METABOLISM OF AFLATOXIN-B1 IN RATS

Aflatoxin B1, dissolved in dimethyl sulphoxide, was dosed orally to groups of male and female rats. The amount of aflatoxin B1 and aflatoxin M1, a fluorescent metabolite, was determined in liver, kidneys, stomach and intestine at intervals after dosing. There was no difference between the rate of uptake of aflatoxin B1 from the stomachs of male and female rats. There was, however, more aflatoxin M1 in the liver, kidney and intestine of female rats, suggesting that the female rat is capable of metabolising aflatoxin B1 at a faster rate than males. This may explain the greater resistance of females to the acute toxic effects of aflatoxin B1. © 1969, The British Empire Cancer Campaign for Research. All rights reserved.