Effects of piperonyl butoxide on F1 generation mice.

Piperonyl butoxide (PB), used in Japan as a pesticide synergist and food additive, was administered to mice from 5 weeks of age in the F0 generation to 9 weeks of age in the F1 generation, in the diet at levels of 0 (control), 0.15, 0.30 and 0.60%, and some reproductive, developmental and behavioral parameters were measured. Some parameters of open field activity were reduced in the treatment groups; in particular, ambulation and rearing were significantly reduced in F0 generation male mice and in 3-week-old F1 generation male mice. The weight of the pups was significantly reduced and litter weight tended to be reduced in the treatment groups. Body weight of dosed pups was reduced in the lactation period. Of the developmental parameters, olfactory orientation was significantly reduced as compared to controls. The dose levels of PB in this study, therefore, had an effect on some reproductive, developmental and behavioral parameters in mice.