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Acute toxicity of PR toxin, a mycotoxin from Penicillium roqueforti
Abstract:
The toxic effects of PR toxin were observed in mice, rats, anesthetized cats and isolated rat auricle preparations. In mice and rats the toxic effects included abdominal writhing, decrease of motor activity and respiratory rate, weakness of hindleg and ataxia. In mice, the i.p. LD50 was 5.8 mg/kg. In mice, rats and cats PR toxin given i.p. caused ascites fluid an edema in the scrotum and lungs, and i.v. injection caused edema in the lungs, giving rise to a large volume of pleural and pericardial fluid. In rats, at the LD50 dose level (11.6 mg/kg, i.p. and 8.2 mg/kg, i.v.), the water content in the lungs was increased, but in the skin it was decreased. Blood K+, hematocrit, red blood cell, white blood cell, hemoglobin, uric acid, cholesterol, blood urea nitrogen and alkaline phosphatase concentrations were all increased, while the total protein and albumin contents were decreased after i.p. injection of PR toxin. High content of protein was found in the pleural fluid and fluid due to ascites. In anesthetized cats the blood pressure and respiratory rate were progressively decreased and the heart rate was reflexly increased after i.p. injection. The i.v. injection produced a multiple response on the arterial blood pressure, but with a progressively decreasing heart rate. Arrhythmias were observed in the late shock stage in the case of i.p. or i.v. injection. In the isolated rat auricle preparations contractile force was more affected that heart rate. We conclude that PR toxin produced acute toxic effects in animals via an increase of capillary permeability and a direct damage to the lungs, heart, liver and kidney.
Insights
PR toxin causes acute toxicity in animals, leading to increased capillary permeability and organ damage. This study details its effects on mice, rats, and cats, including physiological and biochemical changes.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
- Animal Physiology
Background:
- PR toxin is a harmful substance with known toxic effects.
- Understanding its specific mechanisms and target organs is crucial for risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the acute toxic effects of PR toxin in various animal models.
- To elucidate the physiological and biochemical alterations induced by PR toxin.
- To identify the primary organs affected by PR toxin exposure.
Main Methods:
- Administration of PR toxin via intraperitoneal (i.p.) and intravenous (i.v.) routes in mice, rats, and anesthetized cats.
- Observation of clinical signs, including motor activity, respiratory rate, and blood pressure.
- Analysis of hematological and biochemical parameters.
- Assessment of fluid accumulation (edema, ascites, pleural/pericardial fluid).
- Evaluation of isolated rat auricle preparations to assess cardiac function.
Main Results:
- PR toxin induced dose-dependent toxic effects, including ataxia, decreased motor and respiratory rates, and hypotension.
- Significant fluid accumulation (edema, ascites, pleural/pericardial effusions) was observed.
- Hematological changes included increased levels of K+, hematocrit, WBC, RBC, hemoglobin, uric acid, cholesterol, BUN, and alkaline phosphatase, with decreased total protein and albumin.
- Cardiac function was impaired, with arrhythmias noted in advanced stages.
- Isolated rat auricle preparations showed reduced contractile force.
Conclusions:
- PR toxin causes acute toxicity through increased capillary permeability and direct organ damage.
- The lungs, heart, liver, and kidneys are primary targets of PR toxin.
- Findings highlight the severe systemic effects of PR toxin exposure.