Chronic toxicity of 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenol in rats.

In order to study the chronic toxicity of 2, 4, 6-tri-tert-butylphenol (TTBP), groups of 40 Slc: Wistar rats of either sex were fed diet containing 0, 30, 100, 300 or 1000 ppm of TTBP for up to 24 months. Hematological, biochemical and histopathological examinations performed periodically revealed slight microcytic anemia, changes in some biochemical parameters relating to liver function and focal necrosis of liver cells following TTBP administration, and these changes observed in females were severer than those in males. No neoplastic responses following TTBP administration were noted. Noticeable changes were not observed in the 30 ppm group throughout the experimental period. Thus, it was concluded that TTBP causes liver injury characterized by focal necrosis with microcytic anemia and elevations of serum phospholipids and cholesterol levels presumably occurring as secondary effects following the liver injury.