Toxicity of the mitochondrial poison dequalinium chloride in a murine model system.
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Gamboa-Vujicic G, Emma DA, Liao SY, Fuchtner C, Manetta A
Toxicity of the mitochondrial poison dequalinium chloride in a murine model system.
J Pharm Sci. 1993 Mar;82(3):231-5.
- PubMed ID
- 8450414 [ View in PubMed]
- Abstract
Dequalinium chloride (DECA), a cationic, lipophilic mitochondrial poison, selectively targets the mitochondrial membrane of certain epithelial carcinoma cells, in which it inhibits cellular energy production. It has demonstrated potency as a cytotoxic agent specific for carcinomas and may provide a novel approach for cancer therapy, either as a single agent or as an adjunct to conventional chemotherapy. The purpose of this study was to determine the toxicity of DECA in the murine model. One hundred female BALB/c mice were divided into three schedule groups. Group one received a single intraperitoneal (ip) dose of DECA at 10, 15, 20, or 25 mg/kg of body weight. Group two received DECA at 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 mg/kg ip every other day (QOD), and group three received DECA at 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14 mg/kg ip every 7 days. Over a 30- to 60-day period, acute and subchronic toxicities were evaluated on the basis of the following clinical parameters: respiratory distress, weight loss, and mortality. After a single ip administration, we found a maximum tolerated dose of 15 mg/kg and a lethal dose (LD50) of 18.3 mg/kg. Single ip doses of 20 and 25 mg/kg produced > 50% mortality. Histologic examination of the tissues revealed significant damage to the liver and kidneys, with pulmonary congestion occurring secondary to renal-hepatic failure. A cumulative assessment revealed that 60% of the animals tolerated 15 doses of 6 and 7 mg/kg QOD and that 100% tolerated 5 doses of 11 and 12 mg/kg (every 7 days). Higher DECA doses under either regimen induced severe toxic effects and mortality.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)