Mortality in Swiss albino mice after i.p. injection of oxazepam in dimethyl sulphoxide.
Twenty percent of the Swiss albino mice administered with a single dose (60 mg/kg) of oxazepam dissolved in dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) died within 7 days. Similarly high mortality rate (37%) was observed in diazepam sensitive mice derived from a Swiss albino stock. In contrast, zero mortality was observed in Swiss albino mice administered with DMSO or diazepam (35 mg/kg). Mortality at 60 mg/kg diazepam was only 10%. The high mortality caused by oxazepam in Swiss albino mice seemed to be strain-related as only 7% mortality was observed with identically treated BALB/c mice. Since DMSO is the only convenient vehicle for the administration of oxazepam by injection, it is suggested that a suitable strain must be selected for experimentation in order to avoid unnecessary loss of animals.
Wong
P T
PT
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Kent Ridge.
Teo
W L
WL
D000818:Animals; D004121:Dimethyl Sulfoxide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D007274:Injections, Intraperitoneal / Q000662:veterinary; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D009026:Mortality; D010076:Oxazepam / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000633:toxicity*; D012997:Solvents
D012997:Solvents; D010076:Oxazepam; D004121:Dimethyl Sulfoxide