Abstract
The present investigation was undertaken to assess the effects of aflatoxin (AF) on the exocrine pancreas in quails by means of light and electron microscopy. A total of 30 quails were divided into three groups, each composed of ten animals. Total AF was incorporated into the diet of these groups, at doses of 0, 2.5, and 5.0 mg of AF/kg feed, ppm, respectively. The quails were raised in cages with electrical heating and 24-h lighting for a period of 3 weeks. Ad libitum access was provided to feed and drinking water. Pancreas samples were taken for light and electron microscopic examination from animals that were killed by means of cervical dislocation at the end of the study. Light microscopic examination demonstrated mild mononuclear cell infiltration of exocrine tissue and vacuolisation of acinar cells in the group fed on AF at 2.5 ppm. On the other hand, electron microscopic examination demonstrated degranulation of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER) of acinar cells, decrease in the number of zymogen granules and free ribosomes and polisomes, and dilatation of capillaries in the group fed on AF at a dose of 2.5 ppm. Numerous degenerative acinar cells were determined in the group fed a diet containing 5.0 ppm AF, in addition to the findings common with the other group exposed to the toxin.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Agag BI (2004) Mycotoxins in foods and feeds, 1−aflatoxins. Ass Univ Bull Environ Res 7:173–205
Bailey RH, Kubena LF, Harvey RB, Buckley SA, Rottinghaus GE (1998) Efficacy of various inorganic sorbents to reduce the toxicity of aflatoxin and T-2 toxin in broiler chickens. Poult Sci 77:1623–1630
Chang CF, Hamilton P (1982) Experimental aflatoxicosis in young Japanese quail. Poult Sci 61:869–874
Crossmon G (1937) A modification of Mallory’s connective tissue stain with a discussion of the principles involved. Anat Rec 241:155–162
Demet Ö, Oğuz H, Çelik İ, Nizamlıoğlu F (1995) Pirinçte aflatoksin üretilmesi. Vet Bil Derg 11:19–23
Haschek WM, Motelin G, Ness DK, Harlin KS, Hall WF, Vesonder RF, Peterson RE, Beasley VR (1992) Characterization of fumonisin toxicity in orally and intravenously dosed swine. Mycopathologia 117:83–96
Jakhar KK, Sadana JR (2004) Sequential pathology of experimental aflatoxicosis in quail and the effect of selenium supplementation in modifying the disease process. Mycopathologia 157:99–109
Karnovsky MJ (1965) Formaldehyde–glutaraldehyde fixative of high osmolality for use in electron microscopy. J Cell Biol 27:137A–138A
Kelley VC, Mora EC (1976) Ultrastructural changes induced by chronic aflatoxicosis in chickens. Poult Sci 55:317–324
Lawlor PG, Lynch PB (2001) Mycotoxins in pig feeds 2: clinical aspects. Irish Vet J 54:172–176
Pier AC (1981) Mycotoxins and animal health. Adv Vet Sci Comp Med 42:185–243
Rao MS, Svoboda DJ, Reddy JK (1974) The ultrastructural effects of aflatoxin B1 in the rat pancreas. Virchows Arch B Cell Pathol 17:149–157
Rosa CA, Miazzo R, Magnoli C, Salvano M, Chiacchiera SM, Ferrero S, Saenz M, Carvalho EC, Dalcero A (2001) Evaluation of the efficacy of bentonite from the south of Argentina to ameliorate the toxic effects of aflatoxin in broilers. Poult Sci 80:139–144
Sawhney DS, Vadehra PV, Baker RC (1973) Aflatoxicosis in the laying Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Poult Sci 52:465–473
Shotwell OL, Hesseltine CW, Stubbefield RD, Sorenson WG (1966) Production of aflatoxin on rice. Appl Microbiol 14:425–428
Stroka J, Ankhlam E, Jorissen U, Gilbert J (2000) Immunoaffinity column cleanup with liquid chromatography using post-column bromotion for determination of aflatoxins in peanut buffer, pistachio paste, fig paste, and paprika powder: collaborative study. J AOAC Int 83:320–340
Venable JH, Coggeshall R (1965) A Simplified lead citrate stain for use in electron microscopy. J Cell Biol 25:407–408
Vicam LP (1999) Afla Test Instruction Manual. Watertown, MA. 02472, USA
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Şimşek, N., Ergun, L., Ergun, E. et al. The effects of experimental aflatoxicosis on the exocrine pancreas in quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Arch Toxicol 81, 583–588 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-007-0205-6
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-007-0205-6