ABSTRACT
The present work was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of the probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici in alleviating the toxicity of aflatoxin B[1] [AFB[1]] in male New-Zealand white rabbits. Twenty four male New Zealand white rabbits, 800-1000 g body weight were used in the present work. Rabbits were randomly divided into four equal groups: Group [1] served as a control group. Group [2] was fed on crushed pellet diet mixed with the probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici at a dose of l00g/ton feed for six successive weeks. Group [3] was fed on crushed pellet diet artificially contaminated with 60 ug of AFB[1]/kg of diet for six successive weeks while Group [4] was fed on crushed pellet diet mixed with the probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici [the same dose mentioned in G2] and artificially contaminated with 60 ug of AFB[1]/kg of diet for six successive weeks. Evaluations were made for chromosomal aberrations, hemato-biochemical parameters, immunological changes as well as histopathological alterations. Our results showed that AFB[1] possesses a mutagenic effect. It significantly increases the frequency of chromosomal aberrations. AFB[1]induced significant decrease in the total leukocytic count associated with lympopenia. Serum biochemical analysis revealed significant elevation in ALT, AST, GGT activities and BUN concentration with a marked decline in total proteins, albumin and globulins concentration. Significant decrease was recorded in the phagocytic percent and phagocytic index of neutrophils of aflatoxicated rabbits. Supplementation of the probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici to the aflatoxicated diet inhibited the mutagenic effect of AFB[1] as it significantly decreased the frequency of chromosonial aberrations. Furthermore, Pediococcus acidilactic improved the hemato-biochemical alterations and nullified the phagocytic percent and phagocytic index of neutrophils of aflatoxicateci rabbits