Induced aflatoxicosis in rabbits: blood coagulation defects.
The effect of acute and subchronic experimental aflatoxicosis on blood clotting activity and platelets was evaluated. Male New Zealand White rabbits (weighing 2.4-3.2 kg each) were used. In Experiment 1, 19 rabbits were given orally 0.05 mg of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)/kg of body weight daily from Day 0 through Day 23. Blood samples were collected before dosing and on Days 2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, and 23 of the experimental period. In Experiment 2, 40 rabbits were given a single dose of 0.4 mg of AFB1/kg of body weight. Blood samples were collected before dosing and at 12, 24, 36, and 48 hr after dosing. When compared to baseline and control animal values, one-stage prothrombin times and activated partial thromboplastin times of aflatoxin-dosed rabbits were lengthened, and there was a statistically significant decrease in fibrinogen, Factor IX, VIII, and V activities. Platelet counts were significantly increased in subacutely exposed rabbits, and platelet size was decreased in single high-dose treated groups. Factor deficiencies were attributed to a combination of decreased factor synthesis from hepatic insufficiency and consumptive coagulopathy or primary fibrinolysis.
D000284:Administration, Oral; D016604:Aflatoxin B1; D000348:Aflatoxins / Q000633:toxicity*; D000818:Animals; D001777:Blood Coagulation / Q000187:drug effects*; D001779:Blood Coagulation Factors / Q000032:analysis; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D011517:Prothrombin Time; D011817:Rabbits
D000348:Aflatoxins; D001779:Blood Coagulation Factors; D016604:Aflatoxin B1