The effect of fumonisin B1 on isolated chondrocytes and on bone formation.

Toxic effects of fumonisin B1 (FB1) were observed with cultured chondrocytes isolated from epiphyseal growth plates and with growing broiler chicks. Viability of chondrocytes was reduced after 48 h exposure to FB1, and half lethal concentration of FB1 was estimated to be greater than 250 microM. Increase in cell size was inhibited by as low as 25 microM FB1. Dietary inclusion of fumonisins (55 and 110 ppm) caused a reduction in body weight, increase in liver weight, and decrease in feed efficiency (P < .05). However, diarrhea and bone malformation were not observed. It is concluded that fumonisin by itself is not sufficient to cause skeletal problems in poultry.