Subacute and sublethal ingestion of microcystin-LR impairs lung mitochondrial function by an oligomycin-like effect

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Environmental Health
• Pulmonary Medicine

Background:

• Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is a prevalent cyanotoxin with known organ toxicity.
• Subacute and sublethal exposure effects on the lungs remain understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the histological and functional impacts of subacute, sublethal MC-LR exposure on mouse lungs.

Main Methods:

• Male BALB/c mice were gavaged with MC-LR (30 µg/kg) for 20 days.
• Respiratory mechanics, lung histology, and mitochondrial function were assessed.
• In vitro assays evaluated direct effects on mitochondrial function.

Main Results:

• No significant changes in respiratory mechanics were observed.
• Histopathology revealed increased collagen deposition, immune cell infiltration, and alveolar collapse.
• Mitochondrial function was significantly impaired both in vivo and in vitro.
• MC-LR exhibited an oligomycin-like effect on lung mitochondria.

Conclusions:

• Subacute, sublethal MC-LR exposure causes significant lung damage and mitochondrial dysfunction.
• MC-LR's impact on lung mitochondria warrants further investigation into oral intoxication mechanisms.