Immunosuppressive properties of deoxynivalenol
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S Robbana-Barnat1, C Lafarge-Frayssinet, H Cohen
1Institut de Recherches Scientifiques sur le Cancer, Villejuif, France.
Abstract:
The immunosuppressive effect of deoxynivalenol (DON) was investigated in male Balb/c mice. The effect of the route of DON administration to the animals was first studied. The results showed that DON acted efficiently on the immune system per os. The administration of 100 ppm DON in the diet caused the death of all the animals within a few days. After oral administration of DON to mice, liver and kidney weights were not changed while the thymus weight was significantly reduced at concentrations greater than 10 ppm. The spleen weight was reduced less than the thymus weight. Histologically, the structure of the thymus was damaged and the high doses produced an atrophy of this organ. Serum levels of anti-sheep red blood cells (SRBC) antibodies were significantly reduced, this effect was dose-dependent. The stimulation of B and T cells by mitogens was depressed: the mitogenic responses were more reduced for thymic cells than for splenic cells. DON inhibited cellular proliferation in vitro, as estimated by [3H]thymidine incorporation:murine splenocytes were more sensitive (IC50 = 131 ng/ml of culture) than XP human fibroblasts (IC50 = 252 ng/ml of culture).
Insights
Deoxynivalenol (DON) exposure significantly suppresses the immune system in mice, particularly affecting thymus and spleen weights and reducing antibody production. This mycotoxin impairs B and T cell function and inhibits cellular proliferation.
Area of Science:
- Immunotoxicology
- Mycotoxicology
- Animal Models
Background:
- Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a common mycotoxin found in grains.
- Understanding DON's impact on the immune system is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immunosuppressive effects of deoxynivalenol (DON) in male Balb/c mice.
- To evaluate the influence of DON administration route on its immunotoxicity.
Main Methods:
- Oral administration of DON to mice at varying concentrations.
- Assessment of organ weights (liver, kidney, thymus, spleen) and histological analysis.
- Measurement of serum antibody levels (anti-SRBC) and in vitro mitogenic responses of B and T cells.
- In vitro inhibition of cellular proliferation using [3H]thymidine incorporation.
Main Results:
- Oral DON administration was effective in impacting the immune system, with high doses (100 ppm) proving lethal.
- Significant thymus atrophy and reduced spleen weight were observed at DON concentrations >10 ppm.
- DON dose-dependently reduced anti-SRBC antibody levels and suppressed B and T cell mitogenic responses.
- In vitro studies showed DON inhibited cellular proliferation, with higher sensitivity in murine splenocytes compared to human fibroblasts.
Conclusions:
- Deoxynivalenol exerts significant immunosuppressive effects in mice, primarily through oral exposure.
- DON damages thymus structure, reduces organ weights, impairs humoral and cellular immunity, and inhibits proliferation.
- The findings highlight DON's potential as a health risk due to its immunotoxic properties.