Rabies vaccine HDC: toxicological studies in laboratory animals.

A purified rabies vaccine prepared in human diploid cell cultures (Wistar 38 adapted Pitman-Moore strain) was tested in several animal species with single and repeated administration. Acute toxicity studies were performed in mice, rats, and guinea pigs with s.c. or i.m. injections of at least 1 human dose/animal. The results gave no evidence of toxic effects. Studies on local compatibility were carried out in white rabbits (i.c. and s.c.) and albino guinea pigs (i.m.). During the observation period of 1 or 2 weeks after inoculation no adverse reactions were seen. Pyrogen tests in rabbits with 6 lots of vaccines showed that rabies vaccine is pyrogenfree. Long-term studies with 4 injections into rats and dogs and observation over a 4-month period gave no alterations of hematological parameters and of the urinalysis. The behaviour of the animals was not altered. Short- and long-term experiments in animals showed the innocuity of this type of rabies vaccine.