The effect of the time of administration of chromium trioxide on the embryotoxic response in hamsters

Abstract

Prior work has demonstrated that chromium trioxide is embryotoxic in hamsters if administered to pregnant animals early on the eighth gestation day. The major manifestations are cleft palate and an increased frequency of resorptions. In the present study a single iv dose (8 mg/kg) of chromium trioxide was injected into pregnant hamsters at 8 A.M. on either day 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11 of gestation in order to determine the effect of altering the time of treatment on embryotoxicity. Fetuses from females treated with chromium or demineralized-distilled water were collected on day 15 of gestation and were examined for the types and frequency of external and internal malformations. The number of resorption sites was recorded. Cleft palate, the major malformation detected, was produced only when chromium was administered on days 7, 8, or 9 of gestation. Since the frequency of resorptions and the incidence of cleft palate varied with the time of treatment it is concluded that the time at which chromium trioxide is injected into the pregnant hamster does influence embryotoxicity. The results suggest that an interference with embryonic growth may be an important factor in chromium-induced cleft palate in hamsters.

Reproductive and Developmental Toxicity of Metals: Female Reproductive System

“…Early embryonic development and placentation appears to be very sensitive to metals as indicated by increased resorption reported after exposure to lead, cadmium, chromium, nickel, selenium, lithium and copper (Gerber et a1., 1980;Nolen et a1., 1972;Gale and Bunch, 1979; Sundennan et a1., this volume).…”

“…This seems especially true because of the toxicity and carcinogenicity of chromium in other organs as well as its reported ability to alter the fidelity of DNA transcription (Leonard et al, 1982). Gale (1978) Gale and Bunch (1979) Iijina et al (1975 II. Epidemiologic Evidence in Humans: None fertility and spontaneous abortion Copper (Table 6): Most information available concerning the effects of copper on female reproduction has focused on implantation and intrauterine events.…”

Dugway Proving Ground: Closure Plan Module 2, for SWMUs 20, 164, 166 and 170

“…Exposure to chromium (III) or chromium (VI) compounds may result in developmental effects via the parenteral route, however. In studies by Gale (1978) and Gale and Bunch (1979), increased fetal death and an increase in external abnormalities were observed in hamsters treated by intravenous injection with Cr0 3 (chromium (VI)) on a single day of gestation. Matsumoto, et al, 1976 observed fetal weight depression and an increase in external abnormalities in the fetuses of mice treated intraperitoneally with CrCl 3 at 14.64-24.4 mg/kg chromium (III) on the eighth day of gestation.…”

Tooele Army Depot - South Area Suspected Releases Units RCRA Facility Investigation - Phase II for SWMUs 1, 25, and 37. Appendices: D-M

“…Exposure to chromium (III) or chromium (VI) compounds may result in developmental effects via the parenteral route, however. In studies by Gale (1978) and Gale and Bunch (1979), increased fetal death and an increase in external abnormalities were observed in hamsters treated by intravenous injection with Cr0 3 (chromium (VI)) on a single day of gestation. Matsumoto, et al, 1976 …”