Embryotoxicity and Fertility Study with Halothane Subanesthetic Concentration in Rats

Abstract

The effect of 9 ppm halothane, a subanesthetic concentration, was studied on the reproductive ability and pregnancy outcome in white rats. Pregnant females were exposed for 4 h per day during the whole gestation period. Male animals were subjected to halothane inhalation for 4 h daily, 5 days per week for 6 or 8 months. In the exposed females higher rates were established for early interruption of pregnancy (all implants dead) and for embryonic death in the later periods of intrauterine life compared to controls. Deciduomata were found in 22.22% (P less than 0.05) of pregnant treated females. Control females mated to exposed males showed a higher incidence of preimplantation loss (36.36% (P less than 0.05) of those mated with males exposed for 6 months had deciduomata). Decreased fertility in males, expressed particularly in the 8-month treated group, was also demonstrated (13.33% inseminated females, compared to 35% in the control group).

Chemical Risk in Hospital Settings: Overview on Monitoring Strategies and International Regulatory Aspects

“…reported fetal resorption in rats even at very low concentrations (9 ppm). 60 Several bio-monitoring studies have suggested the existence of a strong relationship between exposure to halogenated anesthetic gases and the risk of genotoxicity for surgery room staff. It has been observed that nitric oxide can interfere with vitamin B12 and irreversibly deactivate methionine synthase in CNS.…”

Atmospheric pollution in cardiac operating rooms

“…[ 7 8 9 ] Animal studies reported teratogenicity and fetal death following exposure, with even fetal death reported after 9 ppm exposure in a case. [ 10 11 ] Blokker-Veldhuis et al . have recently expressed concern about the potential effects of occupational exposure although the data on adverse health responses still remain inconclusive.…”