EFFECTS OF FUMONISINS AND SPHINGOLIPIDS ON TURKEY LYMPHOCYTES AND A HUMAN ASTROCYTOMA CELL LINE

Authors: Dombrink Kurtzman, Mary Ann; KIKUCHI, YUTAKA - 3620-30-00, FRA; Richard, John

Submitted to: ARS Workshop on Fusarium Toxins Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/26/1995
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Fusarium moniliforme and F. proliferatum, fungi frequently found as contaminants on corn, sorghum and other grains, are capable of producing fumonisins. Mortality and serological, hematological and pathological effects have occurred in broiler chicks fed F. proliferatum culture material containing known concentrations of fumonisin, moniliformin and beauvericin. In vitro assays were performed to determine the effects of these toxins. When turkey lymphocytes were incubated for 72 hours with 8 uM fumonisin B1 or B2 or 50 uM beauvericin, internucleosomal DNA fragmentation and morphological features characteristic of apoptosis were observed. Fumonisin B1 (IC50 = 1.9 uM), fumonisin B2 (IC50 = 0.5 uM) and hydrolyzed fumonisin B1 (IC50 = 10 uM), but not moniliformin, caused inhibition of proliferation. To study the role of fumonisins as inhibitors of ceramide synthesis on inflammatory reactions in the central nervous system, the effects of sphingosine, C2-ceramide and fumonisin B1 on cytokine (IL-1b)-induced IL-8 production in a human astrocytoma cell line (U373MG) were determined. Sphingosine, C2- ceramide and fumonisin B1 each enhanced IL-8 production, but they partially suppressed IL-1b-induced DNA synthesis. In the absence of cytokine, sphingosine, but not fumonisin B1, stimulated the cells to proliferate. Metallothionein was reduced in the presence of fumonisin B1. By elucidating biomechanisms involving Fusarium metabolites, the potential for toxic effects at low, environmental doses will be understood and means of detoxification will be identified.