ADVERSE-EFFECTS OF PROPANIL ON PREGNANCY OUTCOME OF RATS

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of propanil, a haloge nic hydrocarbon herbicide, on pregnancy outcome of rats when exposed d uring early pregnancy (day 1 through day 3). Propanil was administered to pregnant rats orally in three different concentrations (350, 175 a nd 87.5 mg kg(-1)day(-1)) and several reproductive parameters were mon itored on day 14 of pregnancy (via laparotomy) and following birth. Th e mid and highest doses caused significant reductions in number of ute rine implants, implantation index, gestation index, litter index and n umber of pups born and an enhancement in number of dead implants, pre- and post-implantation losses and gestation length. Further, the corpo ra lutea of these rats, as compared to controls, was smaller and pinki sh in colour. In contrast, quantal pregnancy, cranio-cervical diameter of embryos, intra-embryonic distance and live birth index remained un altered. The treatment did not induce maternal toxicity (as reflected by weight, haematology, overt clinical signs or behavioural changes) o r changes in heart rate and blood pressure. The antigestational effect s appear to be mediated via enhanced ova transport and fetal deaths, p ossibly through impairment in oestrogen secretions. It is concluded th at propanil exposure during early gestation may lead to loss of pregna ncy in women.