SYMPTOMS AND PATHOLOGY PRODUCED BY TOXIC MICROCYSTIS AERUGINOSA NRC-1 IN LABORATORY AND DOMESTIC ANIMALS

  • 1 January 1965
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 29  (9) , 221-+
Abstract
Toxicity tests with lyophilized M. aeruginosa NRC-1 cells have been conducted using mice, guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens, ducks, 2 calves and one lamb as the test animals. On an equivalent weith basis it required 3 to 5 times the oral dosage to kill the large animals and birds as it did to kill the laboratory animals. The symptoms were less pronounced and the survival times were longer in the more resistant animals. Enlargement and congestion of the liver with necrosis of the hepatic cells were constant and pathognomonic. These findings are in general agreement with the observations of other workers who have examined the toxicity of naturally occurring Microcystis waterblooms. The toxicities and structures of microcystin and of 6 other biologically active cyclic polypeptides are summarized. The pathological effects produced by microcystin in laboratory and domestic animals resemble those produced in man but differ from those produced in animals by the toxic peptides of Amanita phalloides.