[The effect of the trichothecene mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (vomitoxin) on calcium homeostasis, vitamin D metabolism and receptors in rats].

Metabolism of calcium and vitamin D was studied in young rats administered with trichothecene-related mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (vomitoxin) at a daily dose of 10 mg/kg perorally within 7 days. The vomitoxin treatment caused a moderate hypocalcemia, a decreased absorption of calcium in small intestine as well as led to decrease of alkaline phosphatase activity in blood and small intestine mucosal membrane. Density and saturation of bone tissue with minerals were not altered. Concentration of 25-OHD in blood and activity of vitamin D3(25)-hydroxylase in liver tissue were decreased by 40% and 30%, respectively. Development of 1,25(OH)2D3 and 24,25(OH)2D3 as well as concentration of total and free 1,25(OH)2D3 receptors were not altered in kidney. At the same time, these impairments of calcium and vitamin D metabolism were prevented by providing high content of vitamin D in the ration--0.25 mg/kg of food. Impairments in calcium metabolism caused by vomitoxin may be partially related to development of a secondary deficiency in vitamin D.