Ochratoxin A (OTA) is an immunosuppressant fungal compound produced by toxigenic species of Aspergillus and Penicillium fungi. OTA is key mycotoxin which can cause nephrotoxicity in different animals. In the current study, techniques were used to elucidate the genotoxic and immunosuppressive roles of OTA in rabbits. Twenty New Zealand white rabbits were used in this study, they were distributed into four groups, group I was given a diet containing OTA; Group II, was given selenium preparation in the form of oral dose; Group III: was given both selenium and OTA and finally, Group IV was fed a standard control. Blood samples were collected from each rabbit, Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) were collected at the 20th day from the end of the experiment in order to estimate phagocytosis % and killing %. Comet assay was applied for observing DNA damage of lymphocytes introduced by OTA. Beside, Tumor Necrosis Factor α (TNF α); Interleukin 2 (IL2) and Interleukin 6 (IL6) levels were measured using ELISA. Selenium was given orally to two groups of the rabbits either separately or combined with OTA in order to determine its capacity as anticytotoxic effect. Results showed that OTA reduced the percentage of phagocytosis; killing % and Lymphocyte Stimulation Index (LSI). Comet assay recorded significant increase of lymphocytes DNA damage. Furthermore, data revealed an elevation of IL2; IL6 and TNF α as a result of the use of OTA. On the other hand, selenium showed great anticytotoxic effect, where selenium treated group didn’t showed any alteration of the level of cytokines; % of phagocytosis; killing % or LSI comparing with control group. Meanwhile, it showed a significant effect in dimensioning DNA damage in compare with OTA treated group I. This capacity of selenium as an antioxidant is promising for its use as feed additives in order to prevent the harmful effects of mycotoxins.

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