Effects of feeding T-2 toxin on RNA, DNA and protein contents of liver and intestinal mucosa of rats.

Young male albino rats were fed 1.5 mg T-2 toxin/kg body weight daily for 4 days and the effects on body weight, liver weight and protein, RNA, and DNA contents of liver and intestinal mucosa were studied. A significant decrease in body weight and an increase in liver weight were observed. Liver protein and DNA and intestinal mucosal protein contents were significantly decreased, whereas intestinal mucosal RNA content was increased. Decreased liver and intestinal mucosal protein synthesis in T-2 toxin-fed rats was inferred from the [14C]leucine incorporation studies.