Effects of Atrazine Metabolites on Mammary Gland Development in Rats
Author Information
Author(s): Enoch Rolondo R., Stanko Jason P., Greiner Sara N., Youngblood Geri L., Rayner Jennifer L., Fenton Suzanne E.
Primary Institution: North Carolina Central University
Hypothesis
Does a mixture of atrazine metabolites cause developmental effects in Long-Evans rats following exposure late in pregnancy?
Conclusion
Acute exposure to atrazine metabolites during late pregnancy causes persistent alterations in mammary gland development of female offspring.
Supporting Evidence
- Maternal weight gain was significantly reduced during the dosing period after ATR-only exposure.
- Female offspring prenatally exposed to 100 mg ATR/kg bw were not statistically different in body weight from control pups.
- Delayed mammary gland development was observed as early as postnatal day 4 in all treatment groups.
Takeaway
When pregnant rats were given a mix of chemicals from a common herbicide, their baby girls had problems with breast development that lasted into adulthood.
Methodology
Pregnant Long-Evans rats were given a mixture of atrazine metabolites at various doses during gestation days 15-19, and mammary gland development was assessed.
Limitations
The study focused only on female Long-Evans rats, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other species or genders.
Participant Demographics
Timed-pregnant Long-Evans rats, aged 9-15 weeks.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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