Related Experiment Videos
Tumor induction by a single subcutaneous injection of sterigmatocystin in newborn mice
Abstract:
Sterigmatocystin, a mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus versicolor, Aspergillus sydowi, Aspergillus nidulans, and a species of Bipolaris, was given to newborn BALB/c X DBA/2F1 (hereafter referred to as CD2F1) mice by a single s.c. administration in 1% gelatin suspension. In an acute toxicity study, the maximum tolerated dose of sterigmatocystin was 5 mug/g body weight. In a chronic study, a single s.c. injection of 5, 1, or 0.5 mug/g body weight gave rise to high incidences of lung and liver adenomas when the animals were killed at the end of 1 year. The incidence of both tumors in mice at the dose of 5 mug/g body weight was statistically significant, and the incidences of lung tumor in female mice and of liver tumor in male mice at the dose of 1 mug/g body weight were also statistically significant, compared with tumors in control mice. Other tumors also were induced in treated mice (two malignant lymphomas and one adenoma of the submaxillary gland), in contrast to a zero incidence in vehicle control mice. These results confirm that a small quantity of sterigmatocystin induces tumors of lung and liver and that the dose of sterigmatocystin is related to the incidence of tumors in mice.
Insights
Sterigmatocystin, a mycotoxin, caused lung and liver tumors in mice even at low doses. This study confirms sterigmatocystin
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Carcinogenesis
- Mycotoxicology
Background:
- Sterigmatocystin is a mycotoxin produced by various Aspergillus and Bipolaris species.
- Mycotoxins are known for their potential health risks, including carcinogenicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the carcinogenic potential of sterigmatocystin in mice.
- To determine the relationship between sterigmatocystin dose and tumor incidence.
Main Methods:
- Newborn CD2F1 mice received single subcutaneous injections of sterigmatocystin.
- Acute toxicity determined the maximum tolerated dose.
- Chronic study involved doses of 5, 1, or 0.5 µg/g body weight, with animals observed for 1 year.
Main Results:
- A single dose of 5 µg/g body weight resulted in statistically significant incidences of lung and liver adenomas.
- Lower doses (1 µg/g) also showed significant tumor induction in a sex-specific manner (lung in females, liver in males).
- Additional tumors, including lymphomas and submaxillary gland adenomas, were observed in treated mice.
Conclusions:
- Sterigmatocystin is a potent carcinogen, inducing lung and liver tumors in mice.
- A clear dose-response relationship exists between sterigmatocystin exposure and tumor development.
- Even small quantities of sterigmatocystin can lead to significant tumor formation.