The effect of pure Fusarium toxins (T-2, F-2, DAS) on the microflora of the gut and on plasma glucocorticoid levels in rat and swine.

The gut microflora and adrenal cortex hormone levels were monitored in HUNGAHYB piglets of 10-12 kg and in Wistar rats of 100-150 g body weight fed with different pure Fusarium toxins. The feeding of either T-2, T-2 + F-2 and DAS toxins at the 5 microgram/g feed level for one week resulted in the substantial increase of aerobic bacteria count of the intestine. Increase of the DAS dose to a twofold level failed to elicit dose-response and no further increases in bacterial counts were observed. Following the uptake of toxin containing feed, the plasma cortisol and corticosterone levels showed a 2-3 fold rise. Intramuscular administration of toxin T-2 also increased the activity of the adrenal cortex and gut microflora counts also increased. It is suggested that the observed changes in the gut microflora may contribute to the appearance of clinical symptoms developing after feeding of toxins as well as to the triggering and maintaining of the stress.