Effect of single dose of Di isobutyl Phthalate on hepatic development in Wister rats treated prenatally

Phthalate esters are plasticizers widely used in the manufacture of plastics. Di iso butyl phthalate (DIBP) is used as a plasticizers, ranging from the plasticization of PVC to the production of paints, printing inks and adhesives. Therefore, DIBP exposure in people in adhesive industries and pharmaceutical industries are higher in comparison to general population where it is low. Major route of excretion of DIBP is through urine, with some excretion in the faeces, presumably due to biliary excretion. Aim of this study was to determine the effect of single dose of DIBP on developing liver of Wistar rat. One hundred and eight adult pregnant Wistar rats were divided into control and experimental groups. Rats in experimental group were given DIBP on10, 12and 14day of gestation at 0.375, 0.75 and 1.25ml/kg body weight doseintraperitoneally in a single dose.Sections of liver collected on day 21of gestation were stained with haematoxyline and eosin and examined histologically.The remarkable histo-pathological changes were not observed, when exposed to above dose of DIBP.But, there was a significant reduction in the weight of foetalrat liver, when mother rat exposed to DIBP on 10thday of gestation compared to 12th and 14th days. As pregnant women are constantly exposed, effect of DIBP on the liver of a developing fetus would denote the consequence in future generation.