Abstract: ObjectiveTo biosynthesize and purify citreoviridin(CIT)and to observe the effects of CIT on the myo-cardial structure and function in rats.MethodsAfterino culation with P.citreon igrum dierckx spores,the commercialminor ground corn were cultivated for 3 weeks.Mouldy corn powder was extracted with ethanol, hot benzene and n-hexane,respectively.The deposit was added to silica gel column with n-haxane-acetone(1:1)as solvent.The yellow fraction was dissolved in methanol to obtain the yellow powder.Rats in treated group were fed with food contaminated with CIT at 15 mg/kg·d for 8 weeks.The hearts of the rats were rapidly removed,and small blocks of myocardium were fixed for light and electron microscopy examination.The content of serumtropon in Tand serum activities of alanine amino transferase,a sparta teamino transfe rase,alkaline phosphatase,lactate dehydrogenase,creatine phosphokinase and its isozyme were detected.ResultsThe final synthesis of CIT obtained a single component with minor impurity.The effects of CIT on the myocardial structure and function in rats were observed.The prominent histopathological changes induced by CIT were manifested as extensive infiltration of lymphocytes and mononuc lear cells,interstitial edema,sarco plasmic condensation,myofibrillar disintegration,and cardiacmyocyte granular degeneration or vacuolation.Electron microscopy confirmed that the pyknotic nucleus presented in apoptosis state;myofilamentlysis and incrassate Z band were observed;mitochondria were reduced in the surrounding of thnucleus.Serumactivities of lactate dehydro genase,aspartateamino transferase,creatine phosphokinase and its isozyme as well as the content of tropon in T were significantly increased compared to those of the control.ConclusionThe synthetic method used in the study is simple,easy,and suitable for laboratory research.CIT could cause degeneration and necrosis in ratmyo-cardium.