Prenatal and postnatal assessment of Maneb-exposed CD-1 mice

Skeletons of CD-1 mice exposed in utero during days 6 to 15 of gestation by gavage of their dams with 1200 mg/kg/day of Maneb in 1.0% carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), were examined between 60 and 65 days postnatal (DPN) for the 88 variants of the skeletal variant assay system (SVAS). Of the 58 variants that appeared, 13 differed (P < 0.01) from untreated (UNTD), and 15 from vehicle-treated (VEH), despite absence of malformations at birth, weaning, or time of sacrifice. Major changes in frequencies of Parted Frontals, Abnormal Metoptic Roots, Reduced Articular Processes of the Thoracic (Th) Vertebrae, and Carpal Fusions occurred. Several variants affecting the Spinous Process of Th2 occurred in significant proportions as an unusual effect of this compound. In a series of 20 Maneb-treated litters dissected at 18 days post coitus (DPC), of 168 live fetuses, 9 had minor abnormalities, one was exencephalic, and 14 showed growth retardation. Prenatal mortality (20%) was higher than in UNTD (7.5%); litter size and litter weight were not significantly reduced. Ossification of cervical vertebral centra, and caudal vertebrae were significantly reduced, sternebra and limb ossification were not. Occurrence of 14-Ribs was increased. Although maternal mortality complicates interpretation, both traditional prenatal and postnatal examination focusing primarily on the skeleton revealed effects of exposure in the absence of frank malformations.