Pituitary - Adverse Effects
Fluorinated and Fluoride Pesticides
 
 

Anatomy of the pituitary gland:
The pituitary gland is sometimes called the "master" gland of the endocrine system, because it controls the functions of the other endocrine glands. The pituitary gland is no larger than a pea, and is located at the base of the brain. The gland is attached to the hypothalumus (a part of the brain that affects the pituitary gland) by nerve fibers. The pituitary gland itself consists of three sections:
* the anterior lobe
* the intermediate lobe
* the posterior lobe

Functions of the pituitary gland: Each lobe of the pituitary gland produces certain hormones.
anterior lobe:
* growth hormone
* prolactin - to stimulate milk production after giving birth
* ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) - to stimulate the adrenal glands
* TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) - to stimulate the thyroid gland
* FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) - to stimulate the ovaries and testes
* LH (luteinizing hormone) - to stimulate the ovaries or testes
intermediate lobe:
* melanocyte-stimulating hormone - to control skin pigmentation
posterior lobe:
* ADH (antidiuretic hormone) - to increase absorption of water into the blood
by the kidneys
* oxytocin - to contract the uterus during childbirth and stimulate milk production
Ref:
http://www.umm.edu/endocrin/pitgland.htm

The Endocrine System:

Illustration by K. Born in Our Stolen Future (1996)
by Theo Colborn, Dianne Dumanoski and JP Myers

The use of high doses increases the likelihood that potentially significant toxic effects will be identified. Findings of adverse effects in any one species do not necessarily indicate such effects might be generated in humans. From a conservative risk assessment perspective however, adverse findings in animal species are assumed to represent potential effects in humans, unless convincing evidence of species specificity is available.

-- Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations

Note: This is not an exhaustive list.
When time allows more information will be added.

Chlorodifluoromethane - Insecticide, Fungicide, Propellant - CAS No. 75-45-6

Increased kidney, adrenal and pituitary weights... The female rats in the 50,000-ppm group exhibited a statistically significant increase in liver (absolute and relative), kidney (absolute), adrenal (absolute), and pituitary (absolute, at interim sacrifice--pituitaries were not weighed at terminal sacrifice) weights. No nonneoplastic histopathological changes attributable to exposure to HCFC-22 were observed. The liver weight effect was not considered adverse because it did not exceed a 10% weight change and there was no histopathology observed. Based on effects on kidney, adrenal, and pituitary weight, a NOAEL of 10,000 ppm [NOAEL(HEC) = 5260 mg/cu.m] and a LOAEL of 50,000 ppm [LOAEL(HEC) = 26,300 mg/cu.m] can be estimated.
Ref: US EPA IRIS for Chlorodifluoromethane.

http://www.fluoridealert.org/pesticides/Chlorodifluoromethane.IRIS.htm

Dichlofluanid - Wood Preservative, Antifoulant, Fungicide, Acaracide - CAS No. 1085-98-9

-- One-year Study A repeat-exposure study using Beagles (4/dose/sex) is available; it was GLP and OECD Annex V compliant. Animals were administered either vehicle or 2.5, 12.5 or 37.5/62.5 mg kg -1 d -1 of dichlofluanid (90 % purity) in capsule form for one year. The top dose was reduced at week 15 to 37.5 mg kg -1 d -1 because of excessive toxicity... The pituitary glands of several animals from the top-dose group were found to have mild to severe hyperplasia (2 males and 2 females) of large pale staining cells (basophils) in the pars distailis, among pituitary basophils are the thyrotrophs. Testicular degeneration was noted in 2 animals receiving 37.5 mg kg -1 d -1 , the lesion was widespread and of moderate/severe grade. Thymic atrophy was also reported in males receiving 37.5 mg kg -1 d -1 (3/4 animals).
-- Rat Two-Year Combined Chronic Toxicity And Carcinogenicity Study A 2-year combined chronic toxicity and carcinogenicity study is available. This study was carried out to EPA guidelines and was both GLP and Annex V compliant. Wistar rats (BOR:WISW strain, 50 group/sex, plus 10/sex group interim kill) received dietary administration of either 0, 180, 900 or 4500 ppm dichlofluanid (89-93 % purity). This was equivalent to 9.4, 54.4 or 301.3 mg kg -1 d -1 and 13.5, 73.1 or 420.7 mg kg -1 d -1 for males and females respectively. Those animals scheduled as interim kills were sacrificed after 53 weeks and study termination was scheduled for 106 weeks. Interim blood samples were taken at weeks 26, 53 and 79 for clinical chemistry and haematology. Urinalysis was also carried out at these time points. Deaths were reported in both the satellite and main groups. In the main study the terminal mortalities were 12 %, 18 %, 30 % and 16 % at 0, 180, 900 and 4500 ppm in males and 26 %, 26 %, 22 % and 20 % at 0, 180, 900 and 4500 ppm in females.... No treatment-related neoplastic alterations were reported in the satellite group. Tumours found were a malignant lymphoma (male 4500 ppm), a malignant fibrosarcoma of the skin (male 4500 ppm) and a benign pituitary adenoma (female 180 ppm). In the main group, treatment-related tumours of the thyroid were noted.

Ref:
January 2003 - Evaluation on: Booster biocides in antifouling products. Full review of Dichlofluanid. No. 206. Evaluation of Fully Approved or Provisionally Approved Products. Prepared by : The Health and Safety Executive Biocides & Pesticides Assessment Unit, Magdalen House, Stanley Precinct Bootle Merseyside L20 3QZ Available from: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Pesticides Safety Directorate, Mallard House, Kings Pool, 3 Peasholme Green, York YO1 7PX, UK. Also available at:
http://www.pesticides.gov.uk/citizen/Evaluations/206_dichlofluanid.pdf

DFP: Diisopropyl fluorophosphate - Insecticide - CAS No. CAS No. 55-91-4

Sixteen of 100 rats administered DIFP at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg every 72 hours for 730 days developed chromophobe adenomas of the pituitary gland, a tumor with a rare spontaneous incidence.
Ref: TOXNET Hazardous Substances Data Base for DIISOPROPYL FLUOROPHOSPHATE.

http://www.fluoridealert.org/pesticides/Isofluorphate-TOXNET.htm

Epoxiconazole - Fungicide - CAS No. 135319-73-2 (formerly 106325-08-0)

Endocrine disruption. A series of mechanistic studies were performed to elucidate and define the aromatase enzyme inhibition properties of epoxiconazole. The following conclusions can be drawn from the in vivo data: The effects on the ovaries are assessed to be the result of the following: Decreasing aromatase enzyme activity which is responsible for converting both testosterone and adrostendione (male sex-steroids) into female sex steroids (e.g., estradiol). This action would result in decreased estradiol (i.e., estrogen) and increased androgen. As a consequence of reduced estradiol levels, measured LH and FSH concentrations are slightly altered. The increased incidences of neoplasms in the ovaries are considered to be the result of a continuous cell proliferation by these stimulating [[Page 57342]] hormones of the regulating hormones of the pituitary-gonadal axis (LH and FSH). The changes adrenals are assessed to be the result of the following: Decreasing adrenal-cortical enzyme activity. This action would result in decreased adrenal hormones such as corticosterone levels. As a consequence of reduced corticosterone levels, pronounce ACTH concentrations are found. The increased incidences of neoplasms in the adrenals are considered to be the result of a continuos cell proliferation by these stimulating hormones of the pituitary-adrenal axis ACTH.
Ref: Federal Register: September 22, 2000 [Page 57338-57344]. Notice of Filing Pesticide Petitions to Establish Tolerances for Certain Pesticide Chemicals in or on Food.
http://www.fluoridealert.org/pesticides/Epoxiconazole.FR.Sept.2000.htm

"Epoxyconazole 106325-08-0 Banned. Low degradability, toxic to water-living organisms and endocrine effects. 1997."
Definition: "Banned. A substance which for health or environmental reasons by an authority decision is either no longer approved for any area of application, or for which an approval or registration has been denied from the first instance."

Ref: Euopean Commission. Appendix 5. Substances which may not be included as active ingredients in approved pesticide products, Chapter 15, Section 2, subsection one.

http://www.kemi.se/lagar_eng/pdf/app5_8.pdf

Fipronil - Acaricide, Insecticide - CAS No. 120068-37-3

-- Reproduction toxicity studies. The data base for reproductive toxicity is considered complete. No additional studies are required at this time. An acceptable two-generation reproduction study in the rat using fipronil concluded that the LOEL for parental (systemic) toxicity was 30 ppm (2.54 mg/kg/day for males and 2.74 mg/kg/day for females) based on increased weight of the thyroid glands and liver in males and females; decreased weight of the pituitary gland in females; and an increased incidence of follicular epithelial hypertrophy in the females. The NOEL for parental (systemic) toxicity was 3 ppm (0.25 mg/ kg/day for males and 0.27 mg/kg/day for females).
-- Carcinogenic classification and risk quantification. EPA has classified this chemical as a Group C--Possible Human Carcinogen, based on increases in thyroid follicular-cell tumors in both sexes of the rat, which were statistically significant by both pair-wise and trend analyses. EPA has used the RfD methodology to estimate human risk because the thyroid tumors are due to a disruption in the thyroid-pituitary status. There was no apparent concern for mutagenicity.
Ref: Federal Register: July 17, 1998. Fipronil; Pesticide Tolerance. Final Rule.

http://www.fluoridealert.org/pesticides/Fipronil.FR.July.17.1998.htm

Reproductive and developmental toxicity. In a two-generation rat study, the NOEL for parental (systemic) toxicity was 3 ppm (0.26 mg/kg/day for both sexes combined), based on increased weight of the thyroid glands and liver in males and females, decreased weight of the pituitary gland in females, and an increased incidence of follicular epithelial hypertrophy in females at 30 ppm.
Ref: August 24, 2005. Federal Register. Fipronil; Notice of Filing a Pesticide Petition to Establish a Tolerance for a Certain Pesticide Chemical in or on Food.

http://www.fluorideaction.org/pesticides/fipronil.fr.aug.24.2005.html

Fluazifop-butyl - Herbicide - CAS No. 69806-50-4

-- Fluazifop butyl was evaluated for reproductive and developmental effects in 2 successive generations of Charles River Wistar strain rats (30/sex/group) exposed continuously to 0, 10, 80 and 250 ppm in the diet. Each respective parent generation had received treatment for a minimum of 100 days (F0) and 120 days (F1) prior to mating. F0 and F1 dams weaned their progeny for 25 days postpartum to time of offspring selection for mating and continued study (F1) or sacrifice (F1, F2). Thirty days after sacrifice of their offspring, the surviving F1 females and select F1 males were sacrificed and with representative F1 and F2 offspring were examined histologically... Necropsy of F0 parents revealed no gross pathology and, although testes and epididymis of F0 males of a 250 ppm exposure were reduced, histological review identified no treatment-related changes. Conversely, F1 parents were found with gross indications of toxicity.. . Testis and epididymis weights in the males (80, 250 ppm), and pituitary gland (80, 250 ppm), uterus (80, 250 ppm), brain (250 ppm) and lung weights (250 ppm) in females were significantly reduced. Female F1 ovarian weights were increased relative to controls in association with a 250 ppm dietary exposure. Upon histological investigation, increased incidence geriatric nephropathy [kidney](both sexes, 80 and 250 ppm), distension of mesenteric and/or cervical lymph nodes (250 ppm) and increased severity of nephrocalcinosis (females, 80 and 250 ppm), and an increased slight testicular tubular atrophy in males (250 ppm) were noted... [ICI AMERS INC; Fluazifop butyl: Effects Upon Reproductive Performance of Rats Treated Continuously Through 2 Generations (Final Report); 03/17/81; EPA Doc No. 88-920006849; Fiche No. OTS05543854]

Fluazifop-P-butyl - Herbicide - CAS No. 79241-46-6

The chronic dietary (all populations), intermediate-term dermal and inhalation, and intermediateterm incidental oral endpoints were selected from the 2-generation reproduction study in rats based on decreased spleen, testes and epididymal weights in males, and decreased uterine and pituitary weights in females (page 5) ... Reproduction and fertility effects (rats). Reproductive NOAEL = M/F 0.74/0.88mg/kg/day LOAEL = M/F 5.8/7.1 mg/kg/day based on decreased abs. & rel testes & epididymal weight and in females decreased pituitary & uterine weights (age 23) ... F1 adult females showed an absolute (28%) and relative (18%) statistically significant increase in ovarian weight at 250 ppm. In F1 adult females, absolute pituitary weights (13%20%) and uterine weights (18%-25%) were statistically significantly reduced at 80-250 ppm. Relative pituitary weights (18%-27%) and uterine weights (19%-29%) were reduced in F1 adult females at 80-250 ppm.
• Comments about Study/Endpoint/Uncertainty Factor: The study/dose/endpoint is appropriate for the route (oral) and duration (chronic) of concern. Although the endpoint of concern in based on male reproductive effects, decreases in pituitary and uterine weights were seen in females at a comparable NOAEL (0.88 mg/kg/day) and LOAEL (7.1 mg/kg/day) (page 45).
Ref: December 10, 2004. US EPA> Fluazifop-P-butyl: Revised HED Chapter of the Tolerance Reassessment Eligibility Decision (TRED) Document. EPA Docket number: OPP-2004-0347-0003
http://www.fluorideaction.org/pesticides/f-p-b.opp-2004-0347-0003.pdf

Flucythrinate - Acaricide, Insecticide - CAS No. 70124-77-5

-- Groups of 6 male and 6 female Beagle dogs received technical flucythrinate (87.3% pure) in the diet at 0, 30, 100, or 300 ppm daily for 24 months... At sacrifice, the relative liver, kidney, and pituitary weights were increased in both high-dose males and females, while increases in relative spleen, testis and lung weights were noted for high-dose males only... ((Spicer et al., 1984).
Ref: 1985 World Health Organization Review for Flucythrinate.

http://www.fluoridealert.org/pesticides/Flucythrinate.1985.WHO.htm

Fluometuron - Herbicide - CAS No. 2164-17-2

A histological re-examination and statistical analysis of pituitary adenomas in Fischer 344 rats from a combined chronic toxicity/oncogenicity study (0, 10, 300, or 1000 ppm [83-51) indicated no significant increasing trends in male rats, but a significant difference was observed in a pairwise comparison of the 10 and 1000 ppm dose groups with the controls for pituitary adenomas was significant at p < 0.05, and a significant difference observed in the pair-wise comparison of the 300 ppm dose group with the controls for pituitary adenomas at p < 0.01. The pituitary adenoma tumor rates in male rats were 3/47,9/51, 1 1/51, and 9/58, respectively (L. Taylor Memorandum 9/13/95. TXR 012742). There were no compound related tumors observed in female rats. Two other studies submitted by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) for both mice and rats were either unremarkable or the results equivocal. However, genotoxicity studies with fluometuron were negative. (page 9)
Ref. February 1, 2005. US EPA: Fluometuron: Revised HED Risk Assessment for Phase III of the Reregistration Eligibility Decision. Docket Identification Number: OPP-2004-0372-0008. 
http://www.fluorideaction.org/pesticides/fluometuron.opp-2004-0372-0008.pdf

Fluquinconazole - Fungicide - CAS No. 136426-54-5

-- Oral long-term toxicity and carcinogenicity. 2-year dietary study in rats. groups of 50 male and 50 female outbred albino Sprague-Dawley CRL :COBS CD(SD)BR rats were administered fluquinconazole (93.2% purity) in the diet at concentrations of 0 (control), 1, 20 or 100 ppm. Additionally 20 animals/sex/dose designated for the interim-kill received the test compound at concentrations of 0, 1, 5, 10 or 100 ppm for 12 months... Mortalities over the 24-month period were 24/50, 28/50, 28/50 and 31/50 in males and in females 33/50, 36/50 and 39/50 at dose levels of 0, 1, 20 and 100 ppm... Post-mortem examinations showed the most probable cause of deaths in males to be pituitary tumors followed by chronic progressive nephropathy and urinary tract infections. In females mammmary tumors followed by pituitary tumors were considered the most probable cause of morbidity... In the thyroid gland a significantly higher incidence in follicular cell tumors were noted in the 100 ppm dose level in both sexes. Historical tumor incidences provided showed that the slight statistically non-significant increase in thyroid follicular cell tumors at the lowest and intermediate dose levels were at the upper limit of the historical control range and therefore in the absence of a dose response they were considered to be not of toxicological significance...
Ref: Evaluation on: Fluquinconazole. May 1999. No. 184. Evaluation of Fully Approved or Provisionally Approved Products. Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Pesticides Safety Directorate, Mallard House, Kings Pool, 3 Peasholme Green, York YO1 7 PX, UK. Available online:

http://www.pesticides.gov.uk/citizen/evaluations/evallist.htm

Isoxaflutole - Herbicide - CAS No. 141112-29-0

-- Isoxaflutole demonstrates developmental toxicity and has been classified as a Group B2 carcinogen (probable human carcinogen).
-- In a combined chronic toxicity/carcinogenicity study in rats, evidence of systemic toxicity was observed at 500 mg/kg/day and included: abnormal gait, limited use of limbs, lower body weight gains and food consumption, decreased food efficiency during the first 14 weeks of the study, elevated cholesterol levels throughout the 104-week study, increased absolute and relative liver weights, and thyroid hyperplasia. Increased incidence of periacinar hepatocytic hypertrophy, portal tract (senile) bile duct changes, focal cystic degeneration of the liver was observed in males at 20 mg/kg/day and greater, females at 500 mg/kg/day. Eye opacity, gross necropsy changes in eyes, corneal lesions, degeneration of sciatic nerve and thigh muscles was observed in males at 20 mg/kg/day and higher doses and in females at 500 mg/kg/day. The chronic LOAEL is 20 mg/kg/day based on liver, thyroid, ocular, and nervous system toxicity in males and liver toxicity in females. The chronic NOEL is 2.0 mg/kg/day.
-- Under the conditions of this study, isoxaflutole induced benign and malignant tumors of the liver in both sexes at 500 mg/kg/day hepatocellular adenomas and hepatocellular carcinomas. Combined incidences of liver adenoma/carcinoma in males and females showed animals bearing carcinomas in the majority. Thyroid follicular adenomas occurred with increased frequency in 500 mg/kg/day males. The tumor incidences exceeded the historical incidence of these tumors for this strain in the laboratory. The study demonstrated that isoxaflutole is carcinogenic to rats at a dose of 500 mg/kg/day. The chemical was administered at a dose sufficient to test its carcinogenic potential. At 500 mg/kg/day, there were alterations in most of the parameters measured including clinical signs of toxicity, body weight gain, food consumption, food conversion efficiency, and clinical as well as post-mortem pathology. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) was not measured in this study. However, in a separate special study investigating the mechanism of action of isoxaflutole on the thyroid, tested at the same doses as this study, TSH was indirectly measured since there was a significant reduction in T4 level and thyroid gland weights were significantly increased.
These results were sufficient to support the hypothesis that isoxaflutole may have induced thyroid tumors in male rats through a disruption in the thyroid-pituitary hormonal feedback mechanisms.
Ref: US EPA. Pesticide Fact Sheet. Isoxaflutole Reason for Issuance: Conditional Registration Date Issued: September 15, 1998.

http://www.epa.gov/opprd001/factsheets/isoxaflutole.pdf

Oxyfluorfen - Herbicide - CAS No. 42874-03-3

... Absolute and/or relative organ weights in the high-dose groups that showed statistically significant changes relative to control weights (thyroid gland in both sexes and kidney in females at 12 months and brain, pituitary, and spleen in females sacrificed at 24 months) had no microscopic correlates and are not considered toxicologically significant.
Ref: US EPA. Toxicology Chapter for RED. August 8, 2001.
http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/reregistration/oxyfluorfen/oxytoxchapter.pdf

Quinoxyfen - Fungicide - CAS No. 124495-18-7

-- 034 - 181176 "XDE-795: One Year Chronic Dietary Toxicity Study in Beagle Dogs,"(Cosse, P.F., Stebbins, K.E., Redmond, J.M., Ormand, J.R.; The Toxicology Research Laboratory, Health and Environmental Sciences Ð The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MI; Laboratory ID#: DR-0325-7474-011; 4/21/95). XDE-795 (5,7-dichloro-4-[4-flurophenoxy]quinoline; 97.4% pure) was fed in diet to Beagle dogs (4/sex/dose) at 0, 5, 20 or 200 mg/kg/day for 1year. NOEL = 20 mg/kg (A male at 200 mg/kg was killed moribund, due to a severe weight decrease (2 kg), decreased hemoglobin and RBC counts. Both sexes had significantly decreased body weights and food consumption at 200 mg/kg. The report stated it was due to unpalatability of diet at the high dose, which persisted throughout the majority of the study. A treatment-related hematological effect was observed in 1/sex at 200 mg/kg. Alkaline phosphatase in both sexes at 200 mg/kg was statistically significantly increased. Liver weights (absolute & relative) were significantly increased in both sexes at 200 mg/kg. Statistically significantly increased relative organ weights were observed in both sexes at 200 mg/kg (brain, kidney, pituitary). Liver histopathology was observed in 3/sex at 200 mg/kg, primarily in the midzonal region (diffuse, increased size in hepatocytes, enlarged nuclei and prominent nucleoli). At 200 mg/kg, 1/sex had increased hepatocyte size, increased bile in centrilobular canaliculi. Possible adverse effect: At 200 mg/kg, 1/sex showed erythroid proliferation in spleen and liver, due to treatment-related anemia.) Acceptable. M. Silva, 8/15/01
Ref: October 4, 2001 - SUMMARY OF TOXICOLOGY DATA QUINOXYFEN (XDE-795 & XR-795). California EPA, Department of Pesticide Regulation, Medical Toxicology Branch

Sodium bifluoride - Insecticide, Former US EPA List 3 Inert - CAS No. 1333-83-1

ENDOCRINE 0.2.16.2 CHRONIC EXPOSURE - Fluoride exposure can cause moderate functional changes in the hypophysis-thyroid gland system without any clinical manifestations.
[FAN note: Hypophysis = Pituitary gland]
Ref: Hazardous Substances Data Bank for SODIUM HYDROGEN DIFLUORIDE CASRN: 1333-83-1
http://www.fluorideaction.org/pesticides/sodium.bifluoride.toxnet.htm

Tembotrione - Herbicide - CAS No. 335104-84-2

• Certain changes in multiple organs seen in the subchronic, chronic, dermal, and reproduction studies (e.g., microscopic changes in the thyroid gland, adrenal gland, and pancreas; increased number of corpora lutea in the ovary, and delayed preputial separation) may be due to various mechanisms including possible liver-pituitary-thyroid homeostatic disruption or inhibition of steroid synthesis (Page 6)... When additional appropriate screening and/or testing protocols being considered under the Agency’s EDSP have been developed, tembotrione may be subjected to further screening and/or testing to better characterize effects related to endocrine disruption (page 29).
In the 2-generation reproduction study in rats, offspring effects. Treatment-related decreases (p≤0.05) in pup body weights were observed: in the F1 pups at 200 and 1500 ppm beginning on PND 7 and continuing throughout the reminder of the post-natal period; and in the F2 pups at 200 ppm beginning on PND 21 and at 1500 ppm beginning on PND 14. Body-weight gains in these groups were dose-dependently decreased. Compared to controls, the time until preputial separation was dose-dependently delayed in all treated groups in the F1 and F2 offspring. This effect was considered treatment related. Also, the time to vaginal opening was longer in the 1500 ppm F1 offspring (page 68).
In the 2-generation reproduction study in rats, offspring effects. The LOAEL for offspring toxicity is 20 ppm (equivalent to 1.4/1.6 mg/kg/day in males/females) based on effects on the eyes, including corneal opacity, acute inflammation, and neovascularization; increased incidences of minimal extramedullary hematopoeisis in the spleen, delayed preputial separation, and decreased absolute brain weight. The NOAEL was not observed (page 68).
In a carcinogenicity study with mice (MRID 46695706), AE 0172747 (95% w/w a.i.; Batch No. PFI 0195) was administered in the diet to C57BL/6 J@ Ico mice (50/sex/dose) at doses of 0, 30, 300, 1000, or 3000 ppm (equivalent to 0/0, 4/5, 43/54, 146/179, and 440/552 mg/kg/day in males/females) for up to 78 weeks. Additionally, 10 mice/sex/dose were treatedsimilarly for up to 52 weeks. At 1000 ppm and above at 18 months, the incidences of the following lesions were increased in males:
(i) minimal to marked epithelial hyperplasia (multifocal/diffuse) in the gallbladder;
(ii) minimal to marked focal tubular degeneration (bilateral) in the testes; and
(iii) minimal to slight interstitial cell hyperplasia (focal/multifocal) in testes. Increased incidences of dilatation of uterine horns were noted grossly at ≥1000 ppm.
Reference: Tembotrione. Human-Health Risk Assessment for Proposed Uses on Field Corn, Sweet Corn and Popcorn. USEPA. September 7, 2007.

Thyroid gland toxicity was observed in the 21/28-day dermal toxicity study in the rat and chronic oral toxicity study in the dog. Dermal exposure (21/28-day study) resulted in colloid alteration and hypertrophic follicular epithelium in the thyroid gland in the rat. Also observed were degenerative changes in the pancreas, increased proteinacious material in the Ratche pouch in the pituitary gland and basophilic tubules in the kidneys. Pigmentation of the thyroid gland along with hematological changes and microscopic changes in the sciatic nerve were observed in the dog.
Reference: Tembotrione. Human-Health Risk Assessment for Proposed Uses on Field Corn, Sweet Corn and Popcorn. USEPA. September 7, 2007.

Tetraconazole - Fungicide - CAS No. 112281-77-3

Chronic & Carcinogenicity Studies. Rats received 0, 10, 80, 640 or 1280 ppm (the last dose to males only) of tetraconazole in the diet for 2 years... Pituitary weights were reduced, with enlarged or vacuolated cells in the pars anterior in males at 640 and 1280 ppm. (page 5)
Ref: August 2005 - Evaluation of Tetraconazole in the product Domark 40ME Fungicide. Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority.
http://www.fluorideaction.org/pesticides/tetraconazole.2005.report.australia.pdf

Thiazopyr - Herbicide - CAS No. 117718-60-2

-- There was no evidence of carcinogenic effects in an 18-month chronic/oncogenicity study in mice at dose levels up to and including 800 ppm (216 mg/kg/day). In rats, an increased incidence of thyroid follicular tumors in males at the two highest doses, 1000 (44.2 mg/kg/day, males) and 3000 ppm, (136.4 mg/kg/day) was observed, and there was a low incidence of renal tubular adenoma at the high dose only in females. The thyroid tumors were determined in three special thyroid function studies to be secondary to a disturbance of thyroid/pituitary homeostasis and were attributed to a hormonally-mediated mechanism for thyroid tumor induction. The effects were dose-responsive and with the exception of thyroid weight, all effects were completely reversible when thiazopyr was removed from the diet. Based on limited evidence for carcinogenicity, thiazopyr is classified as Category C, possible human carcinogen, by the USEPA Health Effects Division Carcinogenicity Peer Review Committee. A NOEL of 4.4 mg/kg/day and a Margin of Exposure approach were selected for use in carcinogenicity risk assessment.
-- Special mechanistic studies for mode of toxic action on thyroid function. The results of three studies on the effects of thiazopyr on thyroid function and mechanisms involved in the disposition of T4 in rats were reviewed. These studies are described below:
---- a. Thiazopyr was administered through the diet at 0 and 150 mg/kg/day rats to determine the subchronic effect on hormone level and other biochemical endpoints. Animals were assayed at 7, 14, 28, 56 or 90 days. Significant decreases in body weight gain were observed at 90 days. Early in the study the treated rats showed increases in TSH (ranging from 133 to 200% of controls) and decreases in T4 (ranging from 43% to 76% of controls). In addition there were increases in liver and thyroid weights and increases in thyroid follicular cell hypertrophy/hyperplasia. Reverse T3 was increased at 28 days, and T3 was either not affected or increased. There were indications of increases in hepatic UDPGT activity and significant increases in T4 UDPGT activity. Hepatic 5'-monodeiodinase activity was either not affected or decreased. The effects observed in this study were supportive of the theory that thiazopyr may induce thyroid tumors through a disruption in the thyroid-pituitary hormonal feedback mechanisms.
---- b. A second study on the effects of thiazopyr on the biochemical mechanisms of thyroid toxicity in rats at doses of 0, 0.5, 1.5, 5, 15, 50 or 150 mg/kg/day was conducted. Dose response effects on various biochemical parameters were observed. Two groups of the rats in the study were observed for reversibility of effects observed up to 56 and 112 days. Doses at 15, 50 and 150 mg/kg/day significantly increased the liver weights. Thyroid weights were increased at doses of 50 and 150 mg/kg/day. There were no significant effect on body weight or body weight gains during the study. The T4 UDPGT levels were increased by 117 and 376% above controls at the 50 and 150 mg/kg/day dosages. Effects of 150 mg/kg/day were increases in T3, TSH and rT3 serum concentrations, and increased incidence of follicular cell hypertrophy/hyperplasia at the 150 mg/kg/day dose. A NOEL of 1.5 mg/kg/day was determined based on liver weight increases. Thyroid weight was the only parameter that did not return to those similar to the controls. At the 56 and 112 day recovery periods the thyroid weights were 120 and 123% of control values, respectively.
---- c. A third thyroid function study on the biochemical mechanisms involved with disposition of T4 in rats fed dosages of 0 and 150 mg/kg/day for 56 days was conducted. Rats feed thiazopyr had increase T4 UDPGT activity and total deiodinase activity in their livers. There was also a two-fold increase
in mixed function oxidase enzyme activity.
-- Results of the three studies suggest that increased glucuronidation, deiodination of T4 and T3, and increased rate of clearance of T4 from the blood and excretion of the hormone and its metabolites in the bile could significantly reduce the level of circulating T4 in the male rat. Results of these studies support the hypothesis tht thiazopyr may induce thyroid tumors through a disruption of the thyroid-pituitary hormonal feedback mechanism circulating T4 in the male rat.
Ref: US EPA. Pesticide Fact Sheet. Thiazopyr Reason for Issuance: Registration of a New Chemical Date Issued: February 20, l997.

http://www.epa.gov/opprd001/factsheets/thiazopyr.pdf

Trifloxystrobin - Fungicide - CAS No. 141517-21-7

In the rat chronic/carcinogenicity study, the NOAEL of 11.0 mg/kg bw/day was set based on the reduction in body-weight gain in both sexes, decreased food consumption and slightly increased incidence of developmental cyst in pituitary gland and angiomatous hyperplasia of the mesenteric node in males. An effect on the liver (increased relative weight) was seen only in females at the highest dose level of 73 mg/kg bw/day.
Ref: January 30, 2004 - Regulatory Note REG2004-03. Canada Pest Management Regulatory Agency. Also available at:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/pmra-arla/english/pdf/reg/reg2004-03-e.pdf

 
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