1. Pregnant Wistar rats were treated orally with a single dose of 100 microg
3,3',4,4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl (
PCB 77)/kg b.w. or 10 microg 3,3',4,4',5 pentachlorobiphenyl (
PCB 126)/kg b.w. on day 15 of pregnancy. The control rats received
peanut oil at the same day. Developmental landmarks were assessed in all offspring rats and reproductive effects of
PCB 77 and
PCB 126 on male offspring were studied on postnatal day 65 (at puberty) and on postnatal day 140 (at adulthood). 2. The ano-genital distance as well as the ratio ano-genital distance to body length was reduced in male pups of the
PCB 126 group and the age at vaginal opening was significantly delayed in the female pups. 3. Testis, brain weights and daily sperm production were permanently increased and seminal vesicle weights were decreased in male offspring of the
PCB 77 group. In male rats of
PCB 126 group, the brain weights were permanently increased and ventral prostate weights permanently reduced. In both PCB groups, however, serum
testosterone concentration was reduced only at adulthood. Additionally, the male rats of the
PCB 126 group showed alterations in sexual behavior. In these rats the number of mounts with intromissions was significantly increased. 4. The results of this study show that
PCB 126 elicits some
TCDD-like reproductive effects after in utero exposure, while the reproductive effects of in utero exposure to
PCB 77 on male offspring may be attributed to the neonatal
hypothyroidism induced by the substance during early fetal development. Further studies using multiple doses and providing
thyroid hormone data will be necessary to support this hypothesis.