Effect of T-2 toxin on bovine hematological and serum enzyme parameters.

The single intravenous administration of T-2 toxin to calves (0.25 mg/kg body weight) caused a marked decrease in the total peripheral white cell count which correlated with a decline in the neutrophil count. The circulating lymphocyte and platelet counts were unaffected by the toxin. A decline of approximately 10% occurred in hematocrit following toxin administration. A small transient increase was observed in serum aspartate aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase activity together with a transient increase in the BSP retention test. There was no consistent pattern in the alteration of serum alanine aminotransferase activity and serum alkaline phosphate activity was unaffected by the toxin. The results suggest that in cattle the liver may not be the primary target organ for the cytotoxin effects of T-2 toxin.