1,2,3-Trichloropropane: a multisite carcinogen in rats and mice

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Carcinogenesis
• Chemical Safety

Background:

• 1,2,3-Trichloropropane (TCP) was selected for study due to potential human exposure.
• Positive in vitro genotoxicity and carcinogenicity of related chemicals informed the study's focus.
• National Toxicology Program (NTP) conducted comprehensive 2-year toxicology and carcinogenesis assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the toxicological and carcinogenic potential of 1,2,3-Trichloropropane in rodents.
• To determine dose-response relationships for TCP-induced neoplasms.
• To assess long-term health effects following chronic exposure.

Main Methods:

• F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice were administered 1,2,3-Trichloropropane (TCP) via oral gavage in corn oil, 5 days per week.
• Dose levels varied: rats received 0, 3, 10, or 30 mg/kg; mice received 0, 6, 20, or 60 mg/kg.
• Study durations were adjusted due to chemical-related neoplasms and reduced survival, with specific termination points for high-dose groups.

Main Results:

• 1,2,3-Trichloropropane (TCP) induced benign and malignant neoplasms at multiple sites in both rats and mice.
• Rats showed increased neoplasms in the oral mucosa, forestomach, kidney, pancreas, and preputial/clitoral glands.
• Mice developed neoplasms in the forestomach, liver, harderian gland, and uterus, with some oral mucosa malignancies.

Conclusions:

• 1,2,3-Trichloropropane (TCP) is a carcinogen in rats and mice, inducing a spectrum of tumors.
• The findings highlight the carcinogenic risk associated with TCP exposure.
• Results support concerns regarding human exposure to this genotoxic chemical.