Albendazole : a comparison of relay embryotoxicity with embryotoxicity of individual metabolites.

By using an experimental model compound (Albendazole, an anthelmintic) the authors compared two methodologies for the toxicological evaluation of bovine hepatic residues. Toxicity was not demonstrated for bovine hepatic residues in a relay embryotoxicity study in the rat. On the other hand, both albendazole and its sulfoxide metabolite produce embryotoxic effects in this rat model. These different results are discussed and explained by considerations related to the no effect levels and the chemical nature of the different types of residues.