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Toxicity of fumonisin B1 administered intraperitoneally to male Sprague-Dawley rats
1Toxicology Research Division (2204D2), Health Protection Branch, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Abstract:
The toxicity of purified fumonisin B1 (FB1) administered ip was examined in male Sprague-Dawley rats. FB1 was injected at 7.5 or 10 mg/kg body weight/day for 4 consecutive days. This resulted in significant reductions in body weight, food consumption and faeces production. Polyuria without a compensatory increase in water consumption was observed in treated rats. Erythrocytosis, elevated haematocrits and haemoglobin levels were attributed to dehydration. Nephrotoxicity in treated rats was evident by clinical changes including elevated blood urea nitrogen and by subtle changes in kidney morphology. Histopathology and serum biochemistry also indicated that the liver was an important target organ in FB1-treated rats. A small increase in liver glutathione concentration was also evident in rats receiving 10 mg FB1/kg body weight. Effects on the immune system included reduced thymus weight, disseminated thymic necrosis and consistently elevated serum immunoglobulin M levels. Circulating phagocytic cell numbers were elevated in treated rats, probably owning to tissue damage associated with ip dosing. The liver and kidneys appear to be target organs of FB1 in Sprague-Dawley rats.
Insights
Fumonisin B1 (FB1) causes toxicity in rats, affecting body weight, hydration, and organ function. This mycotoxin targets the liver and kidneys, impacting the immune system and causing dehydration.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Animal Health
- Mycotoxicology
Background:
- Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is a mycotoxin produced by Fusarium species.
- FB1 contamination poses a risk to animal and human health.
- Understanding FB1 toxicity is crucial for risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the toxicological effects of purified FB1 in male Sprague-Dawley rats.
- To identify target organs and systemic effects of FB1 exposure.
- To evaluate FB1-induced changes in physiological and biochemical parameters.
Main Methods:
- Administration of purified FB1 (7.5 or 10 mg/kg/day) via intraperitoneal injection for 4 consecutive days.
- Monitoring of body weight, food consumption, water intake, and fecal production.
- Clinical and biochemical analyses including hematology, serum biochemistry, and urinalysis.
- Histopathological examination of target organs (liver, kidneys, thymus).
Main Results:
- FB1 exposure led to reduced body weight, food consumption, and fecal output.
- Dehydration was indicated by polyuria, increased hematocrit, hemoglobin, and erythrocytosis.
- Nephrotoxicity was observed, with elevated blood urea nitrogen and kidney morphology changes.
- The liver was identified as a target organ, with altered glutathione levels at higher doses.
- Immune system effects included reduced thymus weight, thymic necrosis, and elevated IgM.
- Elevated circulating phagocytic cells suggested tissue damage from dosing.
Conclusions:
- The liver and kidneys are primary target organs for FB1 toxicity in Sprague-Dawley rats.
- FB1 induces systemic toxicity, including dehydration, organ damage, and immune modulation.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate FB1's mechanisms of toxicity and long-term effects.