Phototoxic syndrome induced in mice by rice cultures of Penicillium viridicatum and exposure to sunlight.

A hepatogenous phototoxic syndrome was induced in mice by the feeding of rice cultures of P. viridicaunn and exposure to sunlight. The pathologic changes in the livers and skin were similar to those described in facial eczema of sheep in New Zealand and Bermuda-grass and alfalfa-hay toxicoses in the United States of America. The phototoxic syndrome was characterized by congestion of the pinna followed by erythema and edema of the cars, muzzle, paws, and tail, occasionally accompanied by alopecia. In some mice the tip of the ears became gangrenous and sloughed. Keratitis and keratoeonus leading to blindness occurred. The incidence of phototoxic reactions was higher in older mice and in those subjected to delayed exposure to sunlight. Aspermatogenesis and formation of syncytial spermatids occurred in some mice.