[Reproductive and developmental toxicity studies of lactitol (NS-4) (3)--Teratogenicity study in rabbits by oral administration].

ABSTRACT

Lactitol, a hepatic encephalopathy drug, was administered by oral gavage to pregnant New Zealand White rabbits during organogenesis from day 6 to day 18 of gestation inclusive, at dosages of 0, 0.25, 0.75 or 4.5 g/kg/day. On day 29 of gestation, females were killed to allow examination of their uterine contents. There was a slight reduction in food intake and faecal output among females receiving 4.5 g/kg. One female receiving 4.5 g/kg aborted following a prolonged period of weight loss. No adverse effects on litter parameters were recorded that could be attributed to treatment. Foetal morphogenesis was unaffected by treatment with lactitol. The results show that no-effect dose levels of lactitol are 0.75 g/kg in mother rabbits for general toxicity and for reproductive functions, and 4.5 g/kg for their fetuses.