Teratogenic and toxic effects of ochratoxin A in rats

Abstract

The mycotoxin ochratoxin A, is a teratogen as well as a potent nephrotoxin. Crystalline ochratoxin A was dissolved in 0.1 n NaHCO 3 and given daily by gastric intubation to rats on Days 6–15 of gestation. There were 10 rats per group and the dose levels tested were 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1, 2, 4, and 8 mg/kg. Acute ochratoxicosis, characterized mainly by signs of renal failure, occurred in dams given 4 or 8 mg/kg. Several dams died and the litters were resorbed in all dams given the larger doses. Signs of toxicosis were not observed in dams given 1 or 2 mg/kg, but their litters were also resorbed. There was no sign of toxicosis in dams given 0.25, 0.50, or 0.75 mg/kg. However, at Day 20, there was an increased incidence of fetal resorption in dams given 0.75 mg/kg. All fetuses taken on gestation Day 20 from dams given 0.25, 0.50 or 0.75 mg/kg weighed significantly less than control fetuses, and fetuses from dams given 0.75 or 1.0 mg/kg were stunted. Many had open eyes, deformed snouts, and other major alterations including wavy ribs and agenesis of vertebrae. At the lower doses, ochratoxin A was teratogenic, but at the higher doses it was embryocidal.