The effect of Aroclor 1254 (PCB) on the physiology of reproduction in the female rat--I.
Daily oral exposure of rats to 30 mg/kg of Aroclor 1254 for 1 month caused deleterious effects on the reproductive process, which were reflected in a decrease in the reproductive potential. The following disturbances were observed: prolongation of the estrous cycle; decrease in sexual receptivity; delay in timing of copulation; vaginal bleeding during gestation; decrease in litter size and delay in the time of parturition. The offspring, whether exposed to PCBs either prenatally and/or postnatally, showed a slower rate of body weight gain than controls. This was accompanied by high mortality until weaning of treated pups. Vaginal opening in the PCB-treated (as young) females occurred precociously, while other reproductive parameters were not affected at adulthood. Discontinuance of PCB treatment reversed the above symptoms.
D000818:Animals; D001140:Aroclors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D020111:Chlorodiphenyl (54% Chlorine); D004971:Estrus / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D008425:Maternal Behavior; D010060:Ovulation / Q000187:drug effects; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011270:Pregnancy, Animal / Q000187:drug effects; D051381:Rats / Q000502:physiology*; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012098:Reproduction / Q000187:drug effects*; D012741:Sexual Maturation / Q000187:drug effects
D001140:Aroclors; D020111:Chlorodiphenyl (54% Chlorine); D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls