Effect of Methyl-Tertiary Butyl Ether on Body Weight Trend in Male Wistar Rats

Background: Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) is a chemical compound that has been added to gasoline to decrease environmental pollutants and increase motor combustion efficiency. Despite the ban, this substance is still used in some countries. This research was conducted to study the sub-chronic effects of oral MTBE on body weight trends, food, and water consumption. Methods: Twenty male Wistar rats were categorized into four groups after the adaptation time. They received 0, 400, 800, and 1600 mg/kg body weight of MTBE by gavage. Body weight was measured for each rat every two days during 31 sequential days of MTBE treatment. Likewise, total food consumption (mg) and total water intake (ml) of each animal were recorded at the end of the experiment. Results: Statistical analysis showed a significant decreasing trend for body weight in the 1600 mg/kg MTBE treatment group, as compared with the control group. However, no significant alteration was observed in the body weight trend in the other treatment groups. No obvious difference was found in food consumption and water intake in all experimental groups compared with the control. Further studies should be conducted to clarify the results of the current study. Conclusion: The data collected from this study indicated that the administration of high doses of MTBE in male rats cause a significant decrease in body weight trends.