Evaluation of the teratogenic potential of three aliphatic nitriles in the rat.

Acetonitrile (ACN), adiponitrile (ADN), and propionitrile (PN), were evaluated for embryotoxic and teratogenic potential in rats. Mated Sprague-Dawley rats were administered one of the three nitriles by gavage on gestation Days 6-19, inclusive. Daily dosage levels (mg/kg body wt) were: ACN at 0, 125, 190, and 275; ADN at 0, 20, 40, and 80; PN at 0, 20, 40, and 80. There was evidence of maternal toxicity in each of the high dose groups treated with ACN, ADN, or PN. Some maternal effects also were seen with ADN at the middle dosage. Embryotoxic effects were observed at the highest dosage tested for ACN and middle and high dose levels for PN. Slight fetotoxicity was observed at the highest dosage for ADN. No teratogenic effects were observed at any dosage level with ACN, ADN, or PN.