Effect of ochratoxin A (OTA) on the activity of some enzymes in developing eggs ofAscaris suum.

The studies focused on the effect of 1-ppm ochratoxin A solution on the activity of some enzymes during successive embryogenesis stages ofAscaris suum. As a result of OTA-affected incubation ofA suum eggs, inhibition of AcP reactions was observed throughout the embryonic development, reduction in of SDH and LDH activity during cleavage and gastrulation, and enhancement of the SDH and LDH activity was found in larvae. Moreover, inhibition of the processes of cleavage, gastrulation and organogenesis was recorded. The observed morphological and metabolic embryo disorders demonstrated teratogenic properties of the studied mycotoxin, and the presence of granules of various sizes in the developing eggs may indicate that OTA penetrated into the eggs.