Biochemical and Ultrastructural Effects of T-2 Toxin on Rat Hepatocytes in Vitro

Abstract

Cultured rat hepatocytes were treated with several doses of T-2 mycotoxin for either 1 of 12-h and with or without a 12-h recovery period. Inhibition of protein synthesis and release of lactate dehydrogenase were measured and correlated with ultrastructural changes, as assessed by transmission electron microscopy. Results indicated that, at a dose of 0.01 micrograms/ml, protein synthesis was inhibited within the 1-h but recovered to near control levels with or without the continual presence of toxin. At the higher toxin dose (1.0 micrograms/ml), the hepatocytes were able to recover from a 1-h, but not a 12-h exposure. Cell damage, as assessed by release of lactate dehydrogenase, lagged behind inhibition of protein synthesis. Only at a T-2 concentration of 0.1 microgram/ml for 12-h followed by a 12-h recovery period, was release of lactate dehydrogenase significantly elevated over control values. Under the same parameters, protein synthesis was inhibited by 94%. The ultrastructural appearance of the cell membrane, nucleus, lysosomes, peroxisomes, and smooth endoplasmic reticulum remained unchanged. The two organelles which appeared altered by T-2 exposure were the rough endoplasmic reticulum and the mitochondria. Endoplasmic reticulum changes were limited to degranulation of attached ribosomes without dilation of the cisternae. Alternations were seen as early as 1-h at a T-2 dose of 0.01 microgram/ml. After a dose of 1.0 microgram/ml T-2 for 12-h, some mitochondria displayed one or more non-membrane bound translucent foci, some of which contained electron-dense cores.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1985
Accession Number
ADA157568

Entities

People

  • John C. O'brien
  • Lynn R. Trusal

Organizations

  • United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Cell Membrane
  • Cells
  • Cytoplasmic Granules
  • Cytoplasmic Vesicles
  • Electron Microscopy
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum
  • Epithelial Cells
  • Fungi
  • Microscopy
  • Mitochondria
  • Organelles
  • Skeletal Muscle
  • Transmission Electron Microscopy

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry
  • Toxicology/Environmental Toxicology

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics