Developmental toxicity evaluation of piperonyl butoxide in CD-1 mice.

Piperonyl butoxide was administered to pregnant mice by gavage at a level of 0 (control), 1065, 1385 and 1800 mg/kg body weight only on day 9 of gestation. The animals were sacrificed on day 18 of gestation. Early and late foetal deaths were significantly increased in the higher dose groups and those effects were significantly dose-related. The average body weights of male and female foetuses were significantly reduced in a dose-related fashion. The external malformation of oligodactyly in forelimbs was significantly increased in higher treatment groups in a dose-related manner. The dose levels of piperonyl butoxide in the present study produced adverse effects on developmental parameters.