Ochratoxin A: a toxicologic evaluation using in vitro and in vivo bioassays

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a secondary fungal metabolite that enters the food chain by cereals, beer and other products. Its toxicity is an important aim regarding the human pathologies such as nephrotoxicity. This mechanism is intense studied because of the affinity for blood albumins and the renal accumulation by the organic anion transporter. Its serum half-life is different in humans (850 h) and chicken (4.1 h) after oral administration. These data could lead to the idea of analyzing the deep mechanism in contact with blood elements. An important protocol for observation of necrosis/ toxicity and angiogenesis is CAM (chorioallantoic membrane assay) developed on embryonated chicken eggs. This test could be correlated with the red blood cell test (RBC). In this study the toxicological effect of Ochratoxin A was tested. The Ochratoxin A was disolved in corn oil, in the similar concentration used in test on rats. The lipophilic solvent assures an important penetrability for tested compound on vascular plexus. The evolution of embryo vessels was observed after 15 minutes, 1h and 1 day. Samples were collected for haematoxilin-eosin staining and imunohistochemical evaluation. The same corn oil solution was used for the tests on blood red cells to see the damages. The OTA was also administered to Sprague Dawley male rats and a detailed blood test was made. The main results indicated that OTA influences the blood vessels and blood quality in vitro and in vivo. The irritation created on blood vessels is moderate comparing to strong irritants but it is significant. It determines moderate changes on blood elements after a period of presence of a few weeks in sytemic ic circulation.