Clinico-pathological alterations induced by ochratoxin A in weaned Wistar rats Nimalesan S.1, Sharma A.K.*,1, Dwivedi P.1, Kumar M.1, Sivakumar G.1, Singh N.D.1 1Division of Pathology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar-243122, India *Corresponding author e-mail: aksharmaivri@rediffmail.com
Abstract The effects of graded doses of ochratoxin A (OTA) (0, 1, 2 and 4 ppm in feed) on certain clinico-pathological alterations in weaned Wistar rats were studied at 2,4 and 6 weeks post intoxication. At each dose level 30 animals were employed. The toxicated animals developed clinical signs of reduced feed intake, polydipsia, intermittent diarrhoea and weakness. Three, two and four animals died from 1, 2 and 4 ppm groups respectively, whereas the control animals remained healthy with steady growth. Significant growth depression was observed in toxin treated animals from 3rd week onwards, with maximum effect observed at the highest dose level. The treated rats were anemic as evidenced by reduced haemoglobin, packed cell volume (PCV) and total erythrocyte count (TEC) values. Leucopaenia was also observed due to lymphocytopenia. Increased blood glucose levels and reduced serum total proteins levels such as albumin and globulins were observed in OTA treated rats. It was concluded that OTA caused anorexia, polydipsia, growth depression, anaemia, leucocytopaenia, hypoprotenemia and hyperglycemia in young growing rats. Top Keywords Biochemical alterations, Haemotology, Ochratoxin A, Wistar rats. Top |