[Toxic effects in rabbits after immunization against the pyrrolizidine alkaloid retrorsine]

Six rabbits were immunized against the pyrrolizidine alkaloid retrorsin, conjugated to bovine serum albumin. Seven i.v. inoculations were distributed over a period of half a year. The total antigen dose differed between animals. Towards the end of the experiment all animals (except 2 receiving the lowest antigen dose) suffered from apathy, anorexia and loss of body weight. Pathologically these symptoms correlated well with liver cirrhosis, gradually dependent on the total antigen dose. Blood-chemical parameters were disparate and contradictory.