Concordance across species in the reproductive and developmental toxicity of tetrachloroethylene

Reproductive and developmental toxicities resulting from exposure to tetrachloroethylene include delayed or impaired conception, sperm quality, death during development, developmental neurotoxicity, and growth retardation. In most cases there was concordance between rodents and humans. The risk assessments indicated that neurotoxicity was the most sensitive endpoint for inhalation, whereas growth retardation was the most sensitive endpoint when exposure was by the oral route. The reference concentration (RfC) of 0.01 ppm was based on neurotoxicity among human subjects. The reference dose (RfD) of 0.0006 mg/kg per day was based on small for gestation age infants. In both cases, studies in rodents supported the credibility of these assessments. For the RfD, similar findings for other trihalomethanes have been reported. The latter part of pregnancy and early life may constitute a susceptible period for alterations leading to behavioral deficits. During this period, the capacity to metabolize tetrachloroethylene is reduced and may further contribute to the sensitivity during this phase of development. Studies suggest that an effect on dopamine metabolism is a plausible mode of action for some types of neurotoxicity. In addition, it has been suggested that this alteration may affect reproductive integrity by influencing prolactin levels.