Effects of fusarenon-X and T-2 toxin on intestinal absorption of monosaccharide in rats.

In order to delineate the effects of Fusarenon-X (FX) and T-2 toxin (T-2) on intestinal absorption of monosaccharide, jejunal absorption in vivo and uptake in vitro of 3-0-methyl glucose (m-glucose) and L-glucose were studied in rats. Jejunal absorption in vivo was assessed by determining the rate of appearance of the sugars in plasma of the mesenteric vein draining the jejunal segment, which was perfused with the medium containing radiolabelled m-glucose or L-glucose. Jejunal uptake in vitro was assessed by determining the m-glucose or L-glucose uptake by the everted jejunum taken from toxin-treated rats. m-Glucose absorption was reduced 1 or 3 h after either toxin was injected into the jejunal lumen. A reduction of m-glucose absorption was also noted after intravenous injection of the toxins, although the timing and magnitude of the reduction were slightly different from those seen after the luminal injection. These results suggest that both toxins impair the jejunal function relating to monosaccharide absorption in the early stages of intoxication. The reduction in m-glucose absorption was associated with a reduction in L-glucose absorption and unchanged or increased uptake of L-glucose. The active transport component, which was indicated by the difference between absorption or uptake of the two sugars, was also reduced in association with the reduction of m-glucose absorption. These results suggest that the toxins cause specific damage in the active transport system for monosaccharides on the one hand, and impairment of their diffusional movement from the epithelial layer to the mesenteric vein on the other.