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Published on: July 9, 2014
Effect of patulin on microbicidal activity of mouse peritoneal macrophages
D Bourdiol1, L Escoula, R Salvayre
1Station de Pharmacologie-Toxicologie, Unité Immunotoxicologie INRA, Toulouse, France.
Abstract:
Patulin, a fungal metabolite shown previously to exert immunosuppressive effects on the cellular and humoral immune systems, was examined for its in vitro effects on some functions of murine peritoneal macrophages. The cells were pre-incubated for 2 hr with mycotoxin concentrations of 0.01-2 micrograms/ml. Phagocytosis and phagosome-lysosome fusion were diminished above 0.1 microgram patulin/ml and lysosomal enzymes and microbicidal activity above 0.5 microgram/ml, whereas O2- production was inhibited only above 2 micrograms/ml. This indicated that the killing mechanism did not depend on products of the oxidative burst. The concentrations used did not decrease the cell viability. Under natural circumstances, patulin may constitute a health risk for animals.
Insights
Patulin, a fungal toxin, impairs macrophage immune functions like phagocytosis and microbicidal activity in vitro. These effects suggest potential health risks for animals exposed to this mycotoxin.
Area of Science:
- Immunotoxicology
- Mycology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Patulin is a mycotoxin produced by fungi.
- Previous research indicates patulin has immunosuppressive effects on cellular and humoral immunity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro effects of patulin on murine peritoneal macrophage functions.
- To determine the concentrations of patulin that affect macrophage activity.
Main Methods:
- Murine peritoneal macrophages were pre-incubated with varying concentrations of patulin (0.01-2 µg/ml).
- Assays were performed to evaluate phagocytosis, phagosome-lysosome fusion, lysosomal enzyme activity, microbicidal activity, and O2- production.
Main Results:
- Patulin inhibited phagocytosis and phagosome-lysosome fusion at concentrations above 0.1 µg/ml.
- Lysosomal enzyme activity and microbicidal activity were reduced at concentrations above 0.5 µg/ml.
- O2- production was inhibited only at the highest concentration (2 µg/ml), suggesting the killing mechanism is independent of oxidative burst products. Cell viability was not affected.
Conclusions:
- Patulin significantly impairs key functions of murine macrophages in vitro.
- The observed immunosuppressive effects at relevant concentrations indicate a potential health risk for animals.
- Further research is warranted to understand the full toxicological impact of patulin exposure.
