ABSTRACT
Cassava has been widely used for animal and human nutrition. It has also been demonstrated to have antineoplastic and anthelmintic properties. Toxicity due to cassava consumption has been reported in ruminants and laboratory animals; therefore, this study aimed to investigate the toxic effects of acetone cyanohydrin, a metabolite of linamarin that is present in cassava, in Wistar rats. Six groups of five animals each were used to evaluate the toxic effects of acetone cyanohydrin administered at 25 (G1), 50 (G2), 75 (G3), 100 (G4) and 125 (G5) µmol/kg as a single oral dose. The control group received acidified water (pH 3.5). The animals were monitored after administration of acetone cyanohydrin, and clinical symptoms were recorded. Serum enzyme levels were measured to assess the kidney and liver function. During necropsy, tissue samples were collected for histopathological examination. After administration, some animals in the G2, G4, and G5 groups presented neurological symptoms such as convulsions, involuntary muscle contraction, staggering gait, motor coordination disability, prostration, and mydriasis. All of the animals in the G5 and four animals in the G4 group died seven minutes after the administration of acetone cyanohydrin. Animals in the other groups, particularly in G2, recovered from the acute phase. Biochemical analysis revealed hepatic lesions and liver dysfunction. Histopathology revealed severe lesions in both the liver and brain. In conclusion, acetone cyanohydrin has toxic effects in the liver, lung, and central nervous system in rats; however, at concentrations up to 25 µmol/kg, the animals could survive the acute phase.
Index terms:
Neurotoxic; hepatotoxic; cyanide; acute intoxication
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