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Fumonisin B1 is fetotoxic in rats
S Lebepe-Mazur1, H Bal, E Hopmans
1Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Iowa State University, Ames 50011, USA.
Veterinary and Human Toxicology
|April 1, 1995
Summary
Fumonisins, mycotoxins from Fusarium, are fetotoxic to rats. Exposure during gestation impaired fetal bone development and reduced litter weight, indicating potential risks for pregnant mammals.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Reproductive Toxicology
- Mycotoxicology
Background:
- Mycotoxins, including fumonisins, are contaminants in food and feed.
- Fusarium proliferatum produces fumonisin B1 (FB1), a mycotoxin of concern.
- Understanding the developmental toxicity of FB1 is crucial for risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the fetotoxic effects of purified fumonisin B1 (FB1) in pregnant rats.
- To assess the impact of FB1 on fetal development, specifically bone and organogenesis.
- To compare the effects of purified FB1 with a naturally occurring Fusarium proliferatum extract.
Main Methods:
- Pregnant F344/N rats were administered FB1 (30 or 60 mg/kg) or a Fusarium extract orally from gestational days 8-12.
- Fetal bone development was evaluated using alizarin red staining.
- Fetal internal organ development was assessed via histological examination (hematoxylin and eosin).
Main Results:
- A dose of 60 mg/kg FB1 significantly suppressed relative litter weight.
- FB1 treatment significantly impaired the ossification of sternebrae and vertebral bodies.
- No significant suppression of weight or bone development was observed in litters exposed to the Fusarium extract.
Conclusions:
- Fumonisins B1 are fetotoxic to rats, impacting growth and fetal bone development.
- FB1 exposure during critical gestation periods poses a risk to fetal development.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms of FB1 fetotoxicity.