Neuromotor function in rats during subchronic dietary exposure to triphenyl phosphate

The possibility that dietary exposure to triphenyl phosphate (TPP) may result in detectable neuromotor dysfunction was investigated. Young male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed diets containing TPP at levels of 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 or 1.0% for 4 months. At approximately monthly intervals, a battery of behavioral tests was administered to assess different facets of neuromotor function including motility, balance, coordination and muscular strength. Treatment-related decrements in growth, in the absence of changes in food consumption, were found at all dietary levels above 0.25%. However, none of the behavioral measures used in this study were affected by the dietary treatment. It was concluded that there is no evidence of neuromotor toxicity following subchronic dietary exposure to TPP in the rat.