Requirement of Ca2+ for aflatoxin production: inhibitory effect of Ca2+ channel blockers on aflatoxin production by Aspergillus parasiticus NRRL 2999.
Aflatoxin production by Aspergillus parasiticus NRRL 2999 was inhibited when Ca2+ channel blockers, i.e., verapamil and diltiazem (> 1 mmol 1(-1)), were included in the culture medium. Inhibition was not accompanied by growth inhibition, nor was the [14C]-glucose uptake by the organism altered. However, both the compounds inhibited [14C]-acetate incorporation into aflatoxin B1 in a dose-dependent manner and decreased sporulation of the organism. Even though a nutritional role for Ca2+ has not been demonstrated unequivocally in fungi, the present study suggests the importance of Ca2+ in the production of these secondary metabolites.
Praveen Rao
J
J
Department of Biochemistry, Osmania University, Hyderabad, India.
Subramanyam
C
C
D000085:Acetates / Q000378:metabolism; D016604:Aflatoxin B1 / Q000096:biosynthesis; D000348:Aflatoxins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D001230:Aspergillus / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D001692:Biological Transport / Q000187:drug effects; D002118:Calcium / Q000502:physiology*; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004110:Diltiazem / Q000494:pharmacology; D005947:Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D014700:Verapamil / Q000494:pharmacology
D000085:Acetates; D000348:Aflatoxins; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D016604:Aflatoxin B1; D014700:Verapamil; D004110:Diltiazem; D005947:Glucose; D002118:Calcium