Mechanism underlying reproductive and developmental toxicity by dioxin : the role of a reduction in prolactin as an initial defect

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The role of the damage to maternal prolactin(PRL) and infant growth hormone(GH) in the dioxin-produced retardation of infant growth was investigated in rats. Single oral dose(1μg/kg) of 2, 3, 7, 8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin(TCDD) given to pregnant rats at gestational day 15 caused the death or growth retardation of infants. This study suggests that a reduction in infant GH contributes to infant death just after birth, and a reduction in the nursing behaviors of dams due to a reduction in prolactin and other factors contributes to growth delay and sexual immaturity.