Tissue distribution and hepatic ultrastructural effects of aflatoxin B1 in Japanese quail

Fertile, Japanese quail eggs were injected with graded levels of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) dissolved in ethanol. Hatchability varied inversely with the quantity of AFB1 administered. The generated quail were utilized in studies of AFB1 distribution and its effects upon hepatic ultrastructure. Putative AFB1 was detected within the livers of two quail 6 h after dosing, although the AFB1 distribution was inconsistent between the individuals. Electron microscopy revealed that liver parenchymal cells from AFB1-treated exhibited mitochondrial pleomorphism 6 h after dosing, a rare observation in control tissue.