Effet cytotoxique in vitro et chez l'insecte hôte des destruxines, toxines cyclodepsipeptidiques produites par le champignon entomopathogène Metarhizium anisopliae

Abstract

The cytotoxic effect of the cyclodepsipeptide mycotoxins of the group of destruxins (DA, DB, DE) has been investigated in the insect host, Galleria mellonella, and in invertebrate cell cultures, mainly at the ultrastructural level. The strong effect of DE is characterized by changes in the morphology of the cells, and the development of structural alterations at the nuclear and cytoplasmic levels. The major lesions observed even at low doses consist in a pycnotic evolution of the nucleus and a degradation of mitochondria, while the rough endoplasmic reticulum and the ribosomes are also impaired. In the host, the main organs and tissues attacked by DE are the midgut, the malpighian tubules, and the circulating hemocytes. A comparative study of the effect of DE, DA, and DB has revealed a specificity in the cytotoxic action of these compounds. The following classification has been observed in the efficiency of the molecules: DE > DA > DB. These results allow a better understanding of the role of peptidic mycotoxins in the pathogenesis of fungal infections. They also reveal similarities with the action of other mycotoxins, and constitute a valuable foundation for studies on the molecular aspects of the mechanism of action of destruxins.Key words: mycotoxin, destruxin, mode of action, cytotoxic effect, in vitro toxicity.