COMPARATIVE TOXICITY OF ADRIAMYCIN AND ADRIAMYCIN-DNA IN RATS

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  • 1 January 1983
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 42  (1) , 67-72
Abstract
Adriamycin (ADR) can be linked to DNA without loss of its antitumoral activity while reducing the acute toxicity of free ADR. However, the potential chronic toxic effects of both forms of ADR are poorly documented. For such a study, it is necessary to establish the sequence of treatment allowing the administration of a sufficent amount of drugs to induce chronic toxicity and a schedule leading to prolonged survival of animals. A total of 24 Lewis rats were injected twice a week during 4 wk with either free or DNA-linked ADR, and 3 dose levels were tested: 4, 2 and 1 mg/kg. The total cumulative dose of ADR should not exceed 8 mg/kg over 1 mo., if prolonged survival is desired. The binding of ADR to DNA seemed to reduce the acute toxic effects induced by free ADR, in rats. However, such a beneficial effect was not observed when the chronic nephrotoxicity was considered since characteristic renal lesions were observed in all long-term survivors, whatever the dose and the form of ADR received.