Adverse Effect of T-2 Toxin and the Protective Role of Selenium and Vitamin E on Peripheral Blood B lymphocytes

T-2 mycotoxin belongs to the Trichothecene family and has damaging effects on the immune system.

To investigate the toxic effect of T-2 toxin on the percentage of peripheral blood B lymphocytes and the potential protective role of selenium and vitamin E.

Frequencies of B lymphocytes (CD19+) were analyzed after injection of sublethal doses of T-2 toxin into Balb/c mice at different time points, using flowcytometry. Additionally, the effects of selenium and vitamin E on B lymphocyte, as either prophylaxis or simultaneously administered with T-2 toxin, were investigated.

After injection of a sublethal dose of T-2 toxin, the number of B cells (CD19+) significantly decreased at 12 h and became normal at 72 h. When selenium was injected both 24 h before and simultaneously with T-2 toxin, it was able to inhibit B lymphocyte (CD19+) reduction. In contrast, injecting vitamin E, 24 h before or simultaneously with T-2 toxin did not regulate B lymphocyte alteration.

Selenium plays pivotal role on altered B lymphocyte subset induced by T-2 toxin comparing to vitamin E.