously.
There was no test item-related mortality up to 1000 mg/kg bw/day.
The increased trabecular bone observed in males at 1000 mg/kg bw/day and in females at 300 and 1000 mg/kg bw/day was most obvious in the femur, just below the growth plate in the metaphysis area and to a lesser extent in the femur head. Due to the increase in bone, the spaces for the bone marrow appeared to be slightly diminished. However, this was not (yet) expressed in hematology parameters or haematopoiesis/ myelopoiesis in other organs. For the sternum, the bone adjacent to the intervertebral discs was the most affected. Given the nature and severity, this finding was considered adverse at 1000 mg/kg bw/day and non-adverse at 300 mg/kg bw/day.
Mean serum levels of Thyroxine (T4) were dose-dependently decreased at all dose levels in males. No changes were noted in the TSH values, thyroid weight or during histopathological examination of the thyroid of males in any of the dose groups. As values of males at 100 and 300 mg/kg bw/day remained within the historical control range, the changes in serum T4 in these animals were considered non-adverse. For males at 1000 mg/kg bw/day, values were outside the historical control range, however under the conditions of this screening study no adverse effect was observed that could be linked to the reduction of total T4 and therefore this reduction was not taken into account when determining the parental NOAEL. In addition, the following effects were observed at 300 and/or 1000 mg/kg bw/day, which were considered non-adverse:
- A lower mean body weight gain was observed for males treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day from Day 22 of premating onwards, corresponding with a lower mean body weight at the end of the treatment period. As the food consumption of these animals was similar to concurrent control, this effect was considered as non-adverse.
- A few clinical pathology parameters were affected in males (platelets, alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), cholesterol (including HDL and LDL), bile acids and inorganic phosphate) and females (haematocrit, platelets and glucose) at 1000 mg/kg bw/day. For these parameters, mean values in this study exceeded the range of relevant historical control data. However, the changes observed in males and females were not associated with adverse anatomic pathology findings, remained within physiological ranges and/or were not observed at critically levels which would impair function (e.g. tissue oxygenation or resistance to infection). These changes were therefore regarded as nonadverse.
- Hepatocellular hypertrophy was recorded at minimal severity in 1000 mg/kg bw/day group males and was associated with higher liver weights. Since this finding was not accompanied by any other morphologic alteration indicating cell damage, it was considered non-adverse.
- In males treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day, lymphoid atrophy in the thymus was recorded at minimal severity and related with a lower thymus weight. At this low degree, these findings were considered non-adverse. In females treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day, an increased incidence and severity of (cystic) epithelial hyperplasia was noted in the thymus.
Reproductive and developmental results
No toxicologically relevant changes were noted in any of the reproductive or developmental parameters examined in this study after treatment with the test item up to 300 mg/kg bw/day.
In the group treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day, a decreased number of implantation sites and a low fertility index at was observed. Despite the absence of any changes in mating index, estrous cycle, precoital time, spermatogenic profiling and histopathology of reproductive organs, none of the couples treated at 1000 mg/kg bw/day was able to produce healthy offspring.
In addition, as the non-pregnancy of one female at 300 mg/kg bw/day was observed in combination with thymus findings and bone findings similar to the findings observed in females at 1000 mg/kg bw/day (but at a lower severity), it cannot be excluded that the findings in this female are related to the test item. However, as it concerned a single female the combination of the changes observed in this female at 300 mg/kg bw/day was considered nonadverse within the current study.
In conclusion, based on the results of this combined 90-day repeated dose toxicity study with the reproduction/developmental toxicity screening test, the following No Observed Adverse Effect Levels (NOAEL) for Piperonal or Heliotropine were established:
Parental NOAEL: 300 mg/kg bw/day (based on an adverse increase in trabecular bone in both sexes at 1000 mg/kg bw/day).
Reproduction NOAEL: 300 mg/kg bw/day (based on the absence of healthy offspring at 1000 mg/kg bw/day).
Developmental NOAEL: at least 300 mg/kg bw/day. Note: at 1000 mg/kg bw/day no litters were available for evaluation of post-natal development.
Information on Registered Substances comes from registration dossiers which have been assigned a registration number. The assignment of a registration number does however not guarantee that the information in the dossier is correct or that the dossier is compliant with Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (the REACH Regulation). This information has not been reviewed or verified by the Agency or any other authority. The content is subject to change without prior notice.
Reproduction or further distribution of this information may be subject to copyright protection. Use of the information without obtaining the permission from the owner(s) of the respective information might violate the rights of the owner.