DNTP finds common mycotoxin decreased body weight in rats
Perinatal exposure to low levels of the fungal toxin deoxynivalenol (DON) leads to mild toxicity in male and female offspring of Sprague Dawley rats, according to a report published by Division of the National Toxicology Program (DNTP) researchers and collaborators. In addition to using environmentally relevant doses, this study examined the potential of perinatal DON exposure to cause DNA damage that could lead to cancer later in life.
DON has been detected globally in grain-based food sources and in human urine, indicating exposure is widespread. Acute exposure to DON is associated with gastrointestinal symptoms, and its toxicity may be due to disruptions in cellular processes that are also crucial for embryonic development.
Pregnant rats were administered DON during gestation; offspring were exposed to the same doses. There were no treatment-related changes in the dams, but at the highest dose, DON exposure resulted in lower body weight in pups. There were no changes in the number of micronucleated, or immature, red blood cells in either the dam or offspring, suggesting DON does not produce genotoxicity via this mechanism. This study sets the stage for further investigation into the mechanistic basis of DON developmental toxicity. (FP)
Citation: Huang MC, Furr JR, Robinson VG, Betz L, Shockley K, Cunny H, Witt K, Waidyanatha S, Germolec D. 2021. Oral deoxynivalenol toxicity in Harlan Sprague Dawley (Hsd:Sprague Dawley® SD®) rat dams and their offspring. Food Chem Toxicol 148:111963.