METABOLISM AND MODE OF ACTION OF AFLATOXIN IN RELATION TO THE ETIOLOGY OF LIVER DISEASES IN MAN AND FARM ANIMALS

ABSTRACT Aflatoxin B 1 and two of its metabolites (2,3 oxide and dihydrodiol) interact with the liver at several intracellular sites. There are also extrahepatic sites of action and this multi-locus reactivity may explain the potency of aflatoxin. Acute toxicity probably results from cumulative action in the short term. Chronic toxicity arises specifically from an interaction between the epoxide and hepatic DNA. With present day controls of aflatoxin-contaminated food and feedstuffs emphasis has been placed on a consideration of the possible toxic effects of low dietary concentrations of aflatoxin B 1 .