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Isolation and partial characterization of a mycotoxin from Penicillium roqueforti
Abstract:
Extracts of pure cultures of Penicillium roqueforti isolated from toxic feed samples and of P. roqueforti NRRL 849 were lethal to rats by either intraperitoneal or oral administration. Purification studies guided by this test led to the isolation of a major toxin which showed intraperitoneal and oral median lethal dose values in weanling rats of 11 and 115 mg/kg, respectively. Partial characterization of the crystalline compound, C(17)H(20)O(6), by infrared, ultra violet, PMR, and mass spectroscopy, and by several chemical transformations indicated the presence of three C-methyl substituents plus one acetoxy, one aldehyde, and one alpha,beta-unsaturated ketone group. Two oxygen atoms are present either in epoxide or ether form.
Insights
Penicillium roqueforti produces a potent toxin lethal to rats. This study isolated and partially characterized the toxic compound, identifying its chemical structure and lethal dose.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Toxicology
- Organic Chemistry
Background:
- Penicillium roqueforti is a fungus found in feed.
- Some strains of P. roqueforti produce toxic substances.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize the major toxin produced by Penicillium roqueforti.
- To determine the toxicity of the isolated compound in rats.
Main Methods:
- Lethality assays in rats (intraperitoneal and oral administration).
- Guided purification of the toxin using lethality tests.
- Spectroscopic analysis (IR, UV, PMR, MS) and chemical transformations for characterization.
Main Results:
- Crude extracts of P. roqueforti were lethal to rats.
- A major crystalline toxin was isolated with median lethal doses of 11 mg/kg (intraperitoneal) and 115 mg/kg (oral) in weanling rats.
- The toxin's chemical formula is C(17)H(20)O(6), featuring methyl, acetoxy, aldehyde, and alpha,beta-unsaturated ketone groups, with two oxygen atoms in epoxide or ether form.
Conclusions:
- Penicillium roqueforti produces a highly toxic compound.
- The chemical structure of the toxin has been partially elucidated.