PURIFIED METHOXYCHLOR STIMULATES THE REPRODUCTIVE-TRACT IN IMMATURE FEMALE MICE

Methoxychlor is an estrogenic pesticide currently used as a substitute for DDT. The estrogenic effects of 98% pure methoxychlor or base-wash ed pure methoxychlor were examined on reproductive organs of immature mice and compared to control and estradiol-treated mice. Within 24 hou rs of birth, neonatal mice received 14 daily intraperitoneal injection s of one of the following chemicals: sesame oil only, 10.0 mu g of 17- beta estradiol, or 0.05 mg, 0.5 mg, or 1.0 mg of 98% pure methoxychlor , or 1.0 mg base-washed 98% pure methoxychlor. Equal doses (1.0 mg) of 98% pure or base-washed methoxychlor stimulated the reproductive orga ns of immature females such that the effects closely resembled those s een after estradiol treatments. In comparison to control mice, these p esticide treatments also induced precocious vaginal opening, persisten t vaginal cornification, increased reproductive tract weights, and epi thelial hypertrophy in both the vagina and uterus. However, only estra diol treatments significantly elevated albumin levels in the uterine f luid of the immature mice while the highest methoxychlor doses signifi cantly increased the uterine cell heights when compared to all other g roups.