Penitrem A and Roquefortine Production by Penicillium commune

Abstract
Cottonseed meal is widely used as a protein source in animal feeds and is potentially important as human food. Extracts of P. commune, a fungus isolated from cottonseed, showed biological activity in day-old cockerels. Two neurotoxic metabolites were isolated and identified as penitrem A and roquefortine. This is the first report of roquefortine being produced by a fungus other than P. roqueforti, as well as the first report of penitrem A and roquefortine being produced in the same culture. Production of these toxins on liquid media and cottonseed was determined.