Recent advances in the understanding of Fusarium trichothecene mycotoxicoses.

Abstract

Recent concepts in the etiology of Fusarium trichothecene mycotoxicoses have been reviewed. The effect of orally administered trichothecenes on tissue metabolism has been traced from the gastrointestinal tract to the liver and subsequently to blood. It is proposed that the hyperaminoacidemia resulting from trichothecene toxicoses contributes to the behavioral changes observed, including loss of appetite and vomiting. Studies with several species and several trichothecenes have shown that elevated brain tryptophan arising from trichothecene-induced aminoacidemia can subsequently alter regional brain serotonin concentrations. This may produce behaviors such as loss of appetite and muscle incoordination characteristic of the firing of serotonergic neurons. Support is also presented for the concept that other Fusarium metabolites such as fusaric acid may act synergistically with trichothecenes to produce these effects.

• Authors: T K Smith
• Journal: Journal of animal science (J Anim Sci) Vol. 70 Issue 12 Pg. 3989-93 (Dec 1992) ISSN: 0021-8812 [Print] United States
• PMID: 1474035 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)

Chemical References

• Trichothecenes
• Fusaric Acid

Topics

• Animals
• Brain (drug effects)
• Digestive System (drug effects)
• Drug Synergism
• Fusaric Acid (poisoning)
• Fusarium
• Liver (drug effects)
• Poisoning (etiology, veterinary)
• Trichothecenes (poisoning)