Quantitative analysis of hepatocellular lesions induced by di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate in F-344 rats.

Abstract

Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), a peroxisome proliferator, has been shown to be a weak hepatocarcinogen in rats and mice. However, in previous studies no quantitative analysis of tumors was carried out. In the present study, F-344 male rats were given a diet containing 2% DEHP ad libitum for 108 wk. At necropsy livers were quantitatively analyzed for total tumor incidence and the number of lesions per liver after slicing the entire organ at 1- to 2-mm intervals. Neoplastic nodules and/or hepatocellular carcinomas were observed in 11 of 14 rats (78.5%). When evaluated according to the size, 57, 16, and 36% rats contained nodules ranging from 1 to 3, 3 to 5, and greater than 5 mm in size, respectively. The number of nodules per liver ranged from zero to four. These results indicate that DEHP induces tumors in a large number of animals at 2% dose levels. It is clear from this study that when a weak peroxisome proliferator is evaluated for carcinogenic effects, a complete and thorough gross examination of the liver is essential to obtain accurate tumor incidence.

• Authors: M S Rao, A V Yeldandi, V Subbarao
• Journal: Journal of toxicology and environmental health (J Toxicol Environ Health) Vol. 30 Issue 2 Pg. 85-9 (Jun 1990) ISSN: 0098-4108 [Print] United States
• PMID: 2355402 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Fibric Acids
• Phthalic Acids
• Clofibric Acid
• Diethylhexyl Phthalate
• ciprofibrate

Topics

• Animals
• Body Weight (drug effects)
• Clofibric Acid (analogs & derivatives, toxicity)
• Diet
• Diethylhexyl Phthalate (administration & dosage, toxicity)
• Fibric Acids
• Liver Neoplasms, Experimental (chemically induced, pathology)
• Male
• Organ Size (drug effects)
• Phthalic Acids (toxicity)
• Rats
• Rats, Inbred F344