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Effects of Aflatoxins on in Vivo Nucleic Acid Metabolism in Rats

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Abstract

The scientific background, control and implications of the aflatoxin problem are the subjects of a recent monograph (Goldblatt, 196911) in which these various topics are comprehensively discussed. Studies on the biochemistry of aflatoxin-poisoned systems have received a great deal of investigation, with the general objective of elucidating their mechanisms of action (Wogan, 196919). Among the various biochemical parameters that have been studied, alterations in RNA metabolism are among the earliest demonstrable effects that occur as a result of exposure of animals or cell cultures to aflatoxins. The mechanisms involved in this type of response have received a great deal of study. We have investigated a number of aspects of this response in rat liver, and our earlier findings are summarised elsewhere (Wogan, 196919). This discussion will deal with more recent findings and their relationships to those of other workers. However, by way of background, it will be useful for the remaining discussion to summarise briefly the main lines of evidence that led up to more recent experiments.

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I. F. H. Purchase

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© 1971 South African Medical Research Council

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Wogan, G.N. (1971). Effects of Aflatoxins on in Vivo Nucleic Acid Metabolism in Rats. In: Purchase, I.F.H. (eds) Symposium on Mycotoxins in Human Health. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-01318-0_1

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