CHROMIUM FETOTOXICITY IN MICE DURING LATE PREGNANCY

Female mice received 250, 500 or 750 ppm chromium (VI) as potassium di chromate in drinking water on days 14 to 19 of pregnancy. Gestational weight gain of mothers, fetal weight and crown-rump length decreased i n the 500 and 750 ppm groups. The high-dose group also had significant ly higher incidences of post-implantation loss. Significant increases in drooping wrists, subdermal hemorrhagic patches, kinky and short tai ls, and reduced ossification were also found in the 750 ppm group. Chr omium levels were increased in a dose-dependent manner in maternal blo od and placenta and in fetuses. Our study suggests a risk to the devel oping fetus if the mother is exposed to high concentrations of chromiu m (VI) during pregnancy.