[Teratological test of 10% nitroglycerin (NT-1 ointment) in rabbits]

A teratological test of 10% nitroglycerin (NT-1 ointment) was carried out in New Zealand White rabbits. Pregnant rabbits were treated percutaneously with NT-1 ointment from day 6 to 18 of gestation at dose levels of 15, 60 and 240 mg/kg/day as nitroglycerin itself. All pregnant rabbits were killed on day 29 of gestation, and the influences of NT-1 ointment upon the performances of dams and fetuses were examined. During the treatment period, erythema was observed on the treated dorsal skin in all groups excluding the nontreatment control group. However, it disappeared soon after the cessation of NT-1 ointment administration. Influences of NT-1 ointment administration were not found at any dose levels on the food consumption and body weight changes of pregnant rabbits. In addition, influences of NT-1 ointment on the reproductive performance of dams and the development of fetuses were not observed at any dose levels. Therefore, the non-effect dose of NT-1 ointment on reproductive performance of dams and fetal development in rabbits was estimated to be 240 mg/kg/day and more as nitroglycerin itself.