[Teratogenicity study of morpholine salts of fatty acids (oleic acid, 50% water solution) in rats by oral...

Teratogenicity of morpholine salts of fatty acids was examined in Wistar rats (Crj: Wistar). Morpholine salts of fatty acids (oleic acid, 50% water solution) was given to pregnant rats by gavage once a day from day 6 through day 15 of pregnancy at doses of 0, 234, 468 and 936 mg/kg/day. The pregnant rats were sacrificed on day 20 of pregnancy and their fetuses were examined for malformation. Morpholine salts of fatty acids caused nasal discharge, dirty nose and salivation in pregnant rats at doses from 234 mg/kg/day. However, fetal effects, such as malformation and growth retardation, were not observed even at 936 mg/kg. It was concluded that morpholine salts of fatty acids has no teratogenicity in rats when given by oral administration. The no-observed-adverse-effect level was 936 mg/kg/day for rat fetuses and less than 234 mg/kg/day for pregnant rats.