Pre- and postimplantation embryotoxic effects of zinc dimethyldithiocarbamate (Ziram) in the rat.

Zinc dimethyldithiocarbamate (Ziram) was administered to pregnant CD rats by tube during the first 5 days of pregnancy (preimplantation study, 0, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) or during the organogenetic period (teratogenic study, 0, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg). All females were sacrificed on Day 21 of gestation. Their reproductive status was recorded and live fetuses were examined for external, visceral, and skeletal malformations. In the preimplantation study the only observed embryotoxic effect was a reduced fetal weight at 50 and 100 mg/kg dose level. The teratogenic study revealed a slight dismorphogenic effect of Ziram at 100 mg/kg; embryofetotoxic effects appeared at 25 mg/kg dose level and higher. Maternal toxicity was evident at all tested doses.