Cytotoxicity and immunolocalization of fumonisin B1 in DEC99 and BALB/C 3T3 cell lines

Abstract

Fumonisins are widespread mycotoxins, produced by several species of Fusarium moulds that contaminate mainly crops, and food and feed based on cereals. These metabolites represent a significant health treat for humans and animals because of their toxic and carcinogenic effects. The present study aims to ascertain the cytotoxic effects of FB1 on permanent lines and its subcellular localization. In the present study, the cytotoxic effect of fumonisin B1 (FB1) on DEC99 (duck embryo cells) and BALB/c 3T3 (mouse embryo fibroblasts) cell lines was assessed by Neutral Red Uptake (NRU) test and standard Pappenheim and fluorescent AO/PI double staining. Intracellular distribution of FB1 in DEC99 cells was examined by immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy methods. The results from the NRU test indicated that DEC99 cells are more sensitive to the toxic effect of FB1 than BALB/c 3T3 cells. AO/PI double staining revealed morphological features of apoptosis of cells treated with 300 µg FB1/ml. The immunofluorescent and immunogold labeling of FB1 revealed the localization of the micotoxin in the cytoplasm and the nucleus of the cells. The presented results clearly indicate that the cell line DEC99 is a useful model system for studies on the cytotoxic effects of fumonisins.