Abstract: BACKGROUND AND AIM: To investige the effects of Di-n-butyl phthalate on the multiplication function of F0 and F1 pregnancy rats and on the development and reproductive system of F1 and F2 male pups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pregnant SD rats were randomly divided into three groups with two experimental groups and one control group. Animals were gavaged with either corn oil only (vehicle control) or DBP[50 mg/(kg•d),250 mg/(kg•d)] during GD8 and GD21. For breeding in two generations, we assessed the body weight, sex ratio of F0 and F1 pregnant rats. The body weight, anogenital distance, number and morphous of sperm, the histology of testis or epididymis of F1 and F2 male pups were also observed. RESULTS: Compared with control, the body weight gain during lactation of F1 pregnant rats were significantly increased at the dose of DBP 50 mg/(kg•d), but the anogenital distance were shorten in F2 female pups. After corrected by anogenital index(AGI), there are no significant differences. At the dose of DBP 250 mg/(kg•d), the body weight gain during lactation of F0 pregnant rats were significantly reduced. The anogenital index and the number of sperm of F1 male pups were also significantly reduced at this dose(P<0.05 or P<0.01). Moreover, the headed deformity rate of F1 and F2 male pups were also reduced significantly(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Treating with DBP in utero could interfere with the multiplication function of F0 and F1 pregnant rats, and give rise to the reproductive toxicities of F1 male rats, with potential influence on F2 male rats.

Key words: Di-n-butyl phthalate, multiplication, development, anogenital distance, semina deformity