Computer programs for calculation of median effective dose (LD50 or ED50) using the method of moving average...

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Pharmacology
• Computational Biology

Background:

• Traditional LD50/ED50 determination relied on Weil's tables, a method established 40 years ago.
• Advancements in computer technology have made personal computers ubiquitous in research laboratories.
• Existing methods may have limitations regarding experimental flexibility, such as restrictions on animal numbers and dosage levels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop user-friendly computer programs for calculating LD50 (median lethal dose) and ED50 (median effective dose) values.
• To provide an alternative to traditional methods, offering enhanced flexibility and ease of use for researchers.
• To leverage modern personal computer technology for toxicological and pharmacological data analysis.

Main Methods:

• Developed two identical computer programs for LD50/ED50 determination.
• One program was written in BASIC, the other in FORTRAN, ensuring broad compatibility.
• Programs designed for ease of use, requiring minimal hardware and programming knowledge.

Main Results:

• The programs efficiently calculate LD50 and ED50 values.
• They provide associated 95% confidence intervals for the calculated values.
• Offer greater flexibility in experimental design compared to Weil's tables.

Conclusions:

• The developed BASIC and FORTRAN programs offer a valuable, modern tool for LD50/ED50 determination.
• These programs enhance user flexibility and accessibility for toxicologists and pharmacologists.
• The software provides a rapid and reliable method for calculating critical dose-response parameters.