A limited developmental toxicity study of pentane by inhalation in the rat

Pentane (CAS No. 109-66-0) is a widely-used chemical that finds many indust rial applications. As part of a program looking at the inhalation toxicity of pentane, we studied the potential effects of the chemical on the develop ing embryo. This communication reports the findings of a limited study whic h was used to determine whether a full-scale developmental toxicity study w as necessary. Groups of 7 to 8 pregnant rats were exposed by inhalation to pentane, 6 hr/day from gestation days 6 through 15 at concentrations of 0 ( control), 1000, 3000 and 10,000 ppm, Maternal body weights, clinical signs and food consumption were measured; foetuses were weighed and examined for gross external development. Skeletal and internal organ evaluations were no t performed. There were no effects in either the maternal or fetal rats (at concentrations up to and including 10,000 ppm) that could be associated wi th pentane exposure. Based on those findings, we did not conduct a full-spe ctrum developmental toxicity study in rats, but concluded that it is unlike ly that the foetus would be adversely affected by pentane exposure. (C) 199 9 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.