Steroid hormones retard aflatoxin-induced cytotoxicity.

Protective effect of sex steroid hormones on aflatoxin-induced cytotoxicity on RBC (hemolysis) was examined in vitro. Addition of aflatoxin (2 micrograms/ml) in RBC suspension caused significant increase in hemolysis. Concurrent addition of aflatoxin (2 micrograms/ml) and estradiolbenzoate (100-1200 pg/ml) in RBC suspension significantly retarded aflatoxin-induced hemolysis. Similarly, addition of aflatoxin (2 micrograms/ml) along with testosterone propionate (5-60 ng/ml) in RBC suspension retarded aflatoxin-induced hemolysis. Among the two synthetic hormones studied estradiolbenzoate was more potent than testosterone propionate.