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Updated: Oct 13, 2026
Chronic Salmonella Infected Mouse Model
Published on: May 31, 2010
T-2 toxin impairment of murine response to Salmonella typhimurium: a histopathologic assessment
1Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824-1224.
Abstract:
T-2 toxin and other trichothecene mycotoxins experimentally impair normal immune function and may predispose humans and animals to infectious disease. In this study, the histopathologic effects of Salmonella typhimurium challenge concurrently with sublethal T-2 toxin exposure were examined in the Salmonella-resistant C3H/HeN mouse. Oral administration of T-2 toxin (1 mg/kg) every other day for 10 d had little effect on the tissues examined when compared to control animals. Mice challenged with S. typhimurium and then treated with T-2 toxin every other day for 10 d had markedly larger and more bacterial-related lesions in the spleens, kidneys, and livers than animals challenged with S. typhimurium alone. Differences in bone marrow, Peyer's patches and ileal tissues were less discernable between S. typhimurium and S. typhimurium plus T-2 toxin treated groups. These results were consistent with previous findings that T-2 toxin compromised murine resistance to S. typhimurium infection and ultimately caused death in animals challenged with a sublethal dose of the organism.
Insights
T-2 toxin exposure worsened Salmonella infection in mice, increasing bacterial lesions in organs like the spleen and liver. This indicates T-2 toxin impairs immune resistance to Salmonella.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Toxicology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Trichothecene mycotoxins, including T-2 toxin, are known to suppress immune function.
- Impaired immunity can increase susceptibility to bacterial infections in humans and animals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the histopathologic effects of concurrent T-2 toxin exposure and Salmonella typhimurium infection.
- To assess the impact of sublethal T-2 toxin on the resistance of Salmonella-resistant mice to S. typhimurium.
Main Methods:
- C3H/HeN mice, resistant to Salmonella, were used for the study.
- Mice received oral T-2 toxin (1 mg/kg) every other day for 10 days, concurrently with S. typhimurium challenge.
- Histopathologic examination of spleen, kidneys, liver, bone marrow, Peyer's patches, and ileal tissues was performed.
Main Results:
- Sublethal T-2 toxin administration alone had minimal effect on mouse tissues.
- Mice infected with S. typhimurium and treated with T-2 toxin exhibited significantly larger bacterial lesions in the spleen, kidneys, and liver compared to controls.
- Differences in bone marrow, Peyer's patches, and ileal tissues were less pronounced.
Conclusions:
- T-2 toxin significantly compromises murine resistance to Salmonella typhimurium infection.
- Concurrent T-2 toxin exposure exacerbates S. typhimurium-induced pathology, leading to increased organ damage.
- These findings support previous research on T-2 toxin's immunosuppressive effects and increased susceptibility to infection.
