High dose sodium toxicity

The toxicity of purified cellulose in studies with laboratory animals

The available literature has been reviewed for studies in laboratory animals using purified cellulose, as the production of purified cellulose may result in trace organochlorine contamination. The chronic ingestion of purified cellulose over the entire lifespans in rats and mice does not result in any increase in spontaneous disease or neoplasia. Further, purified cellulose does not display promotional activity in the mammary gland, the colon, or the bladder of rats and does not significantly alter the absorption or the metabolism of dietary components. No adverse effects were found on reproduction or neonate development in rats and mice. Therefore, no adverse health effects in humans are expected from exposure to purified cellulose.

International Commission for Protection Against Environmental Mutagens and Carcinogens. ICPEMC publication No. 19. The classification of carcinogens identified in the rodent bioassay as potential risks to humans: what type of substance should be tested next?

The relevance of rodent cancer bioassay data to humans is discussed in relation to the needs of regulatory agencies. The usefulness of in vivo and in vitro genotoxicity testing in this connection is also discussed. In the case of rodent carcinogens that do not elicit genotoxicity, it is suggested that homeostatic imbalance, cell proliferation, and other processes may play a major role in tumor development and its importance to the possible ability of the test agent to induce human cancer. These possibilities need to be evaluated on a case by case basis. The methods by which chemicals are selected for the rodent cancer bioassay are also discussed and it is pointed out that naturally-occurring constituents of human foods should in future receive greater priority as a consequence of anticipated changes resulting from biotechnology.