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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.
Abstract:
T-2 toxin (3 mg/kg b.w.) was orally inoculated to pregnant mice at 11 days of gestation to examine the effect of T-2 toxin on the developing embryos. At 24 hours after T-2 toxin-inoculation, moderate pyknosis or karyorrhexis was generally observed in some layers of the central nervous system, caudal sclerotomic segment, caudal region of the tongue to pharyngeal- to laryngeal-mesenchyma, trachea and facial mesenchyma. These pyknotic or karyorrhectic nuclei were strongly stained by the modified TUNEL method widely used for the in situ detection of apoptotic nuclei and also showed ultrastructural changes characteristic for apoptosis. This is the first report of mycotoxin-induced apoptosis in embryos.
Insights
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.