OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of single administration of mercury- containing preparation Jiuyi Dan (calcined gypsum-Shengdan 9: 1) and Shengdan on acute toxicity of rabbits, in order to assess the safety of tested drugs.

METHODThe rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups: the calcined gypsum group (excipient control), the Jiuyi Dan group, the 90 mg Shengdan group and the 180 mg Shengdan group. After 270 mg of calcined gypsum, 300 mg of Jiuyi Dan, 90 mg of Shengdan, and 180 mg of Shengdan were used on the surface of wounds (5 cm x 5 cm) on two sides of rabbit back for 5 h, the surfaces of wound were washed by water. The bloods were taken from the rabbit hearts before and after the drug administration for 24 h, 72 h, 7 d and 14 d for determining Hg level in blood and liver & kidney function indicators (ALT, AST, CREAT, and BUN). The rabbits were dissected after the drugs treatment for 14 d, and pathological tests were made for their livers and kidneys.

RESULTCompared with the calcined gypsum group, the 90 mg Shengdan group and the 180 mg Shengdan group showed significant increase (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05), as evidenced by increase in CREAT for 24 h and 72 h and increase in BUN for 24 h and on 7 d. AST is significantly increased as well (P < 0.01) for 24 h and 72 h compared to that of the group before drug treatment. The Hg level in blood was significantly enhanced (P < 0.01) after the rabbits were administrated with drugs for 24 h to 72 h. The pathological changes in livers and kidneys of rabbits were observed in the two doses of Shengdan treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONThe Hg blood levels were increased significantly in an obvious dose-effect relationship in all drugs treatment groups. Liver & kidney function indicators were influenced by Shengdan treatment to some extent. Meanwhile, pathological changes in rabbit livers and kidneys were also caused by Shengdan, while Jiuyi Dan has no significantly effect on livers and kidneys.