Fumonisin B1 and ochratoxin A nephrotoxicity in Japanese quail: An ultrastructural assessment

In the present study, fumonisin B1 (200 ppm) and ochratoxin A (2 ppm) were fed alone and in combination to day old Japanese quail chicks for 21 days to evaluate renal ultrastructural changes. The severity and intensity of renal ultrastructural changes varied with the type of treatment, and predominant and consistent lesions were found in the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) lining cells. Distortion and dilatation of cisternae of endoplasmic reticulum leading to the formation of vesicular and tubular structures was a consistent finding noticed in the fumonisin B1-fed group. Ochratoxin A treatment revealed characteristic changes in the epithelial brush border of PCTs with blunting and variable loss of microvilli. Reduced number of mitochondria with mitochondrial pleomorphism (round, oval, curved, elongated, dumbbell, banana, pear, and tennis racket) was almost a consistent finding noticed in the ochratoxin A treatment group. Ultrastructural changes in the combination fed group were almost similar to those noticed in the individual treatment groups but were of a higher intensity. Or in other words, we can say that on simultaneous exposure, fumonisin B1 potentiated the toxic effects of OTA on renal ultrastructure. © 2012 Springer-Verlag London Limited.