Effect of Podophyllin (P) and Podophyllotoxine (PT) on the Rat Litter in utero.

Abstract

Summary

The single LD₅₀ for the adult rat was, for P or PT, approximately 15 mg/kg i.p. Toxicity for the rat fetus was tested in groups of pregnant rats injected with varying doses and at different gestation days. The compounds were found to be more toxic to the fetuses than to the mothers, with a peak of fetus sensitivity around midterm (11th and 12th g.d.). Doses of 5 mg/kg i.p., administered on the 11th and 12th g.d. destroyed more than 90% of all fetuses. Doses of 0.5 mg/kg or 1 mg/kg i.p., given daily over longer periods of gestation, led to a loss of 18% to 75% of all fetuses. General stunting, but no gross malformation, was observed in surviving fetuses.