Plants and zootoxins: Toxico-epidemiological investigation in domestic animals.

An epidemiological study on animal poisoning due to plants and zootoxins has been carried out by the Poison Control Centre of Milan (CAV) in collaboration with the University of Milan (Italy). During the period January 2015-March 2019, the CAV received 932 calls on animal poisonings, 12.66% (n = 118) of which were related to plants and zootoxins. Among these, 95 enquiries (80.51%) concerned exposures to plants and 23 (19.49%) to zootoxins. The dog was the species most frequently involved (67.80% of the calls, n = 80), followed by the cat (26.27%, n = 31). As for the plants, several poisoning episodes were related to glycoside-, alkaloid-, oxalate- and diterpenoid-containing species. Cycas revoluta, Euphorbia pulcherrima and Hydrangea macrophylla were the most often reported plants. The outcome has been reported for half of the episodes (51.58%, n = 49) and it was fatal for 3 animals (6.12%). Regarding the zootoxins, the majority of the enquiries were related to asp viper (Vipera aspis), but exposures to pine processionary moth (Thaumetopoea pityocampa), common toad (Bufo), fire salamander (Salamandra), and jellyfish (phylum Cnidaria) were also reported. The outcome was known in 65.22% of the cases with just one fatal episode. This epidemiological investigation depicts an interesting overview on the issue of plant and zootoxin exposures in domestic animals, highlighting the relevance of these agents as causes of animal poisoning and providing useful information for prevention and diagnosis.

In vitro copper oxide nanoparticle toxicity on intestinal barrier.

The use of CuO nanoparticles (NPs) has increased greatly and their potential effects on human health need to be investigated. Differentiated Caco-2 cells were treated from the apical (Ap) and the basolateral (Bl) compartment with different concentrations (0, 10, 50 and 100 µg/mL) of commercial or sonochemically synthesized (sono) CuO NPs. Sono NPs were prepared in ethanol (CuOe) or in water (CuOw), obtaining CuO NPs differing in size and shape. The effects on the Caco-2 cell barrier were assessed via transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) evaluation just before and after 1, 2 and 24 hours of exposure and through the analysis of cytokine release and biomarkers of oxidative damage to proteins after 24 hours. Sono CuOe and CuOw NPs induced a TEER decrease with a dose-dependent pattern after Bl exposure. Conversely, TEER values were not affected by the Ap exposure to commercial CuO NPs and, concerning the Bl exposure, only the lowest concentration tested (10 µg/mL) caused a TEER decrease after 24 hours of exposure. An increased release of interleukin-8 was induced by sono CuO NPs after the Ap exposure to 100 µg/mL and by sono and commercial CuO after the Bl exposure to all the concentrations. No effects of commercial and sono CuO NPs on interleukin-6 (with the only exception of 100 µg/mL Bl commercial CuO) and tumor necrosis factor-α release were observed. Ap treatment with commercial and CuOw NPs was able to induce significant alterations on specific biomarkers of protein oxidative damage (protein sulfhydryl group oxidation and protein carbonylation).

Cytotoxic and proinflammatory responses induced by ZnO nanoparticles in in vitro intestinal barrier.

ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) are widely used nowadays, thus the gastrointestinal exposure to ZnO NPs is likely to be relevant and the effects on the intestinal barrier should be investigated. Polarized Caco-2 cells were exposed from the apical (Ap) and basolateral (Bl) compartments to increasing concentrations (0, 10, 50 and 100 µg/mL) of sonochemical (sono) and commercial ZnO NPs. The transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), cell viability, proinflammatory cytokine release and presence of protein oxidative damage were evaluated after exposure. TEER was not significantly affected by Ap exposure to either sono or commercial ZnO NPs at any tested concentrations. After Bl exposure to sono ZnO NPs (all the concentrations) and to 100 µg/mL of commercial ZnO NPs TEER was decreased (P < 0.05). Ap and Bl exposure to 100 µg/mL sono ZnO NPs and Ap exposure to 50 µg/mL commercial ZnO NPs induced a significant (P < 0.05) release of interleukin-6. A significant (P < 0.05) release of interleukin-8 was observed after Ap exposure to ZnO NPs at 100 µg/mL and after Bl exposure to sono ZnO NPs at 100 µg/mL. Ap or Bl exposure to sono or commercial ZnO NPs did not affect tumour necrosis factor-alpha secretion or protein sulphydryl oxidation. In conclusion, the ZnO NP exposure from the Ap compartment appeared almost safe, while the exposure through the basal compartment appeared to be more hazardous and the different NP size and crystallinity seem to affect the mode of action, but further studies are necessary to elucidate better these toxicity mechanisms.

Reference intervals for B-esterases in gull, Larus michahellis (Nauman, 1840) from Northwest Spain: influence of age, gender, and tissue.

Over the last years, cholinesterase (ChE) and carboxylesterase (CbE) activities have been increasingly used in environmental biomonitoring to detect the exposure to anticholinesterase insecticides such as organophosphorates (OPs) and carbamates (CBs). The aim of this study was to determine ChE and CbE enzymatic activities present in liver and muscle of yellow-legged gulls (Larus michahellis), a seabird species considered suitable to monitor environmental pollution. In order to provide reference data for further biomonitoring studies, the influence of different factors, such as gender, age, sampling mode, and tissue, was considered in the present study. Our data report a statistically significant difference in CbE enzymatic activity comparing liver and muscle samples (P < 0.05) along with an age-related CbE activity in liver samples (P < 0.05). Moreover, according to our results, capture method might influence CbE and ChE activity in both liver and muscle samples (P < 0.05). These findings underline the importance to assess basal levels of ChE and CbE activity considering, among other factors, gender-, age- and organ-related differences and confirm the suitability of Larus michahellis as a sentinel species especially within an urban environment.

Influence of a Roundup formulation on glyphosate effects on steroidogenesis and proliferation of bovine granulosa cells in vitro.

Glyphosate (N-phosphonomethyl-glycine) is a non-selective systemic herbicide widely used worldwide. The purpose of this study is to determine if glyphosate alone (GLPH) or in formulation with Roundup (G-RU) can affect granulosa cell proliferation and steroid production. Four experiments were conducted. In Exp. 1, 10 and 300 µg/mL of GLPH had no effect (P > 0.05) on cell numbers, estradiol or progesterone production, whereas 10 and 300 µg/mL of G-RU dramatically decreased (P < 0.05) cell numbers and estradiol and progesterone production. In Exp. 2, G-RU at 0.1 µg/mL had no significant effect whereas G-RU at 10 µg/mL decreased (P < 0.05) GC numbers, progesterone and estradiol production. In the absence of IGF1 but presence of FSH, 1 µg/mL of G-RU decreased (P < 0.05) estradiol production, whereas in the presence of IGF1 and FSH, 1 µg/mL of G-RU increased (P < 0.05) cell numbers, progesterone and estradiol production. In Exp. 3, IGF1 significantly increased cell numbers (by 2.8-fold) and estradiol (by 17.8-fold) and progesterone (by 6.1-fold) production. GLPH at 10 µg/mL alone had no significant effect on FSH-induced (i.e., basal) or FSH plus IGF1-induced cell numbers, estradiol or progesterone production. However, G-RU at 10 µg/mL significantly inhibited FSH plus IGF1-induced cell numbers, estradiol and progesterone production by 65%-91%. In Exp. 4, 48 h treatment of G-RU had no significant effect on viability of attached cells. In conclusion, the present studies demonstrate that GLPH and particularly G-RU may have the potential to impair reproductive function in cattle.

Pesticide incidence in poisoned baits: A 10-year report.

The incidence of pesticides in poisoned baits recovered from 2005 to 2014 in Italian northern regions of Emilia Romagna and Lombardy was analysed. A total of 956 baits tested positive for pesticides during the study period. In 9.3% (n=89) of the baits analysed more than one toxic compound was present. Insecticides (53.2%) proved to be the pesticides most commonly involved followed by rodenticides (34.3%), molluscicides (12.3%) and herbicides (0.2%). Among insecticides, the anticholinesterases (organophosphates and carbamates) were the most frequently detected (59.1%, n=412) followed by organochlorines (39.8%; n=277). Anticoagulants proved to be the rodenticides most commonly involved (78.5%; n=353) with many baits containing brodifacoum or bromadiolone, while metaldehyde was the most used molluscicide (88.2%; n=142). A high number of baits contained banned pesticides such as endosulfan, methamidophos, carbofuran and strychnine indicating that the restrictions and the bans on the use of toxic and highly toxic pesticides are not accompanied by a lower use in poisoned baits. The high incidence of banned pesticides detected in the present survey is extremely worrying and poses the question of where and how these compounds were obtained. Efforts have to be made to reduce this illegal practice and its environmental impact. Moreover, education and awareness campaigns should be instituted.

In vitro effects of the Fusarium mycotoxins fumonisin B1 and beauvericin on bovine granulosa cell proliferation and steroid production.

Fusarium mycotoxins are natural contaminants of various commodities representing significant problem worldwide. Since the co-occurrence of beauvericin (BEA) and fumonisin B1 (FB1) in grains is frequent, the present study was carried out to evaluate the individual and combined effects of FB1 and BEA on cell proliferation, steroid production and gene expression using bovine granulosa cells (GC). When tested alone FB1 did not show (P ≥ 0.05) effects on cell proliferation at any dose. Whereas BEA at 3, 6, and 10 µM significantly decreased (P < 0.05) cell numbers. FB1 alone had no significant effect (P ≥ 0.05) on progesterone production at any tested doses, whereas FB1 at 1, 1.5 and 3 µM slightly inhibited (P < 0.05) estradiol production. At concentrations ≥3 µM, BEA was found to strongly decrease (P < 0.05) steroid production, and FB1 did not influence these effects of BEA. At 10 µM, both mycotoxins decreased (P < 0.001) serum-induced GC proliferation. At 30 µM, BEA showed inhibitory effects on FSH plus IGF1-induced CYP11A1 and CYP19A1 mRNA abundance (P < 0.05), whereas FB1 at 30 µM had no effect on CYP11A1 and CYP19A1 gene expression. Taken together these results demonstrate that the Fusarium mycotoxins BEA and FB1 may impair reproductive function in cattle.

Evidence for direct effects of glyphosate on ovarian function: glyphosate influences steroidogenesis and proliferation of bovine granulosa but not theca cells in vitro.

Glyphosate (GLY) is a common herbicide used worldwide but its effect on ovarian function in mammals is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the potential endocrine disruptor effects of GLY on ovarian function evaluating cell proliferation, steroidogenesis and gene expression using bovine granulosa cells (GC) and theca cells as in vitro models. GC proliferation was impaired (P < 0.05) after exposure to GLY at 0.5, 1.7 and 5 µg ml-1 . GC progesterone production was not affected (P ≥ 0.05) at all doses tested while estradiol production was inhibited (P < 0.05) by GLY at 5 µg ml-1 . At the same concentration GLY showed no effect (P ≥ 0.05) on theca cell proliferation and steroidogenesis. At higher concentrations (0.01 and 0.3 mg ml-1 ), GLY had no significant effect (P ≥ 0.05) on GC proliferation and steroidogenesis. These studies, for the first time, suggest that GLY may affect the reproductive system in cattle via direct action on ovarian function; however, further studies will be required to understand better the mechanism of action and to determine the in vivo reproductive effects of GLY. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Household Food Items Toxic to Dogs and Cats.

Several foods that are perfectly suitable for human consumption can be toxic to dogs and cats. Food-associated poisoning cases involving the accidental ingestion of chocolate and chocolate-based products, Allium spp. (onion, garlic, leek, and chives), macadamia nuts, Vitis vinifera fruits (grapes, raisins, sultanas, and currants), products sweetened with xylitol, alcoholic beverages, and unbaked bread dough have been reported worldwide in the last decade. The poisoning episodes are generally due to lack of public knowledge of the serious health threat to dogs and cats that can be posed by these products. The present review aims to outline the current knowledge of common food items frequently involved in the poisoning of small animals, particularly dogs, and provides an overview of poisoning episodes reported in the literature.

Toxicological effects of fumonisin B1 alone and in combination with other fusariotoxins on bovine granulosa cells.

There is now overwhelming evidence of global contamination of commodities with Fusarium mycotoxins. Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is a Fusarium mycotoxin frequently occurring in corn in combination with deoxynivalenol (DON), α-zearalenol (α-ZEA) and ß-zearalenol (ß-ZEA). The aim of this study was to determine if FB1, alone and combined with DON or α-ZEA or ß-ZEA, can affect cell proliferation and steroid production of bovine granulosa cells (GC). A species-specific model with bovine granulosa cells (GC) was used to study the potential endocrine disruptor effects of FB1 alone and in co-exposure. In the presence of ß-ZEA (30 ng/mL), FB1 at 30 ng/mL showed a stimulatory effect on GC numbers. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1)-stimulated cell proliferation was decreased after exposure to ß-ZEA alone at 5.0 µg/mL and FB1 with α-ZEA and ß-ZEA at the same concentration. Regarding steroid production, FB1 at 30 ng/mL and 100 ng/mL amplified the inhibitory effect of ß-ZEA (30 ng/mL) on estradiol (E2) production, while FB1 alone increased (P < 0.05) IGF1-induced E2 production. α-ZEA alone decreased (P < 0.05) E2 production, whereas ß-ZEA alone and in combination with FB1 decreased (P < 0.05) E2 production. These studies indicate for the first time that the Fusarium mycotoxin FB1 along with other mycotoxins can affect GC proliferation and steroid production, which ultimately could influence reproductive function in cattle.

Suspected poisoning of domestic animals by pesticides.

A retrospective study was carried out by reviewing all suspected cases of domestic animal poisoning attributed to pesticides, reported to the Milan Poison Control Centre (MPCC) between January 2011 and December 2013. During this period, pesticides were found to be responsible for 37.3% of all suspected poisoning enquiries received (815). The most commonly species involved was the dog (71.1% of calls) followed by the cat (15.8%), while a limited number of cases involved horses, goats and sheep. Most cases of exposure (47.1%) resulted in mild to moderate clinical signs. The outcome was reported in 59.9% of these cases, with death occurring in 10.4% of them. Insecticides (40.8%) proved to be the most common group of pesticides involved and exposure to pyrethrins-pyrethroids accounted for the majority of calls. According to the MPCC data, there has been a decrease in the number of suspected poisonings cases attributed to pesticides that have been banned by the EU, including aldicarb, carbofuran, endosulfan and paraquat. In contrast, there has been an increase of suspected poisoning cases attributed to the neonicotinoids, imidacloprid and acetamiprid, probably due to their widespread use in recent years. Cases of suspected poisoning that involved exposure to rodenticides accounted for 27.6% of calls received by the MPCC and anticoagulant rodenticides were the primary cause of calls, with many cases involving brodifacoum and bromadiolone. Herbicides were involved in 14.2% of calls related to pesticides and glyphosate was the main culprit in cases involving dogs, cats, horses, goats and sheep. As far as exposure to molluscicides (11.5%) and fungicides (5.9%), most of the cases involved dogs and the suspected poisoning agents were metaldehyde and copper compounds respectively. The data collected are useful in determining trends in poisoning episodes and identifying newly emerging toxicants, thus demonstrating the prevalence of pesticides as causative agents in animal poisonings.

In vitro effects of deoxynivalenol and zearalenone major metabolites alone and combined, on cell proliferation, steroid production and gene expression in bovine small-follicle granulosa cells.

The effects of deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEA) on reproduction in ruminants are unclear. This study was performed to evaluate the impact of DON and ZEA hydroxylated metabolites, α-zearalenol (α-Zol) and ß-zearalenone (ß-Zol), on cell proliferation, steroidogenesis and gene expression using bovine granulosa cells (GC). Cell proliferation was negatively affected after exposure to ß-Zol at 31 µM and after exposure to α-Zol (3.1 µM) alone and combined with DON (3.3 µM). DON and α-Zol decreased steroidogenesis, while ß-Zol at high concentration had stimulatory effects. DON and ß-Zol increased CYP19A1 mRNA abundance. CYP11A1 mRNA abundance was stimulated by DON, alone and combined with α-Zol and ß-Zol, whereas was inhibited by ß-Zol alone. Generally mycotoxins effects on cell proliferation, steroidogenesis and gene expression were influenced by the presence or absence of IGF1. In conclusion DON and ZEA metabolites may impair in vitro cell proliferation, steroid production and gene expression in cattle.

Alkaloid-Containing Plants Poisonous to Cattle and Horses in Europe.

Alkaloids, nitrogen-containing secondary plant metabolites, are of major interest to veterinary toxicology because of their occurrence in plant species commonly involved in animal poisoning. Based on epidemiological data, the poisoning of cattle and horses by alkaloid-containing plants is a relatively common occurrence in Europe. Poisoning may occur when the plants contaminate hay or silage or when forage alternatives are unavailable. Cattle and horses are particularly at risk of poisoning by Colchicum autumnale (meadow saffron), Conium maculatum (poison hemlock), Datura stramonium (jimson weed), Equisetum palustre (marsh horsetail), Senecio spp. (ragwort and groundsel) and Taxus baccata (European yew). This review of poisonous alkaloid-containing plants describes the distribution of these plants, conditions under which poisoning occurs, active toxic principles involved and subsequent clinical signs observed.

Lead, cadmium and organochlorine pesticide residues in hunted red deer and wild boar from northern Italy.

The objectives of the present study were to assess heavy metal cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and organochlorine pesticide concentrations in tissues of red deer (Cervus elaphus) and wild boar (Sus scrofa) from nine hunting areas and to evaluate related risk factors for the host animal. Over a period of 2 years, a total of 1055 and 210 masseters, 424 and 201 livers, 642 and 152 kidneys were collected from wild boar and red deer, respectively, and concentrations of Cd, Pb and organochlorine pesticides were determined. Comparing the two species, Cd concentration in the kidney (3.72 mg/kg), liver (0.67 mg/kg) and muscle (0.02 mg/kg) of wild boar was found to be significantly higher than in the organs of red deer (1.02 mg/kg in the kidneys, 0.07 mg/kg in the liver and 0.006 mg/kg in muscle). Mean Pb concentrations were found to be similar in both animals, with 0.39, 0.52 and 2.60 mg/kg detected in the wild boar kidney, liver and muscle, respectively, and 0.24, 0.21 and 2.04 mg/kg in the respective organs of the red deer. No difference in concentrations were found based on age class, location of tissue sample or contaminant in the case of wild boar. By contrast, a significantly lower Cd concentration was found in the kidney of the young red deer. The search for organochlorine pesticides in both red deer and wild boar produced negative results with values below the limits of detection. Due to the high levels of renal Cd and muscle Pb detected in wild boar and red deer, further research needs to be carried out in an effort to identify the source of contamination and preserve the health of animals and humans.

Poisoning of dogs and cats by drugs intended for human use.

One of the main causes of poisoning of small animals is exposure to drugs intended for human use. Poisoning may result from misuse by pet owners, off-label use of medicines or, more frequently, accidental ingestion of drugs that are improperly stored. This review focuses on classes of drugs intended for human use that are most commonly involved in the poisoning of small animals and provides an overview of poisoning episodes reported in the literature. To perform this review a comprehensive search of public databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar) using key search terms was conducted. Additionally, relevant textbooks and reference lists of articles pertaining to the topic were reviewed to locate additional related articles. Most published information on small animal poisoning by drugs intended for human use was from animal and human poison control centres or from single case reports. The dog was the species most frequently poisoned. The major drugs involved included analgesics (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), antihistamines (H1-antihistamines), cardiovascular drugs (calcium channel blockers), central nervous system drugs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, baclofen, benzodiazepines and zolpidem), gastrointestinal drugs (loperamide), nutritional supplements (vitamin D and iron salts) and respiratory drugs (ß2-adrenergic receptor agonists).

Student perspectives on the use of alternative methods for teaching in veterinary faculties.

The use of alternative methods for teaching purposes is gradually increasing in higher education. In order to evaluate the usefulness of non-animal based practical classes in veterinary science, and to inform on possible benefits and limitations of these teaching tools, a questionnaire was designed and distributed to students. Although there was no complete agreement among the student responses, it was apparent that the majority of the students would like traditional training methods to be paired with alternative approaches, and expressed their desire to be exposed to as many humane modes of learning as possible. In addition, the students agreed that alternative teaching methods for training in veterinary science can reinforce existing knowledge that is required at the clinical stage, and that they can be effective supplements to traditional training methods. It was also concluded from the study that the use of new alternative approaches is very much appreciated by the students, whereas the validity and effectiveness of these methods are debatable, suggesting that further optimisation, proper application and evaluation of these alternative methods is required.

Effects of fumonisin B1 alone and combined with deoxynivalenol or zearalenone on porcine granulosa cell proliferation and steroid production.

Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is a Fusarium mycotoxin frequently occurring in corn in combination with deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone. The aim of this study was to determine if FB1, alone and combined with DON or α-zearalenol (ZEA), zearalenone major active metabolite, can affect granulosa cell proliferation, steroid production, and gene expression in swine. Porcine granulosa cells were cultured for 2 days in serum-containing medium followed by 1 or 2 days in serum-free medium with or without added treatments. Fumonisin B1 had inhibitory effects on granulosa cell proliferation. Deoxynivalenol strongly inhibited cell growth, and no significant difference was detected in combination with FB1. α-Zearalenol showed a stimulatory effect on granulosa cell numbers even in combination with FB1. Regarding steroid production, FB1 increased progesterone production, and FB1 had no effect on estradiol production. Deoxynivalenol strongly inhibited progesterone and estradiol production, and FB1 had no significant effect on this response. α-Zearalenol increased progesterone production, and its combination with FB1 produced additive effects. α-Zearalenol had no effect on estradiol production, whereas it decreased estradiol production when co-treated with FB1. Fumonisin B1 was found to decrease CYP11A1 messenger RNA abundance, and the stimulatory effect of FB1 on progesterone production was found to be not dependent on 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase activity suggesting that FB1 increases progesterone production through a different mechanism. The results show that these Fusarium mycotoxins can influence porcine granulosa cell proliferation and steroid production, thereby demonstrating their potential reproductive effects on swine.

Fusarium mycotoxins: effects on reproductive function in domestic animals--a review.

On a global scale, cereal grains and animal feed may be contaminated with trichothecenes, such as deoxynivalenol and T-2 toxin, zearalenone (ZEA), and fumonisins, the major mycotoxins of Fusarium fungi. Of these mycotoxins, ZEA is unequivocally implicated in reproductive disorders of swine and other domestic animals. Experiments in vivo and in vitro indicate that ZEA and its metabolites exert estrogenic effects resulting in functional and morphological alterations in reproductive organs. Recently, the potential of trichothecenes and fumonisins to cause reproductive disorders in domestic animals has been investigated. The present review summarizes the toxicological data on the effects of Fusarium mycotoxins on ovarian function, testicular function, placenta and fetus, and puberty/sexual maturity of domestic animals. The results of in vivo animal studies and in vitro tests are reported and discussed.

Epidemiology of intoxication of domestic animals by plants in Europe.

This review focuses on some of the most important poisonous plants in Europe and provides an overview of the poisoning episodes that have occurred in European countries. Poisoning of livestock and companion animals by plants is a relatively common occurrence. In Europe livestock and horses are commonly poisoned by Datura stramonium (Jimson weed), Senecio spp. (ragworts and groundsels), Quercus spp. (oak), Taxus baccata (European yew), Nerium oleander (oleander), Pteridium aquilinum (bracken fern), Robinia pseudoacacia (black locust) and Rhododendron spp. (rhododendrons and azaleas). Poisoning may occur when the fresh plant is ingested in pasture or when it contaminates hay or silage. In pets, the greatest majority of plant poisonings are the result of ingestion of house or garden plants, such as Cycas revoluta (Sago palm), Ricinus communis (castor bean), Allium spp., Euphorbia pulcherrima (poinsettia), Lilium spp., Convallaria majalis (Lily of the valley), Pyracantha spp. (firethorn), Rhododendron spp. (rhododendrons and azaleas), Melia azedarach (Chinaberry tree), Taxus baccata (European yew) and Nerium oleander (oleander).

Transport of Aflatoxin M(1) in Human Intestinal Caco-2/TC7 Cells.

Aflatoxin M(1) (AFM(1)) is a hydroxylated metabolite of aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)). After it is formed, it is secreted in the milk of mammals. Despite the potential risk of human exposure to AFM(1), data reported in literature on the metabolism, toxicity, and bioavailability of this molecule are limited and out of date. The aim of the present research was to study the absorption profile of AFM(1) and possible damage to tight junctions (TJ) of the intestinal Caco-2/TC7 clone grown on microporous filter supports. These inserts allowed for the separation of the apical and basolateral compartments which correspond to the in vivo lumen and the interstitial space/vascular systems of intestinal mucosa respectively. In this study, the Caco-2/TC7 cells were treated with different AFM(1) concentrations (10-10,000 ng/kg) for short (40 min) and long periods of time (48 h). The AFM(1) influx/efflux transport and effects on TJ were evaluated by measuring trans-epithelial electrical resistance and observing TJ protein (Zonula occludens-1 and occludin) localization. The results showed that: (i) when introduced to the apical and basolateral compartments, AFM(1) was poorly absorbed by the Caco-2/TC7 cells but its transport across the cell monolayer occurred very quickly (P(app) value of 105.10 ± 7.98 cm/s × 10(-6)). (ii) The integrity of TJ was not permanently compromised after exposure to the mycotoxin. Viability impairment or barrier damage did not occur either. The present results contribute to the evaluation of human risk exposure to AFM(1), although the AFM(1) transport mechanism need to be clarified.