Acute and subacute toxicity studies on collagen wound dressing (CAS) in mice and rats

Single administration of collagen wound dressing (CAS) made from bovine derm in the form of finely ground powders was given to mice and rats via i.p., s.c. and p.o. routes and via i.v. route in the form of physiological saline extracts and it was continuously injected into mice for 28 days via s.c. route to study its acute and subacute toxicity. Examinations were made of on general conditions, body weight, food and water consumption, hematology, serum biochemistry, organ weight, and gross and microscopic findings. Results showed no marked toxicity except for local irritation which was seen only after parenteral administration. We concluded on the basis of these animal experiments that there should be no problem in regard to safety after somewhat more extensive therapeutic application of CAS as a wound dressing in clinical practice.