1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA), proposed as a formaldehyde substitute in the treatment of permanent press fabrics, was evaluated for developmental toxicity. Timed-mated CD rats (25 per group) received BTCA 250, 500, or 1000 mg/kg/day or vehicle (deionized/distilled water) by gavage on gestational days (gd) 6 through 19. Maternal feed and water consumption, body weight, and clinical signs were monitored throughout gestation. At termination (gd 20), confirmed-pregnant females (21 to 25 per group) were evaluated for clinical status and gestational outcome; live fetuses were examined for external, visceral, and skeletal malformations. One maternal death, reduced body weight, and reduced weight gain were noted at the high dose; confirmed pregnancy rates were 84 to 100% for each group. There were no treatment-related effects on fetal growth, survival, or morphologic development. The maternal toxicity NOAEL and LOAEL are 500 and 1000 mg/kg/day, respectively. The developmental toxicity NOAEL is 1000 mg/kg/day, and the LOAEL was not established in this study. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.
