This work aimed to evaluate the possibility of transfer of plant DNA to rat organs with a special emphasis on detecting the recombinant Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxin coding gene in rats organs. Both genetically modified potato Spunta (GMP) and non genetically modified potatoes (NGMP) were freeze dried and were fed to rats. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was applied for both potato and diets to verify the authenticity of transgenic and non transgenic test materials. Four groups of albino rats were used for studying the safety assessment of GMP Spunta G2 and G3. Diet groups for albino rats were (I) was fed on control basal diet, group (II) was fed on control diet plus 30 % freeze dried non-genetically modified potatoes (NGMP) Spunta, (III) control plus 30 % freeze dried Spunta genetically modified potato (GMP) G2, and (IV) control plus 30 % freeze dried GMP G3. After feeding ad libitum for thirty days no statistical differences were found in food intake, daily body weight gain and feed efficiency. However, there was a small but significant difference in final body weight between the control (Group I) and experimental treatments (Groups II-IV). DNA ingested in feed was partially resistant to the mechanical, chemical and enzymatic activities of the rat gastrointestinal tract and was not completely degraded. Modified and non-modified potato Spunta DNA survival was comparable during feed passage in the rat gastrointestinal tract. Modified constructs from GMP lines G2 and G3 fragments DNA were not detectable in tissue samples.
Key words: Safety, Genetically modified potato Spunta, Rat, PCR, DNA.
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