Alterations induced by citrinin in cultured kidney cells.

The cytotoxicity of citrinin was evaluated in an established cell line of baby hamster kidney cells. The primary effect of the mycotoxin was on the adherence of the cells to the culture bottles. Microscopic evaluation of morphological alterations indicated that the cells which were originally elongated and flattened, became swollen and round. Electron microscopic examination showed that citrinin (0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mM) incubated for 10 hours with cultured cells, promoted drastic alterations of normal mitochondria, with swelling and cell death. Transplasma membrane redox system is inhibited by citrinin (81%). This effect is dependent not only on the toxin concentration, but also on the time of exposure to the cells.