Chromium fetotoxicity in mice during late pregnancy.

Female mice received 250, 500 or 750 ppm chromium (VI) as potassium dichromate in drinking water on days 14 to 19 of pregnancy. Gestational weight gain of mothers, fetal weight and crown-rump length decreased in the 500 and 750 ppm groups. The high-dose group also had significantly higher incidences of postimplantation loss. Significant increases in drooping wrists, subdermal hemorrhagic patches, kinky and short tails, and reduced ossification were also found in the 750 ppm group. Chromium levels were increased in a dose-dependent manner in maternal blood and placenta and in fetuses. Our study suggests a risk to the developing fetus if the mother is exposed to high concentrations of chromium (VI) during pregnancy.