Ochratoxin A and some of its derivatives modulate radical formation of porcine blood monocytes and granulocytes

Modulating effects of ochratoxin A (OTA) and some of its derivatives on viability and oxidative burst activity of porcine monocytes and granulocytes have been studied. The formation of free oxygen radicals by monocytes was suppressed by OTA and ochratoxin C (OTC) at concentrations between 10 and 1000 ng/ml. Intracellular radical formation of granulocytes was in part already significantly reduced at 1 ng/ml of these mycotoxins. Conversely, the intracellular formation of radicals in monocytes of individual pigs was stimulated by the toxins at 1–100 ng/ml. A biologically active fraction of the crude toxin (RE2) which had been identified as OTC had a stronger effect than all other derivatives of ochratoxin A. Whether these modulating effects of OTA and OTC on phagocyte functions are of significance in the pathogenesis of infectious diseases, needs to be studied in more detail. In this context, the occurrence of OTC in food and feeds should be examined more closely.