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Computer programs for calculation of median effective dose (LD50 or ED50) using the method of moving average
M M Schaper1, R D Thompson, C S Weil
1University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public Health, Center for Environmental and Occupational Health and Toxicology, PA 15238.
Archives of Toxicology
|January 1, 1994
Summary
New computer programs simplify LD50 (median lethal dose) and ED50 (median effective dose) determination. These tools offer greater flexibility and ease of use for toxicologists and pharmacologists compared to traditional methods.
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.
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