Effect of T-2 toxin on the bovine immune system: humoral factors.

The effect of a Fusarium metabolite, T-2 toxin, on the bovine humoral immune system was explored during high-level, chronic administration. T-2 toxin administered to calves for 43 days at the rate of 0.6 mg/kg per day was associated with alterations of serum protein fractions, immunoglobulin levels, and C3 levels. Significant reductions in the levels of alpha, beta 1, beta 2, and gamma globulins, but not albumin, occurred after T-2 toxin administration. Likewise, a decline in C3 and serum immunoglobulin levels were evident. The levels of immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin A, but not immunoglobulin G, in toxin-treated calves were significantly lower than control levels.