Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 1, 2026
05:44
In vitro Cell Culture Model for Toxic Inhaled Chemical Testing
Published on: May 8, 2014
Inhalation teratology and reproduction studies with 1,1-dichloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane (HCFC-123)
G Malinverno1, G M Rusch, R J Millischer
1Ausimont CRS, Via San Pietro 50, Bollate, 20021, Italy.
Summary
Hydrochlorofluorocarbon 123 (HCFC 123) did not cause reproductive harm in rabbits or rats, despite some effects on offspring body weight gain during lactation. Further studies confirmed no adverse reproductive outcomes in animal models.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Reproductive Toxicology
- Environmental Chemistry
Background:
- Hydrochlorofluorocarbon 123 (HCFC 123) is a candidate replacement for chlorofluorocarbon 11 (CFC 11) in refrigerants and solvents.
- Previous rat teratology studies necessitated further investigation into HCFC 123's reproductive and developmental toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the teratogenic effects of HCFC 123 in rabbits via inhalation.
- To assess the reproductive toxicity of HCFC 123 in rats through one- and two-generation inhalation studies.
Main Methods:
- Rabbit teratology study: Pregnant rabbits exposed to 0, 500, 1500, or 5000 ppm HCFC 123 (6 hr/day, Days 6-18 gestation).
- Rat one-generation study: Rats exposed to 0, 300, 1000, or 5000 ppm HCFC 123 (6 hr/day, 7 days/week) from pre-mating through weaning.
- Rat two-generation study: Rats exposed to 0, 30, 100, 300, or 1000 ppm HCFC 123 (6 hr/day, 7 days/week) from 6 weeks of age through weaning of two generations.
Main Results:
- In rabbits, maternal weight loss and reduced food consumption occurred at higher HCFC 123 exposure levels, but no teratogenic effects were observed in kits.
- In rats, HCFC 123 exposure did not impact mating, fertility, pup survival, or birth weight across one- and two-generation studies.
- Offspring body weight gain during lactation was reduced in a dose-dependent manner in the two-generation study, potentially linked to decreased serum triglycerides; adult rats showed increased liver weights and hepatic changes at higher concentrations.
Conclusions:
- HCFC 123 exposure did not induce reproductive or teratogenic effects in the studied animal models.
- Transient decreases in offspring body weight gain during lactation were observed, possibly related to metabolic changes.
- Hepatic effects (enlargement, vacuolation) were noted in adult rats at higher HCFC 123 exposure levels.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
02:45Alkyl Halides
Structural Properties
Alkyl halides are halogen-substituted alkanes wherein one or more hydrogen atoms of an alkane is replaced by a halogen atom such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine. The carbon atom in an alkyl halide is bonded to the halogen atom, which is sp3-hybridized and exhibits a tetrahedral shape.
Unlike alkyl halides, compounds in which a halogen atom is bonded to an sp2 -hybridized carbon atom of a carbon-carbon double bond (C=C) are called vinyl halides. Whereas aryl...
Alkyl halides are halogen-substituted alkanes wherein one or more hydrogen atoms of an alkane is replaced by a halogen atom such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine. The carbon atom in an alkyl halide is bonded to the halogen atom, which is sp3-hybridized and exhibits a tetrahedral shape.
Unlike alkyl halides, compounds in which a halogen atom is bonded to an sp2 -hybridized carbon atom of a carbon-carbon double bond (C=C) are called vinyl halides. Whereas aryl...
02:46Halogenation of Alkenes
Halogenation is the addition of chlorine or bromine across the double bond in an alkene to yield a vicinal dihalide. The reaction occurs in the presence of inert and non-nucleophilic solvents, such as methylene chloride, chloroform, or carbon tetrachloride.
Consider the bromination of cyclopentene. Molecular bromine is polarized in the proximity of the π electrons of cyclopentene. An electrophilic bromine atom adds across the double bond, forming a cyclic bromonium ion intermediate.
Consider the bromination of cyclopentene. Molecular bromine is polarized in the proximity of the π electrons of cyclopentene. An electrophilic bromine atom adds across the double bond, forming a cyclic bromonium ion intermediate.
01:27Radical Substitution: Halogenation of Alkanes and Alkyl Substituents
In the presence of heat or light, alkanes react with molecular halogens to form alkyl halides by a substitution reaction called radical halogenation. This reaction has three steps: initiation, propagation, and termination, as seen in the radical chlorination of methane to produce methyl chloride.
In the initiation step of the reaction, the chlorine molecule undergoes homolytic cleavage in the presence of light or heat, forming two highly reactive chlorine radicals. Propagation occurs in two...
In the initiation step of the reaction, the chlorine molecule undergoes homolytic cleavage in the presence of light or heat, forming two highly reactive chlorine radicals. Propagation occurs in two...
01:26Radical Substitution: Hydrogenolysis of Alkyl Halides with Tributyltin Hydride
Radical substitution reactions can be used to remove functional groups from molecules. The hydrogenolysis of alkyl halides is one such reaction, where the weak Sn–H bond in tributyltin hydride reacts with alkyl halides to form alkanes. Here, the reagent Bu3SnH yields tributyltin halide as a byproduct.
The bonds formed in this reaction are stronger than the bonds broken, making it energetically favorable. The reaction follows a radical chain mechanism similar to radical halogenation reactions,...
The bonds formed in this reaction are stronger than the bonds broken, making it energetically favorable. The reaction follows a radical chain mechanism similar to radical halogenation reactions,...
01:07Teratogenicity
The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
01:23Toxicity Testing in Animals
Toxicity tests in animals are grounded on two main assumptions: first, the effects observed in laboratory animals can be extrapolated to humans, especially when adjusted for body surface area; second, high-dose exposure in animals is essential to identify potential human hazards from lower doses. This is based on the quantal dose-response concept, which faces the challenge of extrapolating results from relatively few test animals to much larger human populations. For example, a 0.01% incidence...