[Mutagenic and gonadotoxic properties of trioxane and dioxolane].

The study was aimed at evaluation of the effects of trioxane and dioxolane on the fertility and frequency of dominant lethal mutations in germ cells of male rats. In the first experiment each test compound was administered per os at doses of 0,1 LD50 or 0,2 LD50 to male rats once a day, 5 days a week, throughout 8 weeks. During every week of treatment each male was mated with two females. In the second experiment, male rats exposed by inhalation 5 hours daily, 5 days a week, for 12 months, to trioxane or dioxolane at concentrations of 2500 mg/m3 were mated through one week with female rats in ratio 1:2. The autopsy of dams was carried out 13-14 days after the middle of mating intervals. No increase in the number of preimplantation losses, dead implants and alive fetuses per female was noted in any treated group as compared to an appropriate control group. The test noted in any treated group as compared to an appropriate control group. The test compounds did not affect the fertility of males, although in some rats treated with trioxane or dioxolane microscopic examination of testes revealed focal necrosis of seminiferous epithelium and alteration of spermatogenesis. The study did not reveal induced dominant lethal mutations in germ cells of male rats treated per os or by inhalation with trioxane or dioxolane.