Dimethyltin dichloride: Investigations into its gastrointestinal absorption and transplacental transfer

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Abstract
Dimethyltin dichloride (DMDC) is commonly used as a stabilizer in PVC [polyvinyl chloride] pipe used for transport of potable water. Learning deficiencies have been observed postnatally in pups from DMDC-treated dams. Studies were conducted with female Sprague-Dawley rats to determine whether DMDC was absorbed by the dam and transferred across the placenta to fetal blood and brain tissue. This was accomplished in 3 phases: a comparison of absorption of organic and inorganic tin from drinking water, a comparison of prenatal and postnatal levels of Sn in the pups in cross-fostering studies and a [14C] dimethyltin dichloride tracer study to determine whether organic Sn passed to the pup intact. DMDC was absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract of the dam much more rapidly than Sn2+. The more rapid absorption of DMDC resulted in higher concentration of Sn in fetal blood and brain. In fetuses that received Sn DMDC, Sn and the methyl C were absorbed by the dam and trnasferred to the blood and brain of the fetuses.