Differential cytotoxicity and mycotoxin content among isolates of Fusarium moniliforme.

Ten different isolates of the common corn fungus, Fusarium moniliforme, were cultured on corn, and the production by the isolates of two important mycotoxins, fusarin C and fumonisin B1, was compared. Additionally, both aqueous and organic extracts of the cultures were tested for cytotoxicity to rat primary hepatocytes by measuring the effects of three dose levels on the ability of the cells to take up valine and to cause the release of the cytoplasmic enzyme, lactate dehydrogenase. The fungal isolates differed drastically in their ability to produce the two mycotoxins and in their cytotoxicity. However the toxic effects could not be accounted for by the content of the two toxins measured. Therefore it appears that there are other toxins, both organic and aqueous soluble compounds, that are toxic to liver cells.