Evaluation of the potential teratogenicity of FD & C Blue No. 2 in rats and rabbits

Charles River CD rats (20 pregnant rats/group) received by gavage on days 6-15 of gestation 0.5% Methocel (controls, A, B and C), retinoic acid at 7.5 mg/kg/day or FD & C Blue No. 2 in doses of 25, 75 or 250 mg/kg/day. Pregnant Dutch belted rabbits (ten pregnant does/group) received by gavage on days 6-18 of gestation 0.5% Methocel (controls A, B and C), thalidomide at 150 mg/kg/day or FD & C Blue No. 2 in doses of 25, 75 or 250 mg/kg/day. All animals were observed twice daily during gestation for signs of toxicity. The animals were killed 1 day before term and appropriate maternal and foetal parameters were evaluated. There were no consistent, significant compound-related adverse effects on any of these parameters. Foetal malformations occurred in both positive control groups. Under the conditions of this study, FD & C Blue No. 2 did not exert any teratogenicity or other developmental toxicity in either rats or rabbits.