Toxopathological and cytogenetic effects of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on pregnant rats

The present study was carried out to evaluate the toxopathological effects and macro-DNA damage of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in pregnant rats at a dose of 1 mg/kg. body wt., given from 6th to 15th day of gestation. The effects and damage are represented by histopathological changes and different types of chromosomal aberrations in dams, in addition to teratogenic changes in the feti. Pregnant dams revealed a significant decrease in their body weights and gross enlargement of the liver. Histologically, the liver showed necrotic areas and congested central vein. The kidneys revealed interstitial hemorrhages, renal casts, degeneration and necrosis. The lungs revealed lymphocytic infiltrates in the interstitial tissue, while the spleen revealed lymphoid depletion. Chromosomal analysis revealed both structural and numerical chromosomal aberration, including centromeric attenuations, chromatid gaps, chromatid breaks, end-to-end associations, fragments, ring chromosomes, deletions, dicentric chromosomes, chromosomal fusions, centric fusions, stickness and hypoployploidy. Centromeric attenuations and end-to-end associations were more frequent than other chromosomal aberrations. Concerning the teratogenic effects in the fetuses, the toxin induced multiple skeletal anomalies. These anomalies included incomplete ossification of skull bones and failure of ossification of long and flat bones.