Carbon disulphide tetratogenicity and postnatal effects in rat

Pregnant albino rats were exposed to carbon disulphide vapour in concentrations of 50, 100 or 200 $\text{mg}\text{m}{}^3$throughout gestation. Two successive generations (F₁ and F₂) were studied.Concentration levels of 100 and 200 $\text{mg}\text{m}{}^3$ produced marked dose-related impairment in the prenatal development of the F₁ progeny, with increase of early embryonal lethality, reduction in foetal weight and a high incidence of malformations affecting mostly the brain and limbs. Postnatal viability, body weight, lipid and energy metabolism and behaviour were also impaired. Behavioral deviations were observed even at 50 $\text{mg}\text{m}{}^3$.After reaching sexual maturity the F₁ rats were mated within their experimental groups, but no further carbon disulphide exposure was applied. The adverse effects on progeny were still detectable in the F₂ generation. Structural abnormalities of the same type as those found in the F₁ at 100 and 200 $\text{mg}\text{m}{}^3$ exposure were observed in their progeny and, postnatally, statistically significant behavioral changes were observed in the progeny of all test groups.