Porcine nephropathy induced by long-term ingestion of ochratoxin A.

Nine pigs were fed crystalline ochratoxin A in their feed at a concentration of about 1 mg/kg. Three pigs and their controls were killed after 3 months and 6 pigs and controls were killed after 2 years. A decrease of the ratio TmPAH/CIn, increased urinary glucose excretion and decreased ability to concentrate urine, occurred within a few weeks and aggravated slightly during the 2-year period. Changes in renal structure, characterized by degeneration and atrophy of proximal tubules, interstitial fibrosis and hyalinization of glomeruli, were progressive during time of exposure, but terminal renal failure was not reached. The kidney, liver, muscular and adipose tissue contained 3 to 27 microgram ochratoxin A/kg after 3 months of exposure. No further accumulation of ochratoxin A residue was found after 2 years of exposure.