Toxicity of spirogermanium in mice and dogs after iv or im administration

Toxicity of single-dose spirogermanium was evaluated after iv and im administration to CDF1 mice and beagle dogs. The im LD50 in mice was approximately threefold greater than the iv LD50. The lethal dose in dogs was the same for both routes of administration, but death was delayed after im injection. Convulsive seizures occurred only after the im doses that were lethal, but they were observed after administration of iv doses that were nonlethal. Microscopic evidence of drug toxicity (necrosis and degeneration) was found in mitotically active tissues: intestinal tract, lymphoid tissue, and bone marrow. Necrosis, hemorrhage, edema, and granulation tissue were observed in the muscle injection site.