Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026
The Murine Choline-Deficient, Ethionine-Supplemented (CDE) Diet Model of Chronic Liver Injury
Published on: October 21, 2017
Quail spleen is enlarged by microcystin RR as a blue-green algal hepatotoxin
1Division of Environmental Chemistry, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Japan.
Abstract:
Toxic effects of microcystin RR as a blue-green algal hepatotoxin in laboratory quails were examined. In order to determine the microcystin RR LD50, purified microcystin RR was injected into the peritoneum of the quails. The value obtained was 256 micrograms/kg quail. Usually the quails died between 14 and 18 hr after the injection. After administration of the toxin, the quail spleens were enlarged to a doubling of the control spleens, whereas the lives did not change. These effects are quite different from those in mice and rats, indicating the toxic mechanism of the toxin in quails is different.
Insights
Microcystin RR, a blue-green algal toxin, showed significant toxicity in quails, with an LD50 of 256 µg/kg. Quail spleen enlargement occurred, differing from toxic effects observed in rodents.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Hepatology
- Animal Science
Background:
- Blue-green algae produce toxins like microcystin RR, posing risks to wildlife.
- Hepatotoxins can cause severe liver damage, but their effects vary across species.
- Understanding species-specific toxicity is crucial for ecological risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the median lethal dose (LD50) of microcystin RR in laboratory quails.
- To investigate the toxic effects and pathological changes induced by microcystin RR in quails.
- To compare the toxicological response of quails to microcystin RR with that of other species, such as mice and rats.
Main Methods:
- Purified microcystin RR was administered intraperitoneally to laboratory quails.
- The median lethal dose (LD50) was calculated based on mortality rates.
- Post-mortem examinations were conducted to assess organ changes, focusing on spleen and liver size.
Main Results:
- The LD50 of microcystin RR in quails was determined to be 256 µg/kg.
- Quail mortality typically occurred between 14 and 18 hours post-injection.
- Significant spleen enlargement (doubling control size) was observed in affected quails, while livers showed no significant changes.
Conclusions:
- Microcystin RR exhibits significant acute toxicity in quails, with a specific LD50 value established.
- The observed pathological effects, particularly spleen enlargement without liver alteration, suggest a unique toxic mechanism in quails.
- These findings highlight species-specific differences in response to microcystin RR, contrasting with known effects in rodents and necessitating further research into the underlying toxicological pathways.
