Abstract
LBD-001, a recombinant human interferon ${\gamma}$ produced by genetically engineered yeast as a host system, was intravenously administered to pregnant female rats (Sprague-Dawley) from day 7 to 17 of gestation at dose levels of 0.35$\times$10$^{6}$ , 0.69$\times$10$^{6}$ , and 1.38$\times$10$^{6}$ I.U./kg/day. As the control groups, hydrocortisone sodium succinate (5 or 10 mg/kg/day) was also similarly administered. Teratological effects of the test agents on fetuses and development of offsprings (F1 rats) were investigated. (1) No significant changes by the treatment of LBD-001 were observed in body weight, food and water consumption, feeding and nursing behaviors, and autopsy of pregnant or lactating mother rats. However, in hydrocortisone sodium succinate (10 mg/kg/day)-treated group, significant decreases of body weight on day 16, 18, and 20 of gestation and food consumption on day 20 of gestation and outstanding atrophy of thymus and adrenals were observed in two rats autopsied on day 20 of gestation. (2) No significant changes in resorption rate, skeletal or visceral development of fetuses, and physical or sensory development of offsprings (Fl) by the treatment of LBD-001 were detected. In hydrocortisone sodium succinate (10 mg/kg/day)-treated group, however, there were significant decreases of body weight of fetuses, delay of ossification, temporary delay of body weights of offsprings (F1) on day 1 and 3 of lactation, and increased tendency of stillborn rate and malformation rate of bone. The results show that LBD-001 at the dose of 1.38$\times$10$^{6}$ I.U./kg/day or less is not teratogenic in organogenesis of fetuses and the development of offsprings (F1). Meanwhile, hydrocortisone sodium succinate (10 mg/kg/day) seems to delay ossification of fetuses and temporarily retard the development of offsprings (Fl).
(Natural Products Research Institute, Seoul National University)