Abstract
Summary
The acute, intraperitoneal toxicity of bacitracin concentrates was greater in rats than in mice. The subcutaneous LD50 in mice was 4-7 times the intraperitoneal LD50. Lethal results were produced only with immense oral doses. Damage to the renal tubules, with tubular necrosis after very large doses, was observed in mice whereas in rats there was little kidney involvement. The toxicity of bacitracin, as measured by the LD50, appeared to be independent of the antibiotic activity. Concentrates of the antibiotic contained a minute amount of an histamine-like substance which was not responsible for the definite depressor effect caused by the intravenous injection of 10 mg (300 units) per kg into the dog.
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