The effects of transplacental and mammary movement of PCBs on infant rhesus monkeys

Abstract

Sixteen adult female rhesus monkeys were fed diets containing 2,5 and 5.0 ppm PCB (Aroclor 1248) for approx. 1.5 years. 6 of the 8 animals on 5 ppm PCB and 8 of the 8 animals on 2.5 ppm PCB conceived when bred after 6 months' exposure to PCB. Only 1 live infant was born to the animals of the 5.0 ppm group and 5 infants to the animals in the 2.5 ppm PCB group. All of the infants had PCBs in their tissues at birth. Thereafter, there was a rapid increase in the PCB levels of the infants' tissues. This increase was attributed to consumption of PCB-containing milk from their mothers. Within 2 months following birth the infants had facial acne and edema, swelling of the eyelids, loss of facial hair including eyelashes, and hyperpigmentation of the skin. Three of the 6 infants had expired within 8 months following birth due to PCB intoxication. The three survivors were weaned and subsequently showed marked improvement in their physical state.