Ultrastructural changes induced by chronic aflatoxicosis in chickens

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Toxicology
• Poultry Science

Background:

• Aflatoxins are toxic metabolites produced by fungi that can contaminate animal feed.
• Poultry are susceptible to aflatoxicosis, which can cause significant health and economic impacts.
• Understanding the subtle effects of low-level aflatoxin exposure is crucial for poultry health management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the ultrastructural effects of a low concentration of dietary aflatoxin in chickens.
• To identify target organs and the sequence of cellular changes induced by aflatoxin exposure.
• To evaluate the pancreas as a potential indicator organ for early aflatoxicosis.

Main Methods:

• Chickens were fed a diet containing a low concentration of aflatoxin for eight weeks.
• Heart, pancreas, and liver tissues were examined using electron microscopy.
• Ultrastructural changes in parenchymal cells and tissue organization were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Significant liver damage was observed, including alterations in parenchymal cells and tissue organization, with extensive bile duct epithelial cell proliferation.
• The pancreas exhibited minimal changes, making it suitable for observing early and mild ultrastructural alterations.
• Initial nuclear changes preceded cytoplasmic changes in pancreatic cells, and myocardial mitochondria were affected, while liver and pancreatic mitochondria remained unaltered.

Conclusions:

• Low-level dietary aflatoxin exposure in chickens causes notable liver damage and subtle pancreatic changes.
• The pancreas can serve as a sensitive organ for detecting early ultrastructural signs of aflatoxicosis.
• Further research into the observed leukoviruses in one treated bird is warranted.