Effects of ochratoxin a on broiler leukocytes

Moura, MAMachado, CHPorfírio, LCFreire, RB

This study evaluated alterations in the qualitative cellular profile of leukocytes caused by the administration of low doses of ochratoxin-A (OTA) in poultry. Sixty chicks were separated in three experimental groups: control, PBS-treated and OTA-treated. Blood smears from all birds were analyzed three and six hours post-treatment. Differential leukocyte counting demonstrated that OTA reduced the percentage of lymphocytes and eosinophils and significantly increased the number of heterophils and monocytes.

1. ochratoxin A
2. Broilers
3. hematology
4. mycotoxin