ULTRASTRUCTURAL-CHANGES IN MURINE LYMPHOCYTES INDUCED BY AFLATOXIN-B1

This investigation sought to determine whether splenic lymphocytes obt ained from Balb/C mice exposed to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) showed any ultra structural changes which could account for the immunodysfunction attri butable to aflatoxins. Lymphocytes obtained from Balb/C mice administe red aflatoxin B1 in olive oil daily for three weeks were studied using both transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The lymphocytes d emonstrated ultrastructural changes primarily in the mitochondria wher e marked internal dissociation of the cristae was revealed by transmis sion electron microscopy. All other cellular organelles were unaffecte d. No significant alterations in external structure were observed unde r scanning electron microscopy. The findings of this study indicate th at AFB1 administration does not affect the surface topography of lymph ocytes, but AFB1, by causing extensive mitochondrial damage, may affec t the way in which these cells function. This could be a possible expl anation for the immunodysfunction associated with AFB1.