Effect of T-2 toxin on lipid peroxidation in rats: elevation of conjugated diene formation

A single dose of T-2 toxin (3.6 mg/kg, oral) enhanced conjugated diene formation in rat liver, spleen, kidney, thymus and bone marrow, implying that lipid peroxidation was stimulated. Lipid peroxidation showed apparent specificity in each organ as time elapsed (1-6 h). In liver and kidney maximum stimulation (+74% and +72%, respectively) was noted at 1 h after T-2 treatment. In spleen and thymus, maximum values were observed at 3 h (+95% and +32%, respectively). In bone marrow, a continuous elevation was noted which reached a maximum at 6 h (+112%). Results obtained from serum transaminase assay and histological examination suggested that T-2 toxin exhibited low hepatotoxicity even when the rat received a dose close to the oral LD50.