Stability of T-2 mycotoxin in aqueous media.

3H-labeled T-2 mycotoxin was dissolved in various aqueous media and stored for up to 3 weeks at 4, 22, and 37 degrees C. At periods ranging from 1 to 21 days, aliquots were assayed by thin-layer chromatography. Thin-layer chromatography plates were scanned for breakdown products by use of a radioisotope scanner, and breakdown products were identified based on their comigration with known standards. Results indicated that T-2 toxin was more stable in tissue culture medium with or without serum, than in Hanks balanced salt solution (HBSS), at all temperatures. The metabolites HT-2, T-2 triol, and T-2 tetraol were detected as early as 1 day (HBSS; 37 degrees C) and as late as 3 weeks (HBSS; 4 degrees C) after storage. Stability of the toxin in aqueous media decreased with increasing temperature.