Abnormal concentrations of B vitamins and amino acids in plasma and B vitamins in bile of rabbits with aflatoxicosis

Abstract

The dosages of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) required to produce significant changes in concentrations of B vitamin in plasma and bile and of acids in plasma of rabbits were determined. Folate increased by 98% in plasma, whereas concentrations of thiamine, vitamin B6, and biotin decreased by more than 50%. In bile, choline and biotin increased 14- and 18-fold, respectively, whereas folate and niacin decreased by more than 50%. All amino acids in plasma increased between 76 and 155%. The dosages of AFB1 required to induce these changes were usually between 12.5 and 37.5 μg/kg of body weight per day. Except for changes in biliary concentrations of pantothenic acid, folic acid, and biotin, lower threshold dosages of aflatoxin were required to produce weight loss and anorexia (5.0 and 8.5 μg of AFB1/kg per day, respectively) than for changes in vitamins and amino acids (approximately 25 to 50 μg of AFB1/kg per day). The data indicated that AFB1 interfered with the metabolism of B vitamins and amino acids in rabbits.