Evaluation of di-n-butyl phthalate reproductive toxicity in pregnant rats and their offspring and assessment of vitamin E administration in reducing toxicity

Phthalates are environmental contaminants mostly used as plasticizers and additives in different products. Having endocrine-disrupting properties, phthalates are known as potential reproductive toxicants. The present study was conducted to evaluate the reproductive toxicity of di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) in pregnant rats and their offspring and also to assess the ability of vitamin E in the elimination or reducing reproductive toxicity of DBP. Sixty-six pregnant Wistar rats were exposed to ۱۰۰, ۵۰۰ or ۱,۰۰۰ mg kg-۱ per day DBP or ۵۰۰ mg kg-۱ per day DBP along with ۱۰۰ mg kg-۱ per day vitamin E during gestation. After delivery, they were divided into two groups. In one group gavage was finished after litter while in the other DBP administration was continued till weaning. The results showed that DBP affected many aspects of reproductive performance in pregnant rats and their offspring. It could be suggested that vitamin E could ameliorate the adverse effects of DBP, especially in male pups.

Keywords:

Di-n-Butyl Phthalate , Pregnancy , Rat , Vitamin E , Reproductive toxicity