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Updated: Mar 18, 2026
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Long-term Behavioral and Reproductive Consequences of Embryonic Exposure to Low-dose Toxicants
Published on: March 6, 2018
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Silver acetate exposure: Effects on reproduction and post natal development.
Robert L Sprando1, Thomas Black1, Zachary Keltner1
1Division of Toxicology, Office of Applied Research and Safety Assessment, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, United States Food and Drug Administration, Laurel, MD, United States.
Summary
Oral silver acetate exposure negatively impacted rat reproduction and pup development. High doses reduced fertility and litter size, while lower doses affected pup weight and growth, indicating potential developmental toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Reproductive Toxicology
- Developmental Toxicology
Background:
- Silver compounds are used in various applications, necessitating an understanding of their toxicological profiles.
- Reproductive and developmental effects of oral silver acetate exposure require thorough investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of oral silver acetate exposure on reproductive parameters and offspring development in Sprague Dawley rats.
- To determine dose-dependent toxicity and identify potential risks associated with silver acetate ingestion.
Main Methods:
- Male and female Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to silver acetate (0.4, 4.0, or 40.0 mg/kg bw) in drinking water for 10 weeks pre-mating, during mating, gestation, and lactation.
- Clinical signs, body weight, feed/fluid consumption, fertility, litter parameters, pup weight, and development were monitored.
Main Results:
- Decreased fluid consumption occurred in males and females at 40.0 mg/kg and in females during lactation at 4.0 mg/kg.
- Fertility was reduced, and implant and pup numbers decreased in the 40.0 mg/kg group.
- Pup weight was reduced, and runting was observed in offspring exposed to 4.0 and 40.0 mg/kg silver acetate.
Conclusions:
- Oral silver acetate exposure negatively impacts reproductive success and offspring development in rats.
- Developmental toxicity, including reduced pup weight and growth, was observed at doses of 4.0 and 40.0 mg/kg.
- These findings highlight potential risks associated with silver acetate exposure during critical developmental periods.
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