Tissue distribution of ochratoxin A in pigs after administration of two-levels contaminated diets

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to determine the levels of ochratoxin A (OTA) in pigs experimentally exposed to this mycotoxin and to evaluate if bile may be used to assess exposure to OTA. Twelve hybrid pigs were divided into 3 equal groups, a control group D0, and 2 experimental groups, D1 fed with 50 µg OTA/kg diet, and D2 fed with 500 µg OTA/kg diet for 15 days. At the end of the test, the animals were euthanized and samples of different tissues and biological fluids were analysed by HPLC-fluorescence detection for the presence of OTA. Samples of unconventional edible tissues such as lung and heart were also taken for analysis because they are used in typical Italian regional dishes. The Italian guidance value for OTA of 1 µg/kg established for pork meat and derived products has been exceeded in all the matrices from both the experimental groups. The comparison between OTA levels detected in D1 and D2 groups showed clearly a linear dose-response relationship. Based on the mean values measured, OTA distribution follows the order blood plasma > lung > kidney (in D1 group), heart (in D2 group) > heart (in D1 group), kidney (in D2 group) > bile > liver > fat > muscle. Analysis of bile can be useful for the detection of OTA in pigs. However, since blood can easily be taken from pigs, and given the correlation between the mycotoxin concentration detected in this matrix and the concentrations detected in the others, OTA level in blood is a more viable approach to assessing the presence of OTA in edible tissues. As lung and heart may contain high concentrations of OTA, the analytical controls should also include these matrices.