A two-generation reproductive toxicity study of the effects of tributyltin
chloride (TBTCl) was conducted in female rats using dietary concentrations
of 5, 25, and 125 ppm TRTCl. Reproductive outcomes of darns (number and bod
y weight of pups and the percentage or live pups) and the growth of female
pups (the day of eye opening and body weight gain) were significantly decre
ased in the 125 ppm TBTCl group. A delay in vaginal opening and impaired es
trous cyclicity were also observed in the 125 ppm TBTCl group. However, an
increase in anogenital distance was found in all TBTCl groups on postnatal
d 1. A dose-effect relationship was observed in TBTCl-induced changes in an
ogenital distance. These results indicate that the whole-life exposure to T
BTCl affects the sexual development and reproductive function of female rat
s. In addition, the TBTCl-induced increase in anogenital distance seems to
suggest it may exert a masculinizing effect on female neonates. However, th
e concentrations of TBTCl used in this study are not environmentally releva
nt.