Biochemical changes produced by Fusarium T-2 toxin in the chicken.

The administration of 350 microgram T-2 toxin to six-week-old chickens by intramuscular injection produced a temporary reduction in food intake, changes in plasma triglyceride and total cholesterol levels, increases in plasma aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase and lactate dehydrogenase activity, falls in the activities of plasma acid and alkaline phosphatases, a reduction in the weight of the pancreas, enlargement of the liver and an apparent exacerbation of hepatic haemorrhage. It also delayed and reduced the hyperlipaemic response to the injection of oestradiol-17beta-dipropionate. These changes were attributed to cytotoxicity involving the liver, intestine and possibly muscle, and an inhibition of enzyme synthesis.