Cytotoxicity and related effects of T-2 toxin on cultured Vero cells

Toxicon. 2006 Sep 1;48(3):343-52. doi: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2006.06.004. Epub 2006 Jun 28.

Abstract

T-2 toxin belongs to a group of mycotoxins synthesized by Fusarium fungi that are widely encountered as natural contaminants of certain important agricultural commodities particularly, cereals. Upon exposure, T-2 toxin causes severe human and animal diseases. It is considered to be a major causative agent in fatal alimentary toxic aleukia (ATA) in humans. In this study, cytotoxicity and apotosis induction by T-2 toxin was investigated in vitro on Vero cell line using the MTT and the neutral red viability assays, the induction of lipid peroxidation, the decrease of macromolecule levels (protein, DNA and RNA), DNA fragmentation and caspase-3-dependent apoptosis induction. Our results showed that T-2 toxin reduced cell viability correlated to an impairment of macromolecule levels. It also increased MDA formation, induced DNA fragmentation showed by DNA laddering patterns on agarose gel electrophoresis. This fragmentation is in relation with apoptosis induction which was confirmed by activation of caspase-3, and depletion of the mitochondrial membrane potential reflecting a mitochondrial dysfunction.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Caspase 3
  • Caspases / metabolism
  • Cell Survival / drug effects*
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • DNA / drug effects
  • Electrophoresis, Agar Gel
  • Enzyme Activation
  • Lipid Peroxidation / drug effects
  • Membrane Potentials / drug effects
  • RNA / drug effects
  • T-2 Toxin / toxicity*
  • Vero Cells

Substances

  • RNA
  • DNA
  • CASP3 protein, human
  • Caspase 3
  • Caspases
  • T-2 Toxin