Ochratoxin A and citrinin induced nephrosis in Beagle dogs. II. Pathology.

Beagle dogs were given ochratoxin A (0.1 and 0.2 mg/kg) and citrinin (5 and 10 mg/kg) alone and in two dose combinations for 14 days. The gross lesions included focal peritonitis and intestinal intussusceptions in dogs given citrinin. Changes in the kidneys of dogs given ochratoxin A were degeneration and necrosis with desquamation of tubular epithelial cells, primarily in the straight segment of the proximal tubules. Dogs given 10 mg/kg citrin had similar changes in the distal tubules and collecting ducts. Dogs given combined doses of citrinin and ochratoxin A had degeneration and necrosis in proximal and distal tubules, and in thin segments and the collecting ducts; there were desquamated cells and granular casts in the lumina. Dogs given ochratoxin A had necrosis of lymphoid tissues in the spleen, tonsil, thymus, peripheral lymph nodes and lymph nodules of the ileum, colon and rectum. There was ulceration of the mucosa of the intestine in dogs given large combined doses of ochratoxin A and citrinin.