Effects of Aflatoxin on AgNOR Activity of Cells in Different Regions of Kidney, and Protective Effectiveness of Esterified Glucomannan in Ram

In this study, the effects of total aflatoxin (AF) given orally on silver-staining nucleolus organizer regions (AgNORs) activity were studied in glomerulus and tubular epithelial cells of kidney in Merino rams. In addition, this study was conducted in order to evaluate the efficacy of an esterified glucomannan (EG) for protection against to aflatoxicosis. As materials, 1 year-old 32 Merino rams were used. Rams were fed through the 92 days. Control group (C) fed with the commercial feed. AF group fed with commercial feed added 250 mu g/day of total AF. EG group fed with commercial feed added 2 g/day of EG daily. AF+EG group fed with commercial feed added 250 mu g/day of total AF and 2 g/day of EG. At the end of the 92nd day the animals were sacrificed, and tissue samples were taken from the kidneys. Whereas ratio of nuclear area of the AgNOR area of cells in examinated regions of kidney was found decreased significantly (P<0.05) in the AF group compared to the control group, AF+EG group was found similar to control group (P>0.05). In conclusion, the adverse effects causing by aflatoxicosis on the kidney AgNOR activity could be ameliorated by adding EG to the ration.