Developmental toxicity evaluation of esterified propoxylated glycerol (EPG) administered in the diet to New Zealand white rabbits

Abstract

The safety of a “core” version of esterified propoxylated glycerols (EPGs) was assessed in a developmental toxicity study in New Zealand white rabbits, Hra:(NZW)SPF. Four groups each of 18 inseminated female rabbits received diets ad libitum containing concentrations of 0%, 2.5%, 5%, and 10% EPG (w/w) with 6% corn oil (w/w). No treatment-related effects were observed in any maternal toxicity parameter, including maternal body weight and weight gain, feed consumption, or clinical signs of toxicity. There were no statistically significant treatment-related effects in gestational parameters, including pre- and post-implantation loss, litter size, sex ratio, fetal body weight, and crown–rump length. The incidences of fetal external, visceral, and skeletal malformations or variations were also comparable across groups. A no-observable-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of 10% EPG (approximately 4.76g/kg bw/day) for both maternal and developmental toxicity is proposed based on the results of this study.