Synergistic effect of alfatoxin B1 and ochratoxin A in chick embryos

Abstract

The present study was taken up to investigate the synergistic effects of the mycotoxins AFBl and OA on chick embryos, the variations in the susceptibility to the toxins both individually and in combination. Embryomortality, teratogenicity and reduced embryonic weight were some of the deleterious effects observed in the inoculated chick embryos. The abnormalities seen were more in the combined toxin treated group and they included stunted embryos,' evisceration, herniation of yolk sac, beak abnormalities, cranioschisis and oedema of head and neck. Both the liver and kidney were equally damaged and extensi ve haemorrhage into the parenchyma of all the organs was the main histological lesion observed in addition to degenerative and necrotic changes. This study showed that mycotoxins deleteriously affect a number of parameters associated with embryonic growth.