EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTS OF METHANOL DURING EARLY-PREGNANCY IN THE RAT

Recent attention to methanol (MeOH) as a potential alternative fuel pr ompted an evaluation of the chemical's effects during early pregnancy. Rats were dosed by gavage during Days 1-8 of pregnancy at 0, 1.6, 2.4 , or 3.2 g MeOH/kg/day. Groups of animals were killed on Days 9, 11, o r 20 of pregnancy, and maternal, embryonic, or fetal parameters were a ssessed, depending on the stage of pregnancy. The decidual cell respon se (DCR) technique was also applied to rats treated with MeOH during p seudopregnancy. Reductions in pregnant uterine and implantation site w eights seen on Day 9 are the result of MeOH impedance of normal decidu alization, as demonstrated by effects on the DCR. An increase in the e xtravasation of blood at implantation sites seen on Day 9 did not resu lt in an increase in resorptions by Day 20. The 3.2 g/kg/day dose of M eOH produced a reduction in body weight gain by Day 9, which may be co nsidered an indication of non-pecific maternal toxicity. No effect on Day 11 or Day 20 embryo-fetal survival, or development was observed.