E. Creppy, F. C. Størmer, R. Röschenthaler
Mar 1, 1983
Citations
5
Influential Citations
116
Citations
Quality indicators
Journal
Infection and Immunity
Abstract
The metabolites of ochratoxin A, (4R)-4-hydroxyochratoxin A and ochratoxin alpha, were investigated for immunosuppressive properties in BALB/c mice. The standard plaque-counting technique for the estimation of antibody-producing spleen lymphocytes was used. (4R)-4-hydroxyochratoxin A was found to be an immunosuppressor almost as highly effective as ochratoxin A. Doses of 1 microgram of (4R)-4-hydroxyochratoxin A per kg administered to mice caused an 80% reduction in the number of cells producing immunoglobulin M (90% with ochratoxin A) and a 93% reduction in cells synthesizing immunoglobulin G (92% with ochratoxin A). Ochratoxin alpha, however, was ineffective. A possible mode of action is discussed.