The subchronic toxicity and teratogenicity of alternariol monomethyl ether produced by Alternaria solani.

Alternariol monomethyl ether (AME), a metabolite of species of Alternaria, was studied for subchronic toxicity to rats and teratogenic effects in golden hamsters. In rats no toxic effects were observed at the highest dosage tested (3.75 mg given by oral gavage daily for 30 days). However, AME was maternally toxic and foetotoxic to Syrian golden hamsters when given ip at 200 mg/kg body weight on day 8 of gestation. No such effects were observed at dose levels of 50 or 100 mg/kg.