Adriamycin-induced cardiomyopathy. A rat model

A rat model of adriamycin-induced cardiomyopathy was elaborated. Adriamycin (ADR) in three total doses 21, 25 and 30 mg/kg ip injected in 15 equal partial doses caused the loss in body weight and hematocrite values, marked leucopenia and moderate elevation of SGOT activities as well as ECG changes. In histopathological examination cardiomyopathic changes were found in heart samples from rats treated with two higher ADR doses. The dose 25 mg/kg is suggested for further investigations concerning the limitation of ADR toxicity.