Effect of patulin on some enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism studied in rats

The toxic nature of the secondary metabolite of Penicillium patulum has been studied in rats. Liver, Kidney and Intestine of the experimental animals showed derangement in carbohydrate metabolism. Changes in the concentration of a few key enzymes in carbohydrate metabolism have also been studied. Glycogen phosphorylase is found to be markedly increased while the glycolytic enzymes like hexokinase and aldolase are significantly lowered. Gluconeogenesis is stimulated and this is evidenced by increased glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose-1,6-diphosphatase activity. Our results revealed that, patulin, the secondary metabolite of Penicillium patulum showed toxicity in all the organs studied.