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Acute neurobehavioural toxicity of trichothecene T-2 toxin in the rat
U Sirkka1, S A Nieminen, P Ylitalo
1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Kuopio, Finland.
Abstract:
The acute effects of single oral doses, 0.4 and 2.0 mg/kg, of trichothecene T-2 mycotoxin on behaviour, motor performance and nociception were studied in male Wistar rats. Both doses are sublethal and did not cause overt acute signs of intoxication. In the open field test, 2.0 mg/kg of T-2 toxin increased motionlessness and decreased sniffing (P less than 0.05) 4 hr after the administration. The higher dose shortened step-through latencies in the test trial of the 24-hr passive avoidance test (two-way shuttle box). The exponential data analysis showed that, in those rats that did not learn to avoid the dark (unsafe) compartment of the box, the retention after 2.0 mg/kg of T-2 toxin was only 25% of that in controls (P less than 0.001). T-2 toxin had no effect on motor coordination in the rotarod test and in the bridge walking test 7-8 hr after administration. T-2 toxin had no effect on nociception in the hot place test 8.5 hr after administration. The results suggest that T-2 toxin has some inactivating effects on behaviour of rats, and it seems to cause an impairment in the passive avoidance test at dose 2.0 mg/kg.
Insights
The trichothecene T-2 mycotoxin, at a high dose, impaired rat behavior, specifically reducing learning and memory retention in a passive avoidance test. Motor skills and pain perception remained unaffected by this mycotoxin.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Trichothecene T-2 mycotoxin is a potent toxin with potential neurotoxic effects.
- Understanding its impact on behavior and neurological functions is crucial for risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the acute behavioral, motor performance, and nociceptive effects of T-2 mycotoxin in male Wistar rats.
- To determine dose-dependent effects and identify specific behavioral impairments.
Main Methods:
- Rats received single oral doses of T-2 mycotoxin (0.4 and 2.0 mg/kg).
- Behavioral assessments included open field test, passive avoidance test (two-way shuttle box), rotarod test, bridge walking test, and hot place test.
- Data analysis focused on motionlessness, sniffing, step-through latencies, learning retention, motor coordination, and nociception.
Main Results:
- The higher dose (2.0 mg/kg) increased motionlessness and decreased sniffing in the open field test 4 hours post-administration.
- T-2 toxin significantly impaired passive avoidance learning and memory retention (25% of control) at the higher dose.
- No significant effects were observed on motor coordination or nociception at tested time points.
Conclusions:
- Sublethal doses of T-2 mycotoxin can induce behavioral changes in rats, particularly affecting learning and memory.
- The passive avoidance test appears sensitive to T-2 mycotoxin's neurotoxic effects at a dose of 2.0 mg/kg.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying T-2 mycotoxin's behavioral inactivation.