[Midterm toxicity of nitrates: experimental evaluation of the effects on reproductive functions in the female rabbit].

Chronic exposure to low levels of nitrate are associated with detrimental effects on reproduction in animals. In order to determine this relationship, an experiment was conducted: female rabbits were given nitrate doses of 0, 250 or 500 mg/l in drinking water for several months. After 2 successive gestations, no detrimental effect was observed on fertility, litter size or weight at birth and weaning, or on plasma oestradiol and progesterone concentration. Hemoglobin level was slightly decreased in dams given 500 mg/l.