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Effects in mice of simultaneous prenatal exposure to ochratoxin A and T-2 toxin
Abstract:
Aspergillus ochraceus and Fusarium tricinctum are food contaminating molds whose toxic metabolites, ochratoxin A and T-2 toxin, are known mammalian teratogens. In order to determine the possible effects of simultaneous exposure to such environmental agents, ochratoxin A (2 or 4 mg/kg) and T-2 toxin (0.5 mg/kg) were injected ip, either together or individually, in CD-1 mice on gestation days 8 or 10. Ochratoxin induced craniofacial malformations when given alone on day 8, but not on day 10. T-2 toxin induced tail and limb anomalies particularly when given on day 10. When the two toxins were given together on day 10, ochratoxin exacerbated the incidence of T-2 induced gross malformations. An increase in fetocidal effects was also noted in groups treated at the high dose combination on either day, and effects on fetal growth of the high dose combination given on day 10 were greater than those of the other treatments. Few skeletal or visceral malformations were noted. These results indicated that two teratogens with presumably differing mechanisms of teratogenesis may have additive effects when administered concurrently to the same animal. Such results could be due to generalized toxic effects on the fetus or to more specific mechanisms, but further information is needed to differentiate between the two possibilities.
Insights
Simultaneous exposure to ochratoxin A and T-2 toxin, both teratogens, can increase fetal malformations and toxicity in mice. These foodborne mold toxins may have additive effects, highlighting risks of combined environmental exposure.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Developmental Biology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Food-contaminating molds like *Aspergillus ochraceus* and *Fusarium tricinctum* produce toxic metabolites.
- Ochratoxin A and T-2 toxin are known mammalian teratogens, capable of causing birth defects.
- Understanding the effects of simultaneous exposure to these toxins is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the teratogenic effects of simultaneous exposure to ochratoxin A and T-2 toxin.
- To determine if concurrent administration of these toxins results in additive or synergistic adverse outcomes.
- To assess the impact on fetal development, malformations, and survival rates in mice.
Main Methods:
- CD-1 mice were injected with ochratoxin A (2 or 4 mg/kg) and T-2 toxin (0.5 mg/kg) individually or together on gestation days 8 or 10.
- Evaluated for craniofacial, limb, and tail malformations, as well as fetocidal and growth-retarding effects.
- Examined skeletal and visceral development in fetuses.
Main Results:
- Ochratoxin A alone caused craniofacial malformations on day 8, while T-2 toxin alone caused limb and tail anomalies on day 10.
- Concurrent administration on day 10 exacerbated T-2 toxin-induced malformations.
- Increased fetocidal effects and greater growth retardation were observed with high-dose combined treatment, particularly on day 10.
Conclusions:
- Concurrent exposure to teratogens ochratoxin A and T-2 toxin can lead to additive adverse effects on fetal development.
- The combined toxicity may result from generalized fetal toxicity or specific teratogenic mechanisms.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms underlying the additive teratogenic effects.
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