1992 Volume 45 Issue 8 Pages 583-587
Polymerization of benzylpenicillin (PCG) kept in replacement solutions for 4hr was detected by UV absorption and gel chromatography. The PCG degradation rate measured by UV absorption at 320nm was higher in acidic saline (pH 5) than in higher pH saline solutions. The highest rate of PCG degradation was observed in the 5% dextrose solution (pH 3.5-6.5) among the 5 commercial replacement fluids. By gel chromatography, polymerization of 0.1% PCG was detected in the 5% dextrose solution, which elicited the passive cutaneous anaphylaxic response in guinea pigs sensitized passively with anti BPO-BPO IgG type sera. Various degrees of degradation and antigenicity were observed in 4 cephem antibiotics kept in a 5% dextrose solution for 3hr. These results suggested that PCG stored in replacement solutions for more than 2hr might elicit antigenicity in animals.