Subchronic Toxicity of Dietary Aflatoxin B₁to Channel Catfish

Abstract

Means for growth rate, hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, and erythrocyte count of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus fed 10,000 μg aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) per kilogram of feed for 10 weeks were significantly lower than those of fish fed 2,154 μg/kg or a lower concentration (P < 0.05). Mean leukocyte count was significantly higher in the fish fed the highest concentration of AFB1 (P < 0.05). Gross appearance and behavior of all fish were normal. Histopathological effects were observed only in fish fed the highest concentration of AFB1. These fish had foci of necrotic hepatocytes mixed with basophilic hepatocytes. Spaces, apparently resulting from hepatocellular necrosis, were present within the basophilic foci. Sinusoids in the head (hematopoietic) kidney were dilated and circular in profile. Increased hematopoietic activity of blood-forming tissues was apparent from the presence of numerous immature blood cells. The intestinal mucosal epithelium accumulated excessive amounts of iron pigments. Gastric glands in the stomach were necrotic and contained infiltrating macrophages.