Abstract
Abstract
Fusarium moniliforme (FM) is associated with equine leukoencephalomalacia (ELEM) and hepatotoxicities in horses and rats. The neurochemical effects of ELEM-associated corn naturally infected with FM and FM strain MRC 826 were studied in rats. Increases in brain 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA, major metabolite of serotonin, 5-HT) and 5-HIAA/5-HT ratios were observed in rats fed the ELEM-FM corn. These rats had reduced body weights (17%, P < 0.01) and increased brain weight/body weight ratios (14%, P < 0.01) as compared with controls that were fed commercial corn. Rats fed a rodent chow supplemented (16%, w/w) with corn cultures of FM (MRC 826) had brain 5-HT and 5-HIAA increased (11% and 60%, P < 0.01, respectively). At 20% FM (MRC 826)-chow diet, the 5-HIAA levels were increased (18%, P < 0.01). In both the 16% and 20% diets, brain 5-HIAA/5-HT ratios were increased (45%, P < 0.01 and 10%, P < 0.05), body weights reduced (30% and 18%, P < 0.01) and brain weight/body weight ratios increased (40% and 16%, P < 0.01), respectively. The incidences of microscopic liver lesions (particularly bile duct proliferations, hepatocellular hyperplasia, and focal necrosis) were consistent with rats fed the FM contaminated and FM-fortified diets. These results suggest a possible FM (ELEM-associated)-induced dysfunction in either 5-HT metabolism or 5-HIAA elimination in rat brains.
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