In vitro and in vivo toxicity of T-2 toxin, a Fusarium mycotoxin, to mouse peritoneal macrophages.

The effects of T-2 toxin on mouse peritoneal macrophages were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy of macrophages treated in vitro with T-2 toxin revealed retraction of pseudopodia. Protein synthesis was inhibited after in vitro contact with T-2 toxin but was not affected 24 h after injection of a sublethal dose of toxin into mice. There was reduction in the phagocytosis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa when macrophages were exposed in vitro to T-2 toxin and when mice were injected with T-2 toxin. Clearance of colloidal carbon was not modified after T-2 toxin injection, whereas spleen weight was decreased 24 h after T-2 injection. T-2 toxin enhanced the mortality of mice infected with Salmonella typhimurium C5S when it was administered 24 h prior to oral challenge with the bacterium.