A three-generation reproduction study on polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR) in Wistar rats

A series of toxicology studies were conducted in the 1950s and 1960s to investigate the toxicity of ADMUL WOL, a brand of polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR). Included as part of these investigations was a three-generation reproduction study in rats. The control rats received a commercial pelletted stock diet and the treated rats were given the same diet ground with 1.5% (w/w) PGPR. A continuous breeding protocol was adopted, in which the breeding pairs were maintained until the female had produced five litters or when it became evident that breeding had ceased. The main focus of the study design was to observe any effect on breeding. The parameters measured in each of the three generations included number of litters per dam, average litter size, average weaning weights of males and females, litters per group showing 100% survival and total survival (%) at day 21. Growth was normal throughout the three generations and there were no deaths or clinical signs associated with the consumption of PGPR. The only significant change in breeding performance was a reduction in the percentage of animals weaned in the second generation, but as this occurred in the control group to a similar extent it was concluded that this was due to an unknown environmental factor and was not treatment related. A histological examination of selected tissues from those rats continued for 1 year failed to show any lesions which could be ascribed to the consumption of PGPR. In conclusion, rats fed 1.5% (w/w) PGPR showed no evidence of a cumulative effect on breeding performance over three generations.