Teratogenic effects of ochratoxin a in rabbits.

Abstract

Ochratoxin A, is a food-borne mycotoxin produced by several fungal species of the genera Aspergillus and Penicillium. Ochratoxin A was dissolved in corn oil and given by gastric intubation to rabbits on days 6-18 of gestation with the dose levels of 0.025, 0.050 and 0.100 mg/kg body weight. When compared with controls (4.16 %), in case of 0.100 mg/kg dose group, there was a significant increase in the incidence of gross (P<0.05) and skeletal (P<0.10) anomalies. The number of live fetuses in the case of 0.100 mg/kg dose group was significantly less than those of the 0.025mg/kg dose group. When compared to controls and 0.025mg/kg dose group, the mean fetal weights and mean fetal crown to rump lengths of dose group 0.100 mg/kg were significantly lower. Major gross anomalies caused by ochratoxin A included wrist drop, rudimentary tail, knuckling of fetlock and agenesis of tail. Skeletal anomalies were agenesis of caudal vertebrae, incomplete ossification of skull bones and wavy ribs. The soft tissue anomalies included internal hydrocephalus, microphthalmia and kidney agenesis.