Related Experiment Videos
Effects of intranasal exposure to spores of Stachybotrys atra in mice
M Nikulin1, K Reijula, B B Jarvis
1Veterinary Microbiology and Epidemiology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
Abstract:
The effects of highly toxic and nontoxic spores of Stachybotrys atra were investigated in mice after six intranasal administrations of 1 x 10(5) and 1 x 10(3) spores in phosphate-buffered saline during a 3-week period. Toxic spores contained the trichothecene mycotoxins, satratoxins G and H, as well as the immunosuppressant stachybotrylactones and -lactams. No trichothecenes were detected in the nontoxic spores, and they contained only minor amounts of stachybotrylactones and -lactams. In mice injected with toxic and nontoxic spores, the platelet count was decreased and leucocyte and erythrocyte counts, hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit were increased. No IgG antibodies to S. atra were detected in sera of mice exposed intranasally to spores. No histological changes were detected in spleen, thymus, or intestines of mice. The mice receiving 1 x 10(5) toxic spores intranasally developed severe inflammatory changes within both bronchioles and alveoli. Hemorrhage was detected in alveoli. The mice receiving 1 x 10(5) nontoxic spores also developed inflammatory changes in the lungs, but these changes were significantly milder than those in mice receiving toxic spores. The mice receiving 1 x 10(3) toxic spores developed inflammatory changes in the lungs that were less severe than those in the mice receiving 1 x 10(5) toxic spores. No inflammatory changes were detected in the mice receiving 1 x 10(3) of nontoxic spores. The present findings indicate that exposure to S. atra spores containing toxins (satratoxins) can be a significant health risk.
Insights
Exposure to toxic Stachybotrys atra spores causes significant lung inflammation and health risks in mice. Nontoxic spores resulted in milder effects, highlighting the danger of mycotoxins like satratoxins.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Mycology
- Immunology
Background:
- Stachybotrys atra (black mold) produces toxic spores containing mycotoxins.
- Understanding the health impacts of toxic versus nontoxic S. atra spores is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the differential effects of toxic and nontoxic Stachybotrys atra spores on mouse health.
- To assess the role of satratoxins and other mycotoxins in S. atra-induced toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Mice received six intranasal administrations of toxic or nontoxic S. atra spores (1 x 10(5) or 1 x 10(3)) over 3 weeks.
- Toxic spores contained satratoxins G/H and stachybotrylactones/-lactams; nontoxic spores had minimal amounts.
- Hematological parameters, antibody production, and lung histology were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Both spore types altered hematological parameters (platelets decreased; RBCs, WBCs, hemoglobin, hematocrit increased).
- Severe lung inflammation (bronchioles, alveoli) and hemorrhage occurred with high-dose toxic spores.
- Milder lung inflammation occurred with high-dose nontoxic spores and low-dose toxic spores; no inflammation with low-dose nontoxic spores.
Conclusions:
- Toxic S. atra spores, particularly those containing satratoxins, pose a significant health risk.
- The dose and toxicity of S. atra spores are critical factors in determining the severity of lung inflammation.
- Further research is needed to understand the long-term health implications of mold exposure.