Effect of diet on T-2 toxicosis
Smith, T.K.; Carson, M.S.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology 177: 153-167
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0065-2598 PMID: 6093476 Document Number: 235727
T-2 toxin is an emetic trichothecene mycotoxin produced by Fusarium moulds. This compound causes feed refusal, emesis and lesions in the gastrointestinal tract of livestock, poultry and man. High-fibre diets, non-nutritive mineral additives and high-fat diets can largely overcome feed refusal caused when T-2 toxin is given to rats. Rats were fed for 2 weeks on diets containing varying amounts of lucerne meal, bentonite or maize oil in a casein-based semipurified diet. Rats were then given [superscript 3H]T-2 toxin by mouth and urine and faeces were collected for 21 h after which all the rats were killed. Diet had no significant effect on the fraction dose of superscript 3H excreted in the urine. Significant increases in faecal excretion of superscript 3H were seen, however, with all test diets. Only high-fat diets reduced hepatic residues of superscript 3H while lucerne had a similar effect in kidney and both lucerne and bentonite lowered muscle residues. It was concluded that such dietary treatments overcome T-2 toxicosis mainly by promoting faecal excretion of toxin thereby reducing absorption and biological half-life.