The goal of this study was to determine the absolute oral bioavailability, (presystemic) hydrolysis and toxicokinetic characteristics of deoxynivalenol, 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol, and 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol in broiler chickens and pigs. Crossover animal trials were performed with intravenous and oral administration of deoxynivalenol, 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol, and 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol to broilers and pigs. Plasma concentrations were analyzed by using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and data were processed via a tailor-made compartmental toxicokinetic analysis. The results in broiler chickens showed that the absorbed fraction after oral deoxynivalenol, 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol, and 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol administration was 10.6, 18.2, and 42.2%, respectively. This fraction was completely hydrolyzed presystemically for 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol to deoxynivalenol and to a lesser extent (75.4%) for 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol. In pigs, the absorbed fractions were 100% for deoxynivalenol, 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol, and 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol, and both 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol and 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol were completely hydrolyzed presystemically. The disposition properties of 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol and 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol demonstrate their toxicological relevance and consequently the possible need to establish a tolerable daily intake.
Keywords: 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol (15ADON); 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol (3ADON); broiler chicken; deoxynivalenol (DON); in vivo hydrolysis; pig; toxicokinetics.