BIOCHEMICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL-EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM SUBLETHAL T-2 TOXIN FEEDING IN RABBITS

Effects of 4-7-week feeding of naturally contaminated wheat grains containing 0.284 mg T-2 toxin/kg were investigated on the health, certain serum biochemical parameters and reproductive status of sexually mature, virgin female rabbits. Three of the ten contaminated animals died before the end of the experiment (acute, fibrinous-purulent peritonitis and pneumonia). Hepatic damages are suggested by significant serum alanine aminotransferase and slight aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, malate dehydrogenase activity increases, as well as by cholinesterase activity decrease as compared to control animals. The damage of kidney function is indicated by significantly higher creatinine level, as compared to the control. The T-2 toxin feeding also impaired ovarian functions, reflecting by unaltered progesteron concentration, macro- and microscopical pictures after GnRH-stimulation.