Preliminary studies on toxic effects of cyclopiazonic acid alone and in combination with aflatoxin B1 in non-human primates.

Results of experimental studies on toxicity of cyclopiazonic acid (CPA), a mycotoxin isolated from Aspergillus flavus, and toxicity of this toxin in combination with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) are reported. Experiments were conducted in 16 vervet monkeys of both sexes. One male monkey was given 1 mg/kg per day of CPA intragastrically and the dose was doubled every third day to eventually achieve 60 mg/kg per day. Two males and 3 female monkeys were fed 20 mg/kg per day of CPA and terminated after 60 and 120 days, respectively. Two monkeys received AFB1 0.1 mg/kg per day, 2 received the same dose of AFB1 and 20 mg/kg per day of CPA. Four monkeys of both sexes served as controls. Results of experiments showed low toxicity of CPA in non-human primates with mild pathological changes in hepatocyte rough endoplasmic reticulum, small vessels and myocardium. Combined treatment with CPA and AFB1 indicated lack of a synergistic cumulative effect of both toxins. Animals treated with AFB1 only developed more advanced liver lesions and died earlier than those which also received high doses of CPA.