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Cardiovascular effects of mycotoxin T-2 after topical application in rats
Abstract:
Evidence has been mounting that trichothecenes cause cardiac lesions and cardiovascular effects in general. T-2 toxin, dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide, was applied in doses of 0, 1.0, 2.0 mg/kg to the skin of Sprague-Dawley rats. Twenty-four hours later, the cardiac function of the animals was assessed, followed by killing and histological examination. It was found that the arterial blood pressure values were lower in the 2.0 mg/kg group, the peak intraventricular pressure was lower in both the 1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg groups, and the resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure values of the 2.0 mg/kg group were lower than the 0 and 1.0 mg/kg groups. The 1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg groups had significantly lower epinephrine-stimulated intraventricular pressure values, indicating reduced contractility. Extended Q-T intervals in electrocardiograms of the 1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg groups suggested also impaired contractility. The histological examination gave equivocal results. It is concluded that topical applications of small doses of T-2 toxin have a noticeable negative effect on cardiovascular function.
Insights
Topical T-2 toxin exposure negatively impacts rat cardiovascular function, reducing blood pressure and cardiac contractility. Even small doses of this trichothecene can impair heart performance.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Mycotoxicology
Background:
- Trichothecenes are known mycotoxins with potential cardiotoxic effects.
- Previous evidence suggests a link between trichothecenes and cardiovascular issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cardiovascular effects of topical T-2 toxin exposure in Sprague-Dawley rats.
- To assess the impact of varying T-2 toxin doses on cardiac function and contractility.
Main Methods:
- T-2 toxin was applied dermally to rats at doses of 0, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/kg.
- Cardiac function was evaluated 24 hours post-application through blood pressure measurements and electrocardiography.
- Histological examination of cardiac tissues was performed.
Main Results:
- Lower arterial blood pressure and peak intraventricular pressure were observed in the 2.0 mg/kg T-2 toxin group.
- Reduced epinephrine-stimulated intraventricular pressure and prolonged Q-T intervals indicated impaired cardiac contractility in both 1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg groups.
- Histological findings were inconclusive.
Conclusions:
- Topical application of T-2 toxin, even at low doses, significantly impairs cardiovascular function in rats.
- The study highlights the cardiotoxic potential of T-2 toxin, affecting blood pressure and cardiac contractility.