[Reproductive and developmental toxicity studies of calcipotriol (MC903): (2)--A teratogenicity study in rats by...

Teratogenicity of calcipotriol (MC903), an anti-psoriasic agent, was studied. MC903 at doses of 6.25, 12.5 and 25 micrograms/kg/day were subcutaneously administered to pregnant Slc:SD rats from day 7 to 17 of gestation. 1. In animals administered 25 micrograms/kg/day MC903, food consumption decreased significantly and body weight gains lowered marginally. MC903 administered at any doses did not adversely affect female animals in regard to pregnancy, delivery and maternal behavior. 2. In fetuses, suppression of growth were noted at 25 micrograms/kg group. However, fetotoxicity and teratogenicity were not noted at all groups administered MC903. 3. In F1 pups, the postnatal growth, development, responses, behaviors, learning ability and reproductive ability were not influenced. Additionally, no embryonic or fetal abnormalities of their fetuses (F2) were detected. 4. On the basis of results obtained in the present study, it is considered that the no-toxic doses level of MC903 are 12.5 micrograms/kg/day for pregnant animals and fetuses, 25 micrograms/kg/day for pups.