Immunotoxicity of ochratoxin A and citrinin in New Zealand White rabbits.

Abstract

ABSTRACT:In the present study, the effects of ochratoxin A (OTA), citrinin (CIT) and their combination on the immunological parameters were studied in 6-8 weeks old New Zealand White rabbits at 60 d post-intoxication. Thirty two rabbits were divided into four groups of eight. OTA, CIT and a combination of the two were given at 0.75 mg/kg, 15 mg/kg and 0.75 plus 15 mg/kg, in feed respectively for up to 60 d of the trial. Other fourth group was used as a control, being fed standard toxin free feed. The toxin treated animals showed a signifi cant decline in antibody titres to sheep red blood cells. The reduction in the cell mediated immune response was more signifi cant in the OTA and combination groups as observed in the skin hypersensitivity test and the lymphocyte proliferation assay. The citrinin-treated rabbits failed to show any signifi cant changes following the lymphocyte transformation assay and the delayed type hypersensitivity test. Histologically, the cellular (mononuclear cells) reaction in the skin in the treated groups was comparatively lesser than that of the control group. Thus, the present study in rabbits indicated signifi cantly lower humoral and cellular immune responses in the OTA and combination groups

Advances in Biofueling of Micro Gas Turbines for Power Generation

“…The addition of hydrogen proved to be a welcome development in GT combustion since GT engines designed for liquid fuels can be modified to run on hydrogen due to its possibility of reaching a high temperature up to ≈2027 °C . One major limitation of this fuel is its high reactivity and low ignition energy, resulting in flashback . Currently, GTs running solely on hydrogen gas might not be advisable due to its high risk of accidents, but it can be used to boost the combustion process.…”

“…Other issues include low‐temperature operability problem, feedstock cost, storage stability of fuels, and engine problems due to poor‐quality fuels from production processes . In general, the major concern about the exploitation of biofuels in GTs relates to fuel properties and combustion characteristics …”

Toxicity and Safety Testing

“…Mycotoxins have immunosuppressive properties that lead to increased susceptibility to infection, and several mycotoxins including ochratoxin A (OTA) and citrinin (CIT), both found in improperly stored foods, also cause nephrotoxicity in animals (Kumar et al, 2008). Mycotoxins have immunosuppressive properties that lead to increased susceptibility to infection, and several mycotoxins including ochratoxin A (OTA) and citrinin (CIT), both found in improperly stored foods, also cause nephrotoxicity in animals (Kumar et al, 2008).…”

Mycotoxins in rabbit feed: A review

“…Nearly all mycotoxins are cytotoxic, disrupting various cellular structures such as membranes and interfering with cellular processes such as protein, RNA and DNA synthesis (Guerre et al, 2000). Mycotoxins destroy the tissues by oxidizing proteins and most of them have immunosuppressive effects (Kumar et al, 2008). Some of them cause acute toxicity, evidenced by digestive disorders or dermatitis.…”

“…Mycotoxins may cause fever (Cannon et al, 1982), gastrointestinal problems, internal bleeding, haemorrhages or bruising, stomach ulcers (Aziz et al, 1995), mouth sores, kidney or liver damage (Szilágyi et al, 1994), central nervous system problems (Gabal et al, 1986), immune-suppression (Richard et al, 1991;Kumar et al, 2008), tumour-genesis, eye and lung problems, hypertrophy of the adrenal cortex, reproductive organ problems (Szilágyi et al, 1994), damage to the heart muscle, tachycardia, skin problems (Fairhurst et al, 1987), bone marrow and spleen problems (Niyo et al, 1988), blood abnormalities (Mizutani et al, 1997), rectal prolapses and increased vascular fragility.…”