Related Experiment Videos
[Studies of the chronic toxicity of mold pectinase]
Abstract:
Studied was the action of mould pectinase produced in this country, using Asp. niger. Rats and guinea pigs were subject to the testing through continuous oral treatment. The preparation was mixed with feed at 0.1 and 0.2 ratio percents (1000 and 2000 ppm)--with the rats for a period of 90 days, and with the guinea pigs--in the course of 180 days. It was found that the enzyme preparation stimulates the growth (more strongly expressed in rats), showing no adverse effect on the appetite and behaviour as well as on the tested clinical and biochemical indices of the blood and urine and the structure and development of viscera and the reproductive capacity of the test animals. The positive effect on the growth of animals is explained by the better utilization of the nutrient components of the ration, and the harmlessness of the preparation--by its weak resorption in the digestive tract (resorption index 13) and the fact that it is not able to attack animal tissues having no pectin substances.
Insights
Mould pectinase from Aspergillus niger promotes animal growth by improving nutrient utilization. This enzyme preparation demonstrated no adverse effects in rats and guinea pigs during extensive safety trials.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Animal Nutrition
- Enzymology
Background:
- Pectinase enzymes are crucial in various industrial applications.
- Understanding the biological activity of mould-derived pectinase is essential for its safe application.
- Aspergillus niger is a common source for industrial enzyme production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a domestically produced mould pectinase (Aspergillus niger) on animal growth.
- To assess the safety and potential adverse effects of oral pectinase administration in animal models.
- To investigate the impact of pectinase on nutrient utilization and animal physiology.
Main Methods:
- Oral administration of mould pectinase to rats (90 days) and guinea pigs (180 days) at varying concentrations (1000 and 2000 ppm).
- Monitoring of animal growth, appetite, behavior, and key clinical/biochemical blood and urine indices.
- Histopathological examination of viscera and assessment of reproductive capacity.
Main Results:
- The enzyme preparation significantly stimulated animal growth, with a more pronounced effect observed in rats.
- No adverse effects were noted on appetite, behavior, blood/urine parameters, or organ structure and development.
- Reproductive capacity remained unaffected, indicating a lack of toxicity.
- A low resorption index (13) suggests limited systemic absorption of the enzyme.
Conclusions:
- Mould pectinase from Aspergillus niger is a safe and effective growth promoter in animal models.
- Enhanced nutrient utilization is the likely mechanism behind the observed growth stimulation.
- The enzyme's low resorption and inability to degrade animal tissues contribute to its safety profile.