Ochratoxin A is a chlorinated benzopyran coupled to the amino acid phenylalanine, produced by several Aspergillus and Penicillium sp. associated with food spoilage. Ochratoxins are widely distributed in the environment and are known to be nephrotoxic, teratogenic and possibly carcinogenic. Ochratoxin A may act by induction of DNA strand breaks, sister chromatid exchanges, DNA adduct formation, or reactive oxygen but the mechanism of action as a toxin is not yet resolved. At the molecular level, ochratoxin A has been shown to specifically inhibit NK cell activity, increase growth of transplantable tumor cells in mice, increase apoptosis, activate c-Jun N terminal kinase in human kidney epithelial cells, and block metaphase/anaphase transition. It also inhibits plasminogen activator inhibitor-2 production by human blood mononuclear cells.
Solubility:Soluble in ethanol, methanol, DMF or DMSO. Limited water solubility.
Storage and Stability:May be stored at 4°C for short-term only. For long-term storage store at -20°C. Aliquots are stable for 6 months after receeipt at -20°C. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer.
