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Apoptosis in the developing mouse embryos from T-2 toxin-inoculated dams
N Ishigami1, J Shinozuka, K Katayama
1Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tokyo, Japan.
Histology and Histopathology
|July 30, 1999
Summary
T-2 toxin exposure in pregnant mice caused apoptosis, programmed cell death, in developing embryos. This mycotoxin-induced apoptosis was observed in various embryonic tissues, including the central nervous system.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Developmental Biology
- Embryology
Background:
- Mycotoxins, such as T-2 toxin, are contaminants found in food and feed.
- Exposure to toxins during pregnancy can pose risks to embryonic development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of T-2 toxin on developing mouse embryos.
- To determine if T-2 toxin induces apoptosis in embryonic tissues.
Main Methods:
- Pregnant mice were orally inoculated with T-2 toxin (3 mg/kg b.w.) at 11 days of gestation.
- Embryos were examined 24 hours post-inoculation for signs of cell death.
- The modified TUNEL method was used to detect apoptotic nuclei.
- Ultrastructural analysis was performed to confirm apoptosis characteristics.
Main Results:
- T-2 toxin exposure led to moderate pyknosis and karyorrhexis in various embryonic tissues.
- Affected tissues included the central nervous system, pharyngeal-laryngeal mesenchyme, trachea, and facial mesenchyme.
- Apoptotic nuclei were confirmed by the TUNEL method and ultrastructural changes.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first evidence of mycotoxin-induced apoptosis in developing embryos.
- T-2 toxin poses a significant risk to embryonic development through the induction of programmed cell death.