Effects of two metabolites of ochratoxin A, (4R)-4-hydroxyochratoxin A and ochratoxin alpha, on immune response in mice

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Abstract
The metabolites of ochratoxin A [Aspergillus ochraceus] (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 an immunosuppressor almost as highly effective as ochratoxin A. Doses of 1 .mu.g of (4R)-4-hydroxyochratoxin A/kg administered to mice caused an 80% reduction in the number of cells producing IgM (90% with ochratoxin A) and a 93% reduction in cells synthesizing IgG (92% with ochratoxin A). Ochratoxin .alpha. was ineffective. A possible mode of action is discussed.