The Teratogenicity of Congo Red in Rats.

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Abstract
Summary The teratogenicity of Congo red was investigated in the Wistar Albino rat. Female rats received a single intraperi-toneal injection of a 2% aqueous solution of Congo red on the 8th day of pregnancy. Dosages used were either 14 mg/100 g, 30 mg/100 g or 40 mg/100 g maternal body weight. A dose of 20 mg/100 g was found to be teratogenic, 15.4% of the survivors being malformed. A dose of 40 mg/100 g was lethal, all pregnant rats dying within 5 days after injection. The malformations produced were hydrocephalus, hydronephrosis and ocular defects. Multiple malformations were rare. The teratogenic dose of Congo red did not produce any alteration in maternal serum protein components during the expected period of teratogenic activity. This is contrasted to the situation found following treatment with trypan blue.