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Developmental toxicity of fungicide carbendazim in female mice
Amina Farag1, Hala Ebrahim, Reda ElMazoudy
1Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Pesticide, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Egypt. aminafarag2002@yahoo.com
Abstract:
This study investigated the developmental toxicity of carbendazim during the organogenesis period in mice. Mated CD-1 mice were administered carbendazim at dose levels 0, 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg/day by gavage. Body weights, weight gains, and feed consumption were significantly reduced in mice administered with 300 and 600 mg/kg/day. Carbendazim exposure increased maternal levels of cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose, protein, and creatinine; and reduced the levels of estradiol and progesterone in the 300- and 600-mg/kg/day groups. In addition, exposure to carbendazim significantly reduced the number of live fetuses and increased the number of dead and resorptions at the same dose levels. External, visceral, and skeleton malformations were observed in the 300- and 600-mg/kg/day. In conclusion, exposure of pregnant mice to carbendazim induced maternal and developmental toxicity at 300 and 600 mg/kg/day. 150 mg/kg/day carbendazim produced a very slight increase in postimplantation loss, which was within the range of historical controls, and no evidence of maternal toxicity.
Insights
Carbendazim exposure caused maternal and developmental toxicity in mice at high doses. Lower doses showed minimal effects, indicating a dose-dependent toxicity profile for this fungicide.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Developmental Biology
- Reproductive Toxicology
Background:
- Carbendazim is a widely used fungicide.
- Understanding its developmental toxicity is crucial for risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental toxicity of carbendazim during mouse organogenesis.
- To determine dose-response relationships for maternal and fetal effects.
Main Methods:
- Pregnant CD-1 mice were administered carbendazim (0, 150, 300, 600 mg/kg/day) via gavage during organogenesis.
- Maternal parameters (body weight, feed consumption, blood chemistry) and fetal outcomes (viability, malformations) were assessed.
Main Results:
- High carbendazim doses (300, 600 mg/kg/day) significantly reduced maternal weight gain and altered blood chemistry.
- These doses also increased fetal resorptions/deaths and induced external, visceral, and skeletal malformations.
- Lower dose (150 mg/kg/day) showed minimal effects within historical control ranges.
Conclusions:
- Carbendazim induces maternal and developmental toxicity in mice at 300 and 600 mg/kg/day.
- The fungicide poses risks to fetal development at higher exposure levels.
- A no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for developmental toxicity appears to be below 150 mg/kg/day.
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