Objective To give cyclophosphamide intravenously to pregnant rabbits to observe its toxicity and performance on embryos and fetuses of pregnant rabbits, and to provide reference for selecting cyclophosphamide as a positive control.
Methods Pregnant rabbits were randomly divided into control group [0.9% sodium chloride injection, GD11 (GD, pregnancy day), i.v] and cyclophosphamide group (cyclophosphamide 30 mg/kg body weight, GD11, i.v). Pregnant rabbits were euthanized at GD28, and the fetuses were collected by caesarean section, and the appearance, internal organs and bones of the fetuses were examined.
Results Cyclophosphamide group had no obvious effect on the reproductive function and embryogenesis of rabbits, but could cause appearance, visceral and skeletal aberrations. The rate of fetal cleft palate deformity was 32.95%; the rate of visceral variation was 10.23%; and the rate of skeletal deformity was 23.37%.
Conclusions Intravenous administration of cyclophosphamide 30 mg·kg-1 in New Zealand without GD11 can cause fetal malformations. The type and proportion of malformations are appropriate and can be used as a positive control for reproductive tests.