Effect of in vivo administration of T-2 toxin on peritoneal murine macrophages.

We investigated the effect of in vivo administration of T-2 toxin, a 12,13-epoxytrichothecene produced by several Fusarium species, on murine macrophage metabolism. Cytoplasmic and lysosomal enzyme levels, generation and release of superoxide anion, phagocytosis and intracellular killing of Salmonella typhi and murine P815 tumour cell lysis were measured under different experimental conditions. When T-2 toxin was administered to mice at sublethal doses (0.50-1.00 mg/kg/24 hr), the levels of lysosomal and cytoplasmic enzyme activity and the generation of superoxide anion were significantly enhanced as compared to controls. This correlated with increased phagocytosis and intracellular killing of S. typhi. Cytotoxic activity against murine P815 mastocytoma cells exhibited by macrophages isolated from mice treated with T-2 toxin was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner. In vivo administration of T-2 toxin may result in the activation of specific metabolic pathways of peritoneal macrophages, while inhibiting other paths.