The accumulation and histological effects of organometallic fungicides propineb and maneb in the livers of pregnant rats and their offspring.

Dithiocarbamate propineb and maneb are organometal fungicides, which are widely used for the control of diseases in plants. Female Wistar rats were exposed orally to 200 and 400 ppm propineb (Zn-containing dithiocarbamate) and 250 ppm maneb (Mn-containing dithiocarbamate), from the 6th day of gestation up to birth. We found that the body weights of both newborn litters and their fungicide-treated mothers were lower than those of controls. Histological examination of the livers of fungicide-treated pregnant females and the offspring showed a variety of histopathological effects. Moreover, the analysis of Zn and Mn concentrations in the livers of pregnant females exposed to organometallic fungicides during pregnancy demonstrated that the metal concentrations in the liver were higher than those of controls. Similarly, the hepatic metal concentrations were significantly increased in the litters, indicating the transplacental passage of the organometallic fungicides.