Genotoxicity investigation of a cyanobacterial toxin, cylindrospermopsin

Toxicon. 2002 Oct;40(10):1499-501. doi: 10.1016/s0041-0101(02)00151-4.

Abstract

Cylindrospermopsin (CYN), a potent cyanobacterial hepatotoxin produced by Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii and other cyanobacteria, is regularly found in water supplies in many parts of the world, and has been associated with the intoxication of humans and livestock. In this study, Balb/c mice were injected via the intraperitoneal (IP) route with a single dose of 0.2 mg/kg CYN. Animals were sacrificed at 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h. DNA was isolated from the mouse livers, and examined for strand breakage by alkaline gel electrophoresis (pH 12). Significant DNA strand breakage was observed in the mouse liver exposed to CYN, suggesting that induction of DNA strand breakage is probably one of the key mechanisms for CYN genotoxicity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alkaloids / toxicity*
  • Animals
  • Bacterial Toxins
  • Comet Assay
  • Cyanobacteria Toxins
  • Cyanobacteria*
  • DNA Damage
  • Female
  • Injections, Intraperitoneal
  • Liver / drug effects
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mutagens / administration & dosage
  • Mutagens / toxicity*
  • Uracil / administration & dosage
  • Uracil / analogs & derivatives*
  • Uracil / toxicity*

Substances

  • Alkaloids
  • Bacterial Toxins
  • Cyanobacteria Toxins
  • Mutagens
  • cylindrospermopsin
  • Uracil