Abstract
A. flavus NRRL 3357 was grown on enriched long-grain rice for 7-10 days to produce aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). The quantitity of AFB1 in moldy rice was determined by thin-layer chromatography, using UV light. When the dried moldy rice powder was fed to day-old Hubbard .times. Hubbard broiler chicks in unmedicated feed (AFB1 level 10 ppm) for 8 wk, there was a profound reduction in weight gain and feed consumption. Chickens fed AFB1 developed severe liver damage, as determined by the concentration of hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450, and by the activities of microsomal benzphetamine N-demethylase and serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase. Activated charcoal, reduced glutathione, cysteine, S (as sodium selenite), .beta.-carotene, and fisetin administered orally considerably reduced the toxicity of AFB1 in the experimental chickens.