Characterization of deoxynivalenol-induced anorexia using mouse bioassay

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Animal Models
• Food Safety

Background:

• Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a common foodborne trichothecene mycotoxin.
• DON exposure can lead to adverse nutritional effects, including reduced food intake.
• Understanding DON's impact on appetite is crucial for food safety assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and utilize a short-term mouse model to investigate DON-induced food refusal.
• To characterize the dose-response relationship and time course of DON's effects on appetite.
• To explore the development of tolerance to DON's anorexic effects.

Main Methods:

• A short-term mouse bioassay was employed.
• Deoxynivalenol (DON) was administered via intraperitoneal injection and oral gavage.
• Food intake was measured at various time points post-exposure.

Main Results:

• DON induced dose-dependent anorexia within 2 hours of exposure.
• No observed adverse effect levels (NOAEL) and lowest observed adverse effect levels (LOAEL) were established for both administration routes.
• A transient anorexic effect was followed by a dose-dependent orexigenic response.
• Mice showed partial, reversible tolerance to subsequent DON exposure after 2 days, but not after 7 days.

Conclusions:

• The developed mouse bioassay is effective for characterizing DON-induced anorexia.
• DON's effects on food intake are complex, involving initial refusal followed by increased appetite.
• The findings contribute to understanding the mechanisms of DON's adverse nutritional effects and developing tolerance.