The biosynthesis of a few representative polyketide-derived mycotoxins is reviewed: patulin, citrinin, diplosporin, ochratoxin A, maltoryzine, xanthomegnin, cytochalasans, ergochromes, zearalenone, citreoviridin, and the aflatoxins. Particular attention is given to the biosynthetic sequence: acetate----averufin----versiconal acetate----versicolorin A----sterigmatocystin----aflatoxin B1.

Penicillium expansum isolated from meat and apples produced both patulin and citrinin. Toxin identity was confirmed by spectroscopic and physical methods. The mean lethal dose in chicken embryos was determined for toxins administered both singly and in various ratios. Data from simultaneous administration of mycotoxin combinations plotted as isobolograms showed and additive effect. Both toxins ...

Sir: In the course of searching for inhibitors of mammalian ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), an active compound was isolated from the culture broth of an unidentified fungus and identified as citrinin, a known antibiotic1,2). Citrinin showed cytotoxicity in vitro to mouse leukemia cells. Structurally related compounds were examined for possible inhibition of ODC and cytotoxicity, and we found tha...

INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................................................497 Mycoses and Mycotoxicoses ..................................................................................................................................497 Definitions, Etymology, and General Principles..........................