Toxicity of Penicillin for the Syrian Hamster

Abstract

A single injection of crystalline penicillin G potassium given subcutaneously or intraperitoneally is toxic for hamsters in proportion to the amount given. Administration of 100,000 Units causes the death of 90-100% of hamsters. Toxicity is of the delayed type, the vast majority of deaths occurring on the 3d, 4th, and 5th days after injection. This parallels the reported experience with guinea pigs but is in contrast with Swiss mice which easily tolerate large doses of penicillin. Re-evaluation of experimental data concerned with Syrian hamsters either treated with or injected with material sterilized with penicillin is indicated.