Carcinogenicity study with epichlorohydrin (CEP) by gavage in rats

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Carcinogenesis
• Gastrointestinal Pathology

Background:

• Epichlorohydrin is a reactive epoxide used in various industrial processes.
• Understanding its long-term toxicological effects, particularly carcinogenicity, is crucial for occupational safety and risk assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the chronic toxicity and carcinogenicity of epichlorohydrin in Wistar rats.
• To determine dose-response relationships for epichlorohydrin-induced tumors.

Main Methods:

• Weanling Wistar rats (both sexes) were administered epichlorohydrin (0, 2, 10 mg/kg) via gastric intubation, 5 times weekly for 2 years.
• Mortality, body weight, and hematology were monitored. Histopathological examination focused on tumor incidence, particularly in the forestomach.

Main Results:

• A slight, dose-related increase in mortality and decrease in body weight gain were noted in males.
• High incidence of low-grade squamous cell carcinomas in the forestomach of rats exposed to 10 mg/kg epichlorohydrin (100% females, 81% males).
• Lower incidence of forestomach tumors observed in the 2 mg/kg group (7% females, 14% males); no tumors in controls. Other tumor types were not treatment-related.

Conclusions:

• Epichlorohydrin is a forestomach carcinogen in Wistar rats, with a clear dose-dependent effect.
• The study highlights the carcinogenic potential of epichlorohydrin, necessitating careful handling and exposure limits.