Detection of genetically modified maize DNA fragments in the intestinal contents of pigs fed StarLink CBH351

Vet Hum Toxicol. 2003 Mar;45(2):95-6.

Abstract

We tried to detect DNA fragments derived from maize in the intestinal contents of pigs fed genetically modified (GM) StarLink CBH351 maize (SL) or non-GM maize. Intestinal contents of 8 SL and 8 non-GM maize-fed pigs were collected at slaughter, and the genes of the recombinant cry9C and the maize intrinsic zein (Zel) were assayed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) 3 times with a total of 4 primer pairs of different expected lengths. The cry9C gene (either 103 or 170 bp) was detected in the rectal contents (with a frequency of 25-37.5%) and in the cecal contents (25-50%) of the pigs fed SL. In a similar fashion, the zein (Zel) gene (either 242 or 329 bp) was detected in the rectal contents (with a frequency of 31.3%) and in the cecal contents (25-37.5%) of pigs fed on SL non-GM maize. These results suggested that ingested DNA was not totally degraded, but is present in a form detectable by PCR.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animal Feed*
  • Animals
  • Bacillus thuringiensis
  • Bacillus thuringiensis Toxins
  • Bacterial Proteins / genetics*
  • Bacterial Toxins
  • Base Sequence
  • DNA / analysis*
  • DNA / metabolism
  • DNA Primers
  • Digestive System
  • Endotoxins / genetics*
  • Hemolysin Proteins
  • Insecticides / analysis*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Pest Control, Biological
  • Plants, Genetically Modified*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Swine
  • Zea mays / genetics*

Substances

  • Bacillus thuringiensis Toxins
  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Bacterial Toxins
  • DNA Primers
  • Endotoxins
  • Hemolysin Proteins
  • Insecticides
  • insecticidal crystal protein, Bacillus Thuringiensis
  • DNA

Associated data

  • GENBANK/X07535