Effect of beta-naphthoflavone on calf liver metabolism of aflatoxin B1.

Eight male Holstein calves were raised to 6 wk of age on whole milk at 8% of body weight and calf starter ration (15% crude protein) free choice. For each of 2 days prior to sacrifice, four of the calves were selected at random and administered the mixed function oxidase inducer beta-napthoflavone by bolus in starch carrier at .005% of metabolic body weight. After sacrifice, 10,000 X g postmitochondrial supernatant preparations were made from the excised livers and incubated with a 50-micrograms challenge of aflatoxin B1. Although there was no significant difference in total percent of the challenge metabolized, there was a large increase in aflatoxin M1 production by liver preparations from calves administered the flavone inducer. If the flavone family of inducers could alter the metabolic profile for aflatoxin in the adult lactating bovine, aflatoxin M1 excretion rates could be increased and pathways for production of mutagenic metabolites could be enhanced.