[Secretion of ochratoxin A in rabbit milk]

The excretion of ochratoxin A in rabbit female was examined after a single intravenous administration of toxin. For the highest dose (4 mg par kg), the level in milk reached 1 ppm. The mammary excretion was also studied while plasma concentration of ochratoxin A was constant; the percentages of protein bound toxin in plasma and milk were determined. The likeness of theoretical and experimental ratio between mycotoxin levels in milk and plasma ultrafiltrates allowed to conclude in favour of the passage through the blood-milk barrier by nonionic passive diffusion of the free toxin. In conclusion, authors discussed about the sanitary problem concerning the presence of ochratoxin A in domestical animal milks.