Behavioural and developmental effects of butylated hydroxytoluene dosed to rats in utero and in the lactation period.

Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) 500 mg/kg body wt/day was given in the diet to Fo-rats from 6 weeks of age to weaning of the F1-generation (growth period to age 19 week, gestation period and lactation period) and subsequent to F1-animals until 21 days of age. Body weight of F0-animals was recorded, and the influence on the F1-generation was investigated applying crossfostering. Mortality, litter size, weight gain and some developmental events as well as tests for auditory and visual function and locomotor coordination in the F1-generation were recorded. The applied dose of BHT exerted a significant adverse effect on body weight in both F0 and F1-animals and on several developmental parameters in F1-animals. The effects arose during the lactation period.