Related Experiment Videos
Toxicity of fumonisin B1 to B6C3F1 mice: a 14-day gavage study
G S Bondy1, C A Suzuki, S M Fernie
1Toxicology Research Division, Food Directorate, Health Canada, Ottawa, Canada.
Abstract:
Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is a fungal toxin produced by members of the genus Fusarium. Ingestion of FB1 causes species-specific neurotoxic, nephrotoxic, hepatotoxic and pulmonary effects. The clinical, haematological and pathological responses of adult male and female B6C3F1 mice to FB1 were assessed following 14 daily gavage doses ranging from 1 to 75 mg FB1/kg body weight/day. There were no consistent sex-related changes. Although all responses were modest, the most notable effects of FB1 were on the liver, bone marrow, adrenals and kidneys. In the liver, hepatocellular single cell necrosis, mitosis and anisokaryosis were observed, accompanied by elevated serum ALT. In the kidneys, minor histopathological changes were confined to female mice, while mild decreases in ion transport and increases in blood urea nitrogen were seen only in males. Small changes in glutathione levels were observed in the kidneys and livers of male mice. Adrenal cortical cell vacuolation was observed at 15 mg FB1/kg and higher in females and from 35 mg FB1/kg in males. Serum cholesterol was elevated in both male and female mice, possibly due to FB1-induced changes in lipid metabolism in the liver and adrenals. Although bone marrow cell numbers were unchanged, increases in vacuolated myeloid cells and lymphocytes were observed in female mice. In general, the degree of changes observed indicate that mice are not as sensitive a model of FB1 toxicity as rats.
Insights
Fumonisin B1 (FB1) fungal toxin causes modest liver, kidney, and adrenal effects in mice. Mice appear less sensitive to FB1 toxicity than rats, showing minimal sex-related differences.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Mycotoxicology
- Animal Models
Background:
- Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is a mycotoxin from Fusarium species.
- FB1 ingestion causes toxic effects, including neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity, varying by species.
- Understanding FB1's impact in mammalian models is crucial for risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical, hematological, and pathological responses of B6C3F1 mice to daily FB1 exposure.
- To identify potential sex-related differences in FB1 toxicity.
- To compare the sensitivity of mice as an FB1 toxicity model relative to other species, like rats.
Main Methods:
- Adult male and female B6C3F1 mice received daily gavage doses of FB1 (1-75 mg/kg) for 14 days.
- Clinical signs, serum chemistry (ALT, cholesterol, BUN), organ histopathology, and glutathione levels were assessed.
- Bone marrow cytology was examined for hematological changes.
Main Results:
- FB1 induced modest toxic effects primarily in the liver (necrosis, anisokaryosis), kidneys (histopathological changes in females, BUN increase in males), and adrenals (cortical cell vacuolation).
- Elevated serum ALT and cholesterol were observed in both sexes.
- No consistent sex-related differences in toxicity were noted, though some minor variations occurred.
- Mice exhibited less sensitivity to FB1 toxicity compared to rats.
Conclusions:
- B6C3F1 mice show a modest response to FB1, with notable effects on the liver, kidneys, and adrenals.
- FB1 toxicity in mice does not exhibit significant sex-based variations.
- Mice represent a less sensitive model for FB1 toxicity compared to rats.