[On the lacking teratogenic effect of the plasmaexpander hydroxyethyl starch in the rat and mouse (author's transl)].

Hydroxyethyl-starch (HES) has been tested for teratogenic activity in BD-strain rats and Swiss mice. HES in both species was shown not to be teratogenic. High doses of 50 g/kg/day given by intraperitoneal injection lead to abortion in all pregnant rats. This report in concerned with the important question of, whether development and normal life of the progeny of rats and mice is affected when treated with HES during pregnancy. Special attention has been given to potential teratogenic effects.