Activity of serum enzymes in rats subacutely poisoned with T-2 toxin

T-2 is one of the most toxic mycotoxins having trichothecene structure. It is a product of altered metabolism of many. species of fungi which are natural contaminants of cereals. Intoxications with T-2 toxin are the consequence of consumption of contaminated cereals. While acute poisonings of animals and accidental poisonings of humans have been frequently studied, subacute and subchronic intoxications had not been the subject of many studies. The purpose of this study was to examine the changes in serum enzyme activity in rats poisoned with T-2 toxin and to propose possible mechanisms of these changes. We have examined the activity of both transaminases, creatin kinase and lactate dehydrogenase in rats subcutaneously treated with 0,15 mg/kg of T-2 toxin (about 0.3 LD(50)). In control animals during the experiment there were no significant changes in the activity of all enzymes examined. In poisoned rats levels of all enzymes were increased up to three weeks of treatment. Activity of transaminases in serum reached its highest levels al the end of the third week of treatment. Creatin kinase and lactate dehydrogenase were more sensitive indicators of T-2 toxin exposure reaching its highest levels at the end of the second week. After four weeks of treatment the activity of these enzymes was significantly decreased in relation to control.