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Biomedical subjects

R B Harvey

Publications and source records attributed to R B Harvey.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

Effects of feeding fumonisin B1 present in Fusarium moniliforme culture material and aflatoxin singly and in combination to turkey poults.

Diets containing 200 mg fumonisin B1/kg of feed and .75 mg aflatoxin/kg of feed singly or in combination were fed to female turkey poults (Nicholas Large White) from day of hatch to 21 d of age. When compared with controls, 21-d body weight gains were reduced 10% by fumonisin B1, 39% by aflatoxins, and 47% by the combination. Relative weights (grams/100 g body weight) of the kidney and pancreas increased in poults fed the diet containing aflatoxins alone, whereas the relative weight of the liver decreased. Relative weights of the liver and pancreas increased in the poults fed the fumonisin diet. Relative weights of the kidney, pancreas, and gizzard increased in the poults fed the combination diet, whereas the relative weight of the liver decreased. Most serum constituents, hematology values, and activities of enzymes measured were altered in poults receiving the diets containing aflatoxins with or without fumonisin B1. No major histological lesions were observed in tissues from control poults or poults fed the diet containing fumonisin alone. Lesions associated with aflatoxins were only observed in the liver and occasionally in the kidney of poults fed the diets containing aflatoxins with or without fumonisin B1. The primary hepatic change was bile duct hyperplasia with some hepatocellular degeneration and necrosis and megalocytosis. Occasional necrotic and degenerating tubular epithelial cells were observed in the kidneys. The increased toxicity in poults fed the combination diet for most variables can best be described as additive, although some variables showed less than additive toxicity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aflatoxins↗
PubMed1995

Influence of aflatoxin and fumonisin B1-containing culture material on growing barrows.

Aflatoxin (AF)-contaminated and fumonisin B1 (FB1)-contaminated (culture material from Fusarium moniliforme) diets were fed singly and in combination to growing cross-bred barrows. Six barrows (3 replicates of 2 each; mean body weight, 17.5 kg) per group were fed: 0 mg of AF and 0 mg of FB1/kg of feed (control); 2.5 mg of AF/kg of feed; 100 mg of FB1/kg of feed; or 2.5 mg of AF plus 100 mg of FB1/kg of feed for 35 days. The effects on production performance, serum biochemical, hematologic, immunologic, and pathologic measurements were evaluated. Body weight, gain, and feed consumption were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased by AF and AF plus FB1 diets. The FB1 diet decreased feed consumption, and although body weight was numerically decreased, it was not statistically significant. Aflatoxin increased serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity and total iron concentration and decreased urea nitrogen concentration and unsaturated iron-binding capacity. The FB1-alone diet increased serum GGT activity, whereas the AF plus FB1 diet increased serum aspartate transaminase, cholinesterase, alkaline phosphatase, and GGT activities, increased RBC count, triglycerides, and total iron concentrations, and decreased unsaturated iron-binding capacity and urea nitrogen concentration. For the most part, the effects of the AF plus FB1 diet on body weight and hematologic measurements could be considered additive. However, the effect of the AF plus FB1 diet on cholinesterase and alkaline phosphatase activities was greater than additive and was a synergistic response. One pig in the FB1-diet group and 2 pigs in the combination-diet group died. Postmortem lesions in pigs of the FB1-diet group consisted of ascites and increased liver weight. Observations at necropsy for pigs of the AF plus FB1-diet group consisted of hydrothorax, ascites, pulmonary edema, gastric erosions and ulceration, and increased liver and spleen weights. The AF diet increased relative liver weight and resulted in liver that was pale, rubbery, and resistant to cutting. Histologic lesions consisted of hepatic necrosis or degeneration, or both, with variable degrees of bile duct proliferation in barrows of the AF-diet groups. Renal tubular nephrosis was observed in barrows of the FB1-diet group, but this was not consistent in the AF plus FB1-diet group. Cell-mediated immunity, as measured by mitogen-induced lymphoblastogenic stimulation index, was decreased in barrows of the AF and FB1-diet groups, and values in barrows given the combination diet were significantly decreased from those in barrows given the single toxin diets. It was concluded that AF and FB1 (from culture material), singly or in combination, can adversely affect clinical performance, serum biochemical, hematologic, and immunologic values and induce lesions in growing barrows. For most of the variables we evaluated under our study conditions and dosages of toxins, measurements were affected more by the combination diet than by either single toxin diet, and the toxic responses could be described as additive or more than additive, particularly for induction of liver disease.

Aflatoxins↗
PubMed1994

Reducing brain sodium concentration prevents post-prandial and dehydration-induced natriuresis in sheep.

Renal Na excretion during the 24 h following feeding was studied in sheep. A pronounced natriuresis occurred 3.5-5.5 h after feeding. Na excretion then fell to low levels in animals allowed to drink water, but was significantly elevated above this level in water-deprived sheep for most of the remaining period. Both the post-prandial and dehydration-induced natriuresis were prevented by intracerebroventricular (icv) infusions of low Na concentration 0.3 mol l-1 mannitol at 1 ml h-1, and a water diuresis also occurred. These effects were not caused by icv infusion of artificial cerebrospinal fluid (Na concentration = 150 mmol l-1). As a result, there was a much greater increase in plasma Na concentration and osmolality in the sheep given icv mannitol. Intravenous infusion of vasopressin prevented the water diuresis induced by icv mannitol, but the inhibition of natriuresis was still observed and plasma Na concentration increased by 8 mmol l-1 over 24 h compared with an increase of 3 mmol l-1 in dehydrated sheep infused icv with artificial cerebrospinal fluid. The results show that the ambient Na concentration in the brain plays an important role in the normal homeostatic regulation of Na balance by the kidney in sheep.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Comparison of two hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate compounds to experimentally protect growing barrows from aflatoxicosis.

Two formulations of hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate (HSCAS-1 and HSCAS-3), anti-caking agents for mixed feed, were added to the diets of growing barrows and were evaluated for their potential to diminish the clinical signs of aflatoxicosis. The experimental design consisted of 8 barrows (2 replicates of 4 each/treatment) assigned to 1 of the following 6 treatment diets (total of 48): 1) 0 g of HSCAS-1 or HSCAS-3 and 0 mg of aflatoxin (AF)/kg of feed (control); 2) 5 g HSCAS-1/kg of feed; 3) 5 g HSCAS-3/kg of feed; 4) 3 mg AF/kg of feed; 5) 3 mg AF plus 5 g HSCAS-1/kg of feed; or 6) 3 mg AF plus 5 g HSCAS-3/kg of feed. Barrows were maintained in indoor concrete-floored pens, with feed and water available for 28 days (from 8 to 12 weeks of age). Barrows were observed twice daily and weighed weekly, and blood samples were collected at day 28 for hematologic, immunologic, and serum biochemical measurements. At the termination of the study, barrows were euthanized and necropsied. Barrow body weight gains were diminished, compared to those of controls, by consumption of AF alone and both of the AF plus HSCAS diets; however, the AF plus HSCAS-1 and AF plus HSCAS-3 barrow body weight gains were significantly greater (P < 0.05) than those of the AF-alone barrows.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aflatoxins↗
PubMed1994

Dietary hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate reduction of aflatoxin M1 residue in dairy goat milk and effects on milk production and components.

Lactating dairy goats were exposed to aflatoxin (100 and 200 ppb) and hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate at 1, 2, and 4% in two separate experiments. Naturally occurring low levels of aflatoxin M1 (.009 ppb) were found in the milk of the control diet, whereas there were no detectable levels of aflatoxin M1 in the milk of diets containing hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate in both experiments. In Exp. 1, no treatment-related differences in clinical behavior or significant difference in the feed intake, milk production, or milk component analyses were observed with 200 ppb of aflatoxin and 4% hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate. However, 4% hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate was responsible for an 86.9% reduction of aflatoxin M1 residue in the milk of diary goats. In Exp. 2, the combination of 1% hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate and aflatoxin at 100 ppb resulted in an overall reduction of aflatoxin M1 residue by 51.9%, which represented a mean change of aflatoxin M1 from .553 to .266 ppb of aflatoxin M1 in the milk. The diet that contained 2% hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate and 100 ppb of aflatoxin further reduced aflatoxin residue by a mean change from .553 to .098 of ppb aflatoxin M1, which represents an 82.2% reduction of aflatoxin M1 residue in the milk. Analysis of the data by time indicated that there were no statistical differences between days of sampling. Information regarding the ability of hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate to prevent or reduce the level of aflatoxin M1 residues in milk is critically needed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aflatoxin M1↗
PubMed1994

Effect of aflatoxin in growing lambs fed ruminally degradable or escape protein sources.

Thirty-two crossbred (Suffolk x Rambouillet) wether lambs were used to examine the effectiveness of protein source (soybean meal [SBM] or fish meal [FM]) in alleviating decreased performance associated with dietary aflatoxin (AF) in growing lambs. After a 21-d adaptation period to concentrate diets, lambs were assigned to the following dietary treatments: 1) SBM, 0 mg of AF; 2) FM, 0 mg of AF; 3) SBM + 2.5 mg of AF/kg diet; or 4) FM+2.5 mg of AF/kg diet (two lambs/pen; four pens/treatment). Diets were fed 35 d, at which time AF was removed from the diet (except one pen/protein source) and lambs continued on study for an additional 32 d. On d 67, all lambs were killed and necropsied. Average daily gain, feed intake, and gain/feed were similar (P > .10) among lambs fed SBM or FM; however, lambs fed AF had lower (P < .01) feed intakes, daily gain, and gain/feed. Feed intake remained lower (P < .01) after AF was removed from the diet. Aflatoxin elevated (P < .01) aspartate amino transferase and gamma-glutamyl transferase activities and total protein and cholesterol concentrations while decreasing (P < .05) alkaline phosphatase, glucose, cholinesterase, albumin, inorganic phosphorus, iron, and total-iron-binding capacity. Hematocrit, white blood cell count, and prothrombin time increased (P < .01) in lambs fed AF. No AF or protein effects were seen on ruminal VFA, pH, or lymphocyte blastogenesis (P > .10).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aflatoxins↗
PubMed1994

Influence of ochratoxin A and diacetoxyscirpenol singly and in combination on broiler chickens.

The effects of feeding 2 mg ochratoxin A (OA) and 6 mg 4,15-diacetoxyscirpenol (DAS)/kg of diet singly and in combination were characterized in male broiler chicks from 1 to 19 d of age. Body weights were depressed by OA, DAS, and the OA-DAS combination. There was a significant antagonistic interaction between OA and DAS for uric acid and cholesterol. The efficiency of feed utilization was reduced by DAS alone and by the OA-DAS combination. When compared with controls, additive toxicity was exhibited for reduced efficiency of feed utilization, increased relative weights of the liver and gizzard, and decreased concentration of serum total protein, mean corpuscular volume, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin. All chicks were scored for oral lesions using a scale of 1 to 4 (0 = no visible lesions; 3 = severe lesions). Oral lesions (average score = 2.6) were present in over 90% of the chicks receiving the DAS diet with or without OA. These data demonstrate that both OA and DAS alone and the OA-DAS combination can adversely affect broiler performance and health.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed1994

Effect of ochratoxin A on Salmonella-challenged broiler chicks.

Poultry products represent a significant reservoir of Salmonella typhimurium. Ochratoxin A, a mycotoxin and natural contaminant of poultry feedstuffs, produces detrimental effects on the immune and other systems of the broiler chick. Because poultry products are possible sources of S. typhimurium contamination that can potentially infect humans, there is a need to know whether ochratoxin A can alter the growth of Salmonella in poultry. We investigated the pathological alterations of young male broiler chicks by S. typhimurium in the presence (3.0 mg/kg) or absence of ochratoxin A in the diet. Ochratoxin A alone in the diet decreased the body weight and increased the relative organ weights of the liver, kidney, gizzard, spleen, pancreas, and proventriculus. It did not affect the heart and bursa of Fabricius. The mycotoxin altered the serum concentrations of proteins, enzymes, calcium and phosphate salts, normal tissue constituents, and catabolic metabolites in a pattern that would suggest damage to skeletal muscle, liver, kidney, pancreas, and bone. Birds fed diets containing ochratoxin A had microcytic and hypochromic erythrocytes and a decrease in phytohemagglutin- and concanavalin A-stimulated blastogenesis. Salmonella typhimurium alone had no affect on the variables measured except for a decrease in body weight. With the exception of an increase in mortality (13.2%, a significant synergistic interaction) and decrease in body weight, Salmonella in combination with ochratoxin A did not alter the values of the remaining variables measured from those measured in the ochratoxin A diet alone. Cecal colony count of S. typhimurium was not affected by treatment with ochratoxin A.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Individual and combined toxicity of T-2 toxin and cyclopiazonic acid in broiler chicks.

The effects of feeding 6 mg T-2 toxin (T-2) and 34 mg cyclopiazonic acid (CPA)/kg of diet singly and in combination were characterized in male broiler chicks from 1 d to 3 wk of age. Body weights were depressed by T-2, CPA, and the combination of T-2 and CPA. There was a significant synergistic interaction between T-2 and CPA for relative liver and kidney weights and serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations and a significant interaction between T-2 and CPA for 3-wk body weights and relative bursa of Fabricius weights, which were less than additive. Neither the efficiency of feed utilization nor mortality was affected by dietary treatments. Oral lesions were present in a majority of the chicks fed diets containing T-2 with or without CPA. When compared with controls, other variables measured exhibited additive or less than additive toxicity. These data demonstrate that T-2 and CPA alone and in combination can cause reduced performance and adversely affect broiler health. The effects of these mycotoxins may be exacerbated by other factors when under field conditions; hence, the potential detrimental effects of these two mycotoxins when present alone or in combination cannot be dismissed.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Administration of ochratoxin A and T-2 toxin to growing swine.

Effects of dietary ochratoxin A (OA) and T-2 toxin, fed singly and in combination, were evaluated in growing crossbred pigs. Thirty-six barrows (3 replicates of 3 for each of 4 treatment groups, mean body weight, 18.0 kg) were fed: 0 mg of OA and 0 mg of T-2/kg of feed (control); 2.5 mg of OA/kg of feed; 8.0 mg of T-2/kg of feed; or 2.5 mg of OA plus 8.0 mg of T-2/kg of feed; for 30 days. Production performance, serum biochemical, hematologic, immunologic, and pathologic evaluations were made. Body weight and body weight gain were decreased by all toxin treatments, but the combination toxin treatment reduced weight gain more than did either of the toxins administered singly and could be considered additive. Liver weight was decreased by combination treatment, whereas kidney weight was increased by OA treatment. Ochratoxin decreased serum cholesterol, inorganic phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase values; reduced mean cell volume, hemoglobin concentration, and macrophage phagocytosis; and increased creatinine and total protein values. Consumption of T-2 toxin reduced hemoglobin and serum alkaline phosphatase values. The combination treatment decreased serum cholesterol, gamma-glutamyltransferase, alkaline phosphatase, mean cell volume, hematocrit, and hemoglobin values, as well as lymphoblastogenesis and phagocytosis, and increased serum creatinine concentration. We concluded that OA and T-2, singly or in combination, can affect clinical performance, serum biochemical, hematologic, and immunologic values, and organ weights of growing barrows. Although some analytes were affected more by the combination than by either toxin alone, the interactions could best be described as additive, not synergistic.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Influence of vitamin E on aflatoxicosis in growing swine.

Effects of dietary aflatoxin (AF) and supplemental vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopherol) were evaluated in growing crossbred pigs. Nine barrows (3 replicates of 3 each, mean body weight, 14.0 kg) per group were assigned to 1 of 4 treatment groups (for a total of 36 barrows): 0 IU of supplemental vitamin E and 0 mg of AF/kg of feed (control); 2,400 IU of vitamin E divided into equal doses and administered IM on days 1 and 16; 2.5 mg of AF/kg of feed; or 2.5 mg of AF/kg of feed plus 2,400 IU of vitamin E administered similarly to treatment 2. Barrows were administered their respective treatment for 32 days. Evaluations were made for group production performance and for serum biochemical, immunologic, hematologic, pathologic, serum and tissue tocopherol, and serum retinol variables. Body weight was reduced by AF-alone and AF plus vitamin E treatments, compared with control and vitamin E-alone treatments. Liver weight was increased for the AF alone-treated and the AF plus vitamin E-treated barrows, compared with control barrows. The AF alone-treated barrows had alterations in:serum values of alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, albumin, glucose, phosphorus, calcium, cholesterol, total iron, unsaturated iron-binding capacity, total iron-binding capacity, and urea nitrogen; RBC numbers, hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, and prothrombin time; and mitogen-induced lymphoblastogenic responses. With the exception of some slight ameliorating effects on hematologic measurements, supplemental treatment with vitamin E did not prove beneficial against the toxicosis-associated AF treatment. The AF alone-treated barrows had decreased serum tocopherol and retinol concentrations, compared with control and pretest values, and decreased tocopherol concentration in cardiac tissue. High parenterally administered doses of vitamin E did not have sparing effect on AF-induced reductions of serum tocopherol or retinol concentration; however, compared with pretest values, serum tocopherol concentration was increased by vitamin E-alone treatment. Tocopherol concentration in cardiac tissue of the AF plus vitamin E-treated barrows was increased over that of the AF alone-treated barrows, indicating an ameliorating effect on AF-induced tissue concentrations reductions. These data indicate that vitamin E may not have a sparing effect on AF-induced toxicosis and that AF may reduce serum retinol and serum and tissue tocopherol concentrations.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1993

Evaluation of aluminosilicate compounds to reduce aflatoxin residues and toxicity to poultry and livestock: a review report.

The aflatoxins (AFs) are reported to be hepatotoxic, mutagenic, immunosuppressive, and carcinogenic. Methods to prevent, reduce, or remediate AF toxicity and residues in the environment are in great demand. Various AF-detoxification procedures are reviewed with particular emphasis on ammoniation and the use of adsorbent compounds to bind AF. A series of in vivo experiments by the authors are reviewed that evaluated the ability of a specific hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate (HSCAS) adsorbent to reduce the toxicity of AF to poultry and livestock and to reduce AF residues in milk. These studies showed that HSCAS forms stable bonds with AF in vitro, and when added to AF-contaminated poultry and livestock feeds, HSCAS is able to protect chickens, swine, and lambs from the deleterious toxic effects of AF and to reduce AF residues in milk of dairy cows and goats. These results indicate that HSCAS, when used in conjunction with other mycotoxin management practices, may prove effective for the preventive management of AF-contaminated feedstuffs in livestock and poultry and may reduce AF residues in the food-chain.

Adsorption↗
PubMed1993

Efficacy of a hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate to reduce the toxicity of aflatoxin and diacetoxyscirpenol.

A hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate (HSCAS) was incorporated into diets (.5%) containing 3.5 mg/kg aflatoxin (AF) and 5.0 mg/kg diacetoxyscirpenol (DAS) singly and in combination. Male broiler chicks received ad libitum access to their respective diets and water from 1 to 21 days of age. Body weight gains were significantly (P < .05) depressed by AF and DAS singly and a synergistic interaction occurred between AF and DAS for a further depression of body weight gains. Alterations in hematological and serum biochemical values, as well as serum enzyme activities, were observed for the AF and the AF and DAS combination. Additionally, a significant interaction occurred between AF and DAS for some biochemical values and enzyme activities. Adding HSCAS resulted in almost total protection against the effects caused by AF alone, limited protection against the combination, but no protection against the DAS alone. These findings indicate that HSCAS can diminish the adverse effects of AF but not of DAS.

Aflatoxins↗
PubMed1993

Effect of hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicates on aflatoxicosis in broiler chicks.

In three experiments, three different hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicates (HSCAS) were incorporated into chick diets (.5%) containing either 0 or 5.0 (Experiments 1 and 2) or 0 or 2.5 (Experiment 3) mg/kg aflatoxin (AF). Male broiler chicks consumed their respective diets and water ad libitum from 1 to 21 days of age. When compared with controls, body weights in chicks receiving 5.0 mg AF/kg were reduced by 214 g in Experiment 1 and 220 g in Experiment 2. The addition of .5% of the HSCAS compounds significantly diminished the growth inhibitory effects caused by AF by 39 to 68% in Experiment 1, by 46 to 88% in Experiment 2, and by 38 to 90% in Experiment 3. The increases in relative organ weights and the decreases in serum biochemical values caused by AF were significantly diminished to differing degrees by all three of the HSCAS compounds. These data demonstrate that these specific HSCAS compounds can be protective against the effects of AF in young growing broilers and further emphasizes the fact that all silicate-type sorbents are not equal in their ability to protect against aflatoxicosis. It also seems possible to specially process compounds to increase their efficacy for protection against the toxicity of AF.

Aflatoxins↗
PubMed1992

Efficacy of hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate to reduce the individual and combined toxicity of aflatoxin and ochratoxin A.

A 2 x 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments consisting of dietary aflatoxin (3.5 micrograms/g), ochratoxin A (2.0 micrograms/g), and hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate (HSCAS, .5%) was used to evaluate the individual and combined effects of these treatments. There were six replicate pens of 10 broilers per pen for each of the eight treatments. The broilers were maintained on these treatments from 1 day to 3 wk of age with feed and water available for ad libitum intake. Aflatoxin and ochratoxin A each significantly decreased body weight, serum protein, albumin, and cholesterol and increased the relative weight of the liver, kidney, and proventriculus. Aflatoxin increased the relative weight of the heart and decreased serum aspartate aminotransferase activity and ochratoxin A increased serum uric acid. The toxicity resulting from the combination of aflatoxin and ochratoxin A was more severe than when either of these mycotoxins were present alone. Addition of HSCAS alone did not alter any of the parameters evaluated. The HSCAS reduced the toxicity of aflatoxin, but had little effect on either the toxicity of ochratoxin A alone or the toxicity resulting from the combination of aflatoxin and ochratoxin A.

Aluminum Silicates↗
PubMed1992

Toxicological evaluation of aflatoxin and cyclopiazonic acid in broiler chickens.

The individual and combined effects of aflatoxin (AF) and cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) were evaluated in day-old Petersen x Hubbard broiler chickens to 3 wk of age. Treatments were arranged in a 2 x 2 factorial with levels of 0 and 3.5 mg AF/kg of feed, and 0 and 50 mg CPA/kg of feed. Production performance, serum biochemistry, and gross pathological observations were evaluated. Body weight gain was significantly (P less than .05) reduced by AF, CPA, and the AF-CPA combination at the end of 3 wk. Aflatoxin significantly increased the relative weight of the kidney and serum concentration of blood urea nitrogen and decreased serum concentrations of protein, albumin, cholesterol, phosphorus, and the activity of lactate dehydrogenase. The toxicity of CPA was expressed through increased relative weights of the liver, kidney, and proventriculus, increased levels of uric acid and cholesterol, and decreased serum phosphorus. The activity of AF-CPA combination was characterized by increased relative weight of the liver, kidney, pancreas, and proventriculus, decreased concentrations of serum albumin and phosphorus, increased concentrations of serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase and blood urea nitrogen, and decreases in the relative weight of the bursa of Fabricius. Post-mortem examination revealed that the chickens fed CPA and the AF-CPA combination had thickened mucosa and dilated proventricular lumens, hard fibrotic spleen, and atrophy of the gizzard. The data from the present study demonstrate that both AF and CPA alone and the AF-CPA combination can limit broiler performance and adversely affect broiler health. In most cases the effects of AF and CPA were additive.

Aflatoxins↗
PubMed1992

Immunotoxicity of ochratoxin A to growing gilts.

Ochratoxin A (OA) was incorporated in the diets of growing gilts (mean body weight, 20.1 kg) at a concentration of 2.5 mg of OA/kg of feed and was fed continuously for 35 days. Humoral and cell-mediated immunologic measurements were evaluated to determine the effects of OA on immune function in swine. Cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity to phytohemagglutinin (PHA), delayed hypersensitivity to tuberculin, PHA-induced lymphocyte blastogenesis, interleukin-2 production, total and isotype immunoglobulin concentrations, antibody response to chicken RBC, and macrophage activation were used to evaluate immune function. Gilts treated with OA had reduced cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity response to PHA, reduced delayed hypersensitivity to tuberculin, decreased stimulation index for lymphoblastogenesis, decreased interleukin-2 production when lymphocytes were stimulated with concanavalin A, and decreased number and phagocytic activity of macrophages. Differences were not observed for total and isotype immunoglobulin concentrations, or humoral hemagglutination (chicken RBC) titer. These data indicate that OA may suppress cell-mediated immune response in growing swine.

Animals↗