Teratogenicity of di-n-butyltin dichloride in rats.

Pregnant rats were given di-n-butyltin dichloride (DBT) by gastric intubation at a dose of 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 or 10.0 mg/kg on days 7-15 of pregnancy. Maternal toxicity occurred in the 7.5 and 10.0 mg/kg groups as evidenced by a significant increase in maternal death and decrease in food consumption and body weight gain. The incidence of fetuses with malformations was roughly proportional to the dose of DBT, and was significantly increased in the 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 mg/kg groups. Cleft jaw, ankyloglossia, defects of the mandible, fusion of the ribs and deformity of the vertebral column were predominantly found. It is concluded that DBT produced teratogenic effects in the absence of maternal toxicity.