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Fumonisin B1 toxicity in male Sprague-Dawley rats
1Toxicology Research Division, Food Directorate, Health Canada, Ottawa.
Abstract:
Male rats were gavaged with fumonisin B1 (FB1) once daily for 11 consecutive days at doses of 0, 1, 5, 15, 35, and 75 mg FB1/kg body weight. Urine osmolality (at 5-75 mg FB1/kg) and organic ion transport in kidney slices (at 5-75 mg FB1/kg) were reduced. Urinary excretion of protein (at 15-75 mg FB1/kg) and of the enzymes LDH (at 5-75 mg FB1/kg), NAG (at 5-75 mg FB1/kg) and GGT (at 15-75 mg FB1/kg) were increased. These findings were indicative of glomerular and tubular toxicity. Histopathologic changes in the kidney consisted of necrosis of tubular epithelia of variable extent accentuated in the inner cortex. These changes were present at 1 and 5 mg FB1/kg and were more pronounced at 15-75 mg FB1/kg. Serum enzymes indicative of hepatotoxicity (ALT, GGT) were elevated compared to controls at 75 mg FB1/kg only. There were noticeable increases in mitotic figures in hepatocytes at 35-75 mg FB1/kg, while single cell necroses were increasingly numerous from 15-75 mg FB1/kg. The kidneys were considered to be the primary target organs in this study.
Insights
Fumonisin B1 (FB1) exposure in male rats caused kidney damage, including tubular necrosis and reduced kidney function. Liver toxicity was observed only at the highest FB1 dose.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Nephrology
- Hepatology
Background:
- Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is a mycotoxin found in crops, posing potential health risks.
- Understanding FB1's toxicological effects on mammalian organs is crucial for risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the kidney and liver toxicity of Fumonisin B1 (FB1) in male rats.
- To determine dose-dependent effects and identify primary target organs.
Main Methods:
- Male rats were administered varying doses of FB1 (0-75 mg/kg) daily for 11 days.
- Kidney and liver function were assessed via urine analysis, enzyme levels, and histopathology.
Main Results:
- Kidney toxicity was evident at lower FB1 doses (1-5 mg/kg), with tubular necrosis and impaired function.
- Increased urinary excretion of protein and enzymes (LDH, NAG, GGT) indicated glomerular and tubular damage.
- Hepatotoxicity (elevated ALT, GGT) and increased hepatocyte mitosis were observed only at the highest FB1 dose (75 mg/kg).
Conclusions:
- The kidneys are the primary target organs for Fumonisin B1 toxicity in rats.
- FB1 exhibits dose-dependent nephrotoxicity and, at high doses, hepatotoxicity.