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Subchronic inhalation toxicity of diglyme
R Valentine1, A J O'Neill, K P Lee
1DuPont Haskell Laboratory for Toxicology and Industrial Medicine, Newark, DE 19714, USA.
Summary
Diglyme inhalation caused male reproductive toxicity and hematopoietic changes in rats. Female rats showed a no-observed-effect level (NOEL) at 370 ppm, but males did not, indicating significant reproductive risks.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Diglyme (1,1'-oxybis(2-methoxyethane)) is a glycol ether organic solvent.
- Glycol ethers are known for potential reproductive and developmental toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the sub-chronic inhalation toxicity of diglyme.
- To determine the no-observed-effect level (NOEL) for diglyme exposure in rats.
- To compare the reproductive toxicity of diglyme with 2-methoxyethanol.
Main Methods:
- Rats (male and female) were exposed via nose-only inhalation to diglyme (0, 110, 370, 1100 ppm) for 2 weeks.
- Hematological, clinical chemical, and histopathological parameters were evaluated at various time points, including recovery periods.
- 2-methoxyethanol was used as a positive control at 300 ppm.
Main Results:
- Diglyme exposure caused dose-related hematological and histopathological changes in both sexes.
- Significant testicular, seminal vesicle, epididymis, and prostate injury was observed in male rats.
- Hematopoietic system alterations were noted in both male and female rats; recovery occurred by 84 days.
- The NOEL for female rats was 370 ppm; no NOEL was established for males due to reproductive effects.
Conclusions:
- Diglyme exhibits significant reproductive toxicity in male rats following inhalation exposure.
- Hematopoietic system effects were observed in both sexes, with some recovery noted.
- The NOEL for female rats indicates a threshold for toxicity, but male reproductive organs were affected at all tested concentrations.