Toxicity and Metabolism of the Trichothecene Mycotoxin T-2 Toxin

摘要

The present study deals with toxicological effects and metabolism of the trichothecene mycotoxin T-2 toxin. T-2 toxin was shown to cause a marked decrease in cell production of bone marrow 24 hours after T-2 toxin administration. Furthermore, necrotic injuries in skeletal muscle, heart and probably in the intestine were indicated by an increase in clinically relevant enzymes. The activity of coagulation, fibrinolysis and kallikrein-kinin system was severely depressed after a sublethal dose of T-2 toxin. The maximal effects on the plasma proteases as well as the necrotic injuries were observed 24 hours after administration, corresponding to the time the animals usually die when receiving a lethal dose. The effect of T-2 toxin on plasma protease enzymes involved in these systems was suggested to be secondary to cytotoxic effects on the vascular endothelium. T-2 toxin was rapidly hydrolysed and detoxified by rat liver microsomal fraction into HT-2 toxin as the main metabolite. The enzyme responsible for the hydrolysis of T-2 to HT-2 toxin was identified as a carboxylesterase. Keywords: Trichothecenes; Mycotoxins. (AW)