Lathyritic Changes in Carp Caused byβ-Aminopropionitrile and D-Penicillamine

Abstract

Carp were fed diets containing either 0.3% β-aminopropionitrile (β-APN) or 0.3%D-penicillamine. On the 67th day of the feeding, skeletal deformity was identified in 25% of the fish given β-APN and 32% of those given D-penicillamine. X-ray examination of the abnormal fish showed severe spinal curvature at the region of 12th to 16th vertebrae, separation and fracture of the vertebral column, deformation of the ribs, and fracture of the rib in its basal part. In addition, fish given these drugs exhibited hemorrhage in the fins, the skin, and the viscera, and fragility of the connective tissues.
Carp, when injected intraperitoneally with these drugs, also showed similar toxic symptoms.
These experimental results indicated that β-APN and D-penicillamine caused lathyritic changes in carp similar to those seen in rats and chickens.