Leukopenia Induction Capacity of 6-Mercaptopurine Platinum Complex in the Chick ∗

Summary

A series of experiments was conducted with Black Minorcas and partially inbred White Leghorn chicks of 1, 12, 14, and 16 days of age. Six-mercaptopurine and a platinum complex of this compound were administered orally to chicks of various ages at 612 mg/kg/day, 306 mg/kg/day, and equimolar dosage levels for various treatment periods. At equal dosage levels the capacity of the two compounds to induce leukopenia in the chick was essentially the same, however, the platinum complex was less toxic, as evidenced by greater weight gain, lower mortality, and LD₅₀ determinations. When the 6-MP complex was compared with 6-MP at twice the dosage level of the latter, and at equimolar dosage levels, results were similar to those obtained when equal dosage levels of the two compounds were evaluated.