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Studies of immune function of CD-1 mice exposed to aflatoxin B1
Abstract:
The immunotoxic potential of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a secondary metabolite of Aspergillus flavus and a known animal hepatocarcinogen, was evaluated in CD-1 mice. Male mice received 0, 0.03, 0.145 or 0.70 mg/kg of AFB1 orally every other day for 2 weeks in a corn oil:ethanol vehicle. Splenic lymphocytes were cultured in the presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), phytohemagglutinin (PHA), or pokeweed mitogen (PWM). A dose-related inhibition of [3H]thymidine uptake in lymphocyte cultures, with or without the above mitogens, was observed after 2 weeks of AFB1 exposure. Synthesis of DNA was decreased in mixed lymphocyte cultures. Primary antibody production by splenic cells, from animals challenged with a T-dependent antigen (sheep red blood cells), was affected by AFB1. No effects were observed, however, when animals were challenged with a T-independent antigen (LPS). A dose-related suppression of a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction to keyhole limpet hemocyanin was observed. The results suggested that AFB1 was immunotoxic in CD-1 mice.
Insights
Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) exposure in mice suppressed immune responses, including DNA synthesis and antibody production. This study confirms AFB1
Area of Science:
- Immunotoxicology
- Mycotoxicology
- Animal Toxicology
Background:
- Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a toxic secondary metabolite produced by Aspergillus flavus.
- AFB1 is a known hepatocarcinogen in animals.
- The immunotoxic effects of AFB1 require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the immunotoxic potential of AFB1 in CD-1 mice.
- To determine the dose-response relationship of AFB1 on immune cell function.
- To assess the impact of AFB1 on both T-dependent and T-independent immune responses.
Main Methods:
- Male CD-1 mice were orally administered varying doses of AFB1 (0, 0.03, 0.145, 0.70 mg/kg) every other day for two weeks.
- Splenic lymphocytes were cultured with mitogens (LPS, PHA, PWM) or without, and [3H]thymidine uptake was measured.
- DNA synthesis in mixed lymphocyte cultures was assessed.
- Primary antibody production against sheep red blood cells (T-dependent) and LPS (T-independent) was measured.
- Delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction to keyhole limpet hemocyanin was evaluated.
Main Results:
- A dose-related inhibition of [3H]thymidine uptake was observed in lymphocyte cultures, with or without mitogens.
- AFB1 exposure decreased DNA synthesis in mixed lymphocyte cultures.
- Primary antibody production to a T-dependent antigen was affected, but not to a T-independent antigen.
- A dose-related suppression of delayed-type hypersensitivity was observed.
Conclusions:
- AFB1 exhibits immunotoxic effects in CD-1 mice.
- AFB1 primarily impacts T-cell dependent immune responses.
- The findings highlight the risks associated with AFB1 exposure.