Objective To re-evaluate the potential toxicity of Danshen Injection(DI) in Beagle's dogs by repeated iv injection.Methods DI was iv given to the dogs at the doses of 0,1.6,5.4,and 16.0 g/(kg·d)(4 per sex per group) for 13weeks.During the test period,the clinical signs,mortality,body weights,food consumption,rectal temperature,ophthalmoscopy,electrocardiography,urinalysis,hematology,serum biochemistry,organ weights,gross findings,and histopathology were examined.Results Dogs iv given with DI at the doses of 0,1.6,5.4,and 16.0 g/(kg·d) for13 weeks had no drug-related changes in mortality,body weight,food consumption,temperature,electrocardiography,ophthalmoscopy,urinalysis parameters,and organ weights.The hematological parameter data showed a significant decrease in red blood cells and hemoglobin concentration in the high-dose group and a significant increase in activated partial thromboplastin time suggesting an effect on haemopoiesis.For biochemical parameters,a significant decrease in glucose and a significant increase in total bilirubin were observed in the high-dose group,and the latter was considered to be toxicologically insignificant as lack of histopathological correlate.However,the histopathological examinations of the injection site showed that DI could cause dose-dependent focal inflammation.Conclusion That the iv injection with DI into dogs at 16 g/(kg·d) for 13 weeks could cause the decreases in red blood cell parameters and glucose,as well as the lesions of the injection site.The no observed adverse effect level is5.4 g/(kg·d),which suggests that safe clinical dosing be possible.
