[Reproductive and developmental toxicity studies of calcipotriol (MC903): (3)--A teratogenicity study in rabbits by...

Teratogenicity of calcipotriol (MC903), an anti-psoriasic agent, was studied. MC903 at doses of 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2.5 and 5 micrograms/kg/day was subcutaneously administered to pregnant Std:NZW rabbits from day 6 to 18 of gestation. 1. A decrease in locomotor activity was observed in the group administered MC903 5 micrograms/kg/day. Food consumption and body weight gain decreased dose-dependently in groups administered MC903 1 microgram/kg/day or more. Granular whitish kidneys were observed in groups administered MC903 2.5 and 5 micrograms/kg/day. Rough and whitish aorta were noted in groups administered MC903 1 microgram/kg/day or more. 2. Significant fetotoxicity was not induced by administration of MC903 up to 0.5 microgram/kg/day. 3. On the basis of results obtained in the present study, it is considered that no-toxic dose level of MC903 is 0.5 microgram/kg/day for pregnant animals and fetuses.