Postnatal behavioral effects of ochratoxin A in offspring of treated mice.

Ochratoxin A is a toxic isocoumarin derivative produced by Aspergillus ochraceus and several Penicillium species, which are storage fungi. Many kinds of agricultural commodities can be contaminated with ochratoxin A, which has been reported in both animal and human foods. Pure crystalline ochratoxin A was dissolved in 0.1 N sodium bicarbonate solution and given intraperitoneally to pregnant ICR-derived mice at dose levels of 1.25 and 2.25 mg/kg on gestation days 15, 16, and 17 (day 0, day of insemination). Dams were allowed to deliver, and their litters were culled to eight pups. Dams postnatal development, selected pups were tested for surface righting (days 3-12), swimming (even days 6-20) and pivoting (days 7, 9, and 11). Statistically significant differences for all three tests indicated that a developmental delay had occurred. Brains from the tested offspring were examined by light microscopy; no treatment or dose-related pathoanatomic alterations were found.