Toxicity and teratogenicity of abrin

The toxicity of the purified isolated toxic protein [Abrin] from Abrus precatorius L, seeds was determined. The acute LD[50] +/- Fid. L. of Abrin intraperitoneally injected in mice was found to be 8.34 +/- 1.3 mg/Kg. A heat labile haemagglutinating effect was demonstrated and was found to be 1290 Hu/g Abrin. Prolonged administration of Abrin in mice produced initial anemia which normalises at the end of the experiment, also it produced significant increase in white blood cell count all over the course of the experiment. intraperitoneal injection of Abrin to pregnant rats produced significant maternal and fetal changes, while Abrin po. produced significant fetal effects only