Effects of in Utero Di-butyltin Dilaurate Exposure in Rat on Pregnancy Outcome

Objective To study the effects of di-butyltin dilaurate (DBTD) exposure on pregnancy outcome in Wistar rat and evaluate it's effect on sexual development of fetuses. Methods Timed pregnancy rats were treated with corn oil or DBTD (10, 20, 30 mg/kg body weight) from days 12-19 of gestation. On gestational day (GD) 20, dams were sacrificed to investigate the pregnancy outcome. Results There was a downtrend in weight of dams on GD20 as the DBTD exposure dose increased. The weight of dam's utero significantly decreased in 30 mg/kg group. A significant decrease in fetal weights was observed in all DBTD groups, and fetal sizes in 20, 30 mg/kg groups. Exposure to DBTD from GD 12-19 resulted in a distinct increase in normalized anogenital distances in female fetuses, but no effects were seen in male ones. DBTD exposure did not result in external malformations, however, delayed ossification of fetal phalanges was observed in all DBTD treated groups. Dead fetuses and absorbed embryos were observed in 20, 30 mg/kg DBTD groups. Conclusion The results of the present paper show that DBTD exposure has some adverse effects on fetal development and may exert a masculinizing effect on female fetuses.