HYPERAMINOACIDEMIA DURING AFLATOXICOSIS

To evaluate the effect of aflatoxin on amino acid homeostasis, rabbits were fed with an aflatoxin-contaminated diet (7.5 mg kg(-1)) for 90 d ays. Plasma and urine samples were analysed for free amino acid conten t, and total protein content was measured in vital organs. The free am ino acid content of plasma and urine increased markedly and progressiv ely in aflatoxin-fed rabbits. Significant increases occurred from 30 d ays onwards. This pattern suggests the occurrence of cumulative toxici ty during aflatoxicosis. The changes could be due to significantly red uced total protein content in liver, kidney, heart, skeletal muscle, t estis and plasma. The findings suggest a profound effect of aflatoxins in reducing the total protein content in vital organs accompanied by hyperaminoacidaemia and aminoaciduria.