[Effect of vulcanizing accelerants on embryolethality in rats]

Embryonal lethality (EL) in rats was examined after administration of the rubber accelerators (RA), captax, altax, santocure, santocure-mor and thiurams D and E. Administration of RA to non-pregnant females caused the increase in the estrous cycle and diminished the rate of conception. The total EL increased after administering all the RA, while the postimplantation one only after altax administration. The index of altax mutagenicity is comparable with those of cancerogens or alkylating agents. Administration of RA to pregnant females leads to the increase in the total EL, with altax being the single agent that produces the rise in all the types of lethality. Inhibition of reproduction function of white rats is a consequence of mutagenic, embryotic and gonadotropic actions of RA, with altax being found the most active agent.