The effect of chloroform on fertility and reproduction in Swiss CD-l mice was evaluated by use of a Continuous Breeding protocol. Chloroform was administered via gavage using corn oil as the vehicle. Based on a 14-day, dose-finding study, 8, 20, and 50 mg/kg b.wt. were chosen to test its effect on fertility and reproduction. Based on the reference analyses of representative aliquots of dosing solution, it was estimated that the actual doses received were 6.6, 16, and 41 mg/kg b.wt. in the low, mid and high dose groups, respectively. Both male and female mice (20 pairs per treatment group, 40 pairs for control animals) were dosed daily for 7 days prior to and during a 98-day cohabitation period. The F1 generation from the control and high dose groups was also evaluated. At the high dose, chloroform treatment had no apparent effect on fertility or reproduction in either parental (F0) or F1 generation. F1 generation males in the high dose group showed significantly increased epididymal weights and degeneration of epididymal ductal epithelium. However, epididymal sperm motility, sperm count and sperm morphology were not affected. F1 females in the high dose group showed increased liver weight and there were signs of hepatocellular degeneration. It is concluded that chloroform is not a selective reproductive toxicant in Swiss CD-1 mice.
NTIS # PB89148639