ABSTRACT Ochratoxin A (OTA), a mycotoxin commonly found in contaminated food and feed, is naturally produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium species. Although OTA is widely recognized for its nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxic effects, its neurotoxicity, particularly during brain development, remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of exposure to OTA in mice on motor coordination and sensorimotor functions during postnatal development and in adulthood. Pregnant mice with verified vagina plugs were separated randomly into two groups: Group 1 (OTA), administered with OTA (0.25 mg/kg, i.p.), and Group 2 (control), administered with an equivalent volume of saline solution (0.9% NaCl). Mice offspring were subjected to a series of behavioral tests during the postnatal stage, including motor ambulation, negative geotaxis, surface righting, and cliff aversion. Subsequently, the locomotor behaviour was evaluated in adulthood. Morphometric analysis of vital organs was performed. Pups exposed to OTA exhibited impaired motor function during development and persisting into adulthood. Additionally, the organ-to-body weight ratios of the brain, kidneys, liver, and spleen were reduced in the exposed group. Overall, the behavioral impairments, together with the morphometric alterations observed in adulthood particularly the reduced organ-to-body weight ratios indicate that OTA severely affects the developing nervous system, leading to persistent motor deficits and highlighting the serious risks of early-life exposure.
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