Related Experiment Videos
Perinatal toxicity associated with nickel chloride exposure
M K Smith1, E L George, J A Stober
1Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268.
Environmental Research
|May 1, 1993
Summary
Soluble nickel chloride exposure in pregnant rats significantly increased perinatal pup mortality, especially at higher doses. The lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL) for nickel chloride was determined to be 10 ppm.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Developmental Toxicology
- Reproductive Toxicology
Background:
- Soluble nickel salts are suspected developmental toxicants.
- Understanding nickel's impact on reproduction and development is crucial for risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental and reproductive effects of nickel chloride in Long-Evans rats.
- To determine the lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL) for nickel chloride exposure.
Main Methods:
- Female rats were exposed to nickel chloride (0, 10, 50, 250 ppm) before and during gestation and lactation.
- Pup development, birth weight, weight gain, and perinatal mortality were monitored.
- Maternal food/water intake, weight gain, and pup prolactin levels were assessed.
Main Results:
- Maternal weight gain and fluid intake were reduced at higher nickel doses.
- Pup birth weight was unaffected, but male pup weight gain decreased at 50 ppm during lactation.
- Perinatal pup mortality significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner, particularly at 10 and 250 ppm in the second lactation period.
Conclusions:
- Nickel chloride exposure, even at low doses (10 ppm), leads to adverse developmental effects, primarily increased perinatal pup mortality.
- The LOAEL for nickel chloride in this rat model is 10 ppm.
- Nickel exposure poses a risk to offspring development during critical gestation and lactation periods.