Comparison of the teratogenic potential of inhaled ethylene glycol monomethyl ether in rats, mice, and rabbits

Studies to assess the effects of inhaled ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (EGME) on embryonal and fetal development were conducted on groups of Fischer 344 rats, CF-1 mice, and New Zealand White rabbits. Rabbits and rats were exposed to vapor concentrations of 0, 3, 10, or 50 ppm for 6 hr/day on Days 6 through 18, or Days 6 through 15 of gestation, respectively; mice were exposed to 0, 10, or 50 ppm on Days 6 through 15 of gestation. Exposure of pregnant rabbits to 50 ppm produced significant increases in the incidence of malformations, minor variations, and resorptions, as well as a decrease in fetal body weight. Rats and mice exposed to 50 ppm showed no evidence of a teratogenic effect, although indications of slight fetotoxicity were observed in both species. Transient decreases in maternal body weight gain among rats, mice, and rabbits exposed to 50 ppm were the only consistent signs of maternal effects. No significant treatment-related effects on fetal development were observed in any of the species tested at 10 ppm of EGME or below.