The oral administration of stannous chloride to rats.

The dose-effect of inorganic tin (Sn) was examined in rats given 6 oral doses of stannous chloride at 12-h intervals. Of the biochemical indices for the toxicity of Sn reported previously, i.e. gastric acid secretion, duodenal alkaline phosphatase and hepatic phosphorylase activities, serum calcium (Ca) concentration, and femoral calcium content, significant decreases were found, except in gastric acid secretion (6X10 mg/kg). Sn, 6X3 mg/kg, decreased significantly the calcium content in the epiphysis of the femur but the decrease was not significant at 6X1 mg/kg. These results suggest that the critical organ in inorganic Sn toxicity is bone and that the oral no-effect dose level is 6X3 mg/kg.