The suitability of carboxymethylcellulose as a vehicle in reproductive studies

The 2% aqueous solution of a sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) was administered by gavage to 20 male and 40 female albino rats at the daily volume of 1 ml/100 g body weight. The males were treated for at least 60 days and the females for at least 14 days prior to mating and during a 6-day mating period. In one half of the females treatment was continued until sacrifice on day 14 of pregnancy; in the other half of the female treatment was continued until weaning of the progeny. A variety of tests was used to examine the behavioural performance of the pups. The overall results of this study were comparable for both test groups, CMC treated and untreated. Consequently, the CMC used here is considered to be a suitable vehicle for suspending tests materials for oral administration in long-term reproductive studies in rats.