Toxicological approaches to the metabolities of fusaria. XII. Fate and distribution of T-2 toxin in mice.

Tissue distribution, excretion and fate of T-2 toxin, a potent cytotoxic mycotoxin of Fusarium species, were examined in mice and rats by using tracer method as well as chromatographic technique. Orally administered T-2 toxin to mice and rats was rapidly eliminated into the feces and urine with a ratio of 4--5:1. In mice, the toxin distrubited in the liver, kidney and other organs without showing a specific accumulation. In rats, the toxin was excreted into the feces partly as HT-2 toxin, 8-hydroxydiacetoxyscirpenol (neosolaniol) and three unidentified metabolites. Toxicological significance of the hepatic and derm floral carboxyesterase was discussed in regard to the specific deacetylation of T-2 toxin.