Investigating the multigenerational effects of DDT residues exposure on dental development in Wistar rats.

The pesticide Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its degradation by-products (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane-DDD and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene-DDE) are health concerns. This study aimed to investigate the impact of multigenerational exposure to traces of DDD and DDE on odontogenesis Wistar rats were allocated in 4 groups over 2 generations (F1 and F2). Water was provided ad libitum throughout the animal's life groups: control - natural water; DDD - 0.0147 µM DDD; DDE - 0.0056 µM DDE; and DDD+DDE - mixture of the two solutions. They were euthanized and the heads removed for computer tomography for molars measurements (mesio-distal - MD and buccal-lingual BL dimensions). DDE increased the first molar dimensions (p < 0.05) and maxillary third molars (p < 0.05). DDD resulted in mandible third molar reduction (p < 0.05). There was no difference between F1 and F2 and between sexes (p > 0.05). In conclusion, DDE was associated with a possible hypertrophic effect on maxillary molars developmental, while DDD was associated to reduction in mandible molars.