Technical Xylene Induces Maternal Toxicity Associated with Organ Inflammation during Preimplantation Stage in Pregnant Sprague-Dawley Rats

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Toxicity data that focus on the exposure within the range of allowable human limits of technical xylene (dimethylbenzene) on the female reproductive system and prenatal development are rarely updated. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the outcomes of maternal exposure to technical xylene during the preimplantation period in pregnant rats. Materials and Methods: Timed-pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 36) were exposed to 0 (0 mg/kg), 100 (0.172 mg/kg), 500 (0.86 mg/kg), and 1000 (1.72 mg/kg) parts per million (ppm) of technical xylene via intraperitoneal injection from gestational day (GD) 1 to GD3. Clinical signs, maternal weight gain, and food intake were monitored daily. On GD5, the females were sacrificed to assess the early implantations and other reproductive parameters. Results: Technical xylene caused significant decreases in the number of implantation sites, maternal body weight gain, and food intake at a concentration of 1000 ppm. Significant increases in the serum total protein and potassium were also observed. Although there was no difference in the relative organ weights, increases in the uterus and liver weights were observed. Histological examination revealed systemic inflammatory changes in the uterus, liver, lungs, and kidney from all treated groups. Discussion and Conclusion: This study suggested that technical xylene causes maternal and prenatal toxicities associated with organ inflammation when exposed at the early gestational phase. Further studies of xylene toxicity at different stages of pregnancy are required to improve safety guidelines for technical xylene exposure.