Effect of T-2 Toxin, Fasting, and 2-Methyl-thiazolidine-4-carboxylate, a Glutathione Prodrug, on Hepatic Glutathione Levels1,2
Abstract
The effect of T-2 toxin on hepatic glutathione content and the protective effect of 2-methyl-thiazolidine-4-carboxylate (MTCA), a glutathione prodrug, was studied in mice. Acute exposure to T-2 toxin (4 mg/kg, sc) resulted in a progressive decrease in glutathione content, reaching a minimum 4-6 hr after toxin administration. Because T-2 toxin caused decreased feed consumption, a condition known to deplete hepatic glutathione, glutathione was measured in both fed and fasted control and toxin-treated mice. In all cases, toxin treatment, compared to controls, resulted in significant decreases in glutathione content. Activities of glutathione-S-transferase, reductase, and peroxidase were measured at various times after administration of T-2 toxin and were not significantly different from control values. Further, treatment of T-2 intoxicated mice with MTCA (750 mg/kg, ip) not only maintained glutathione content at control levels or higher, but significantly improved survival as well. These findings indicate that, because MTCA maintained glutathione content and improved survival, the toxicity and lethality of T-2 toxin may be associated with decreased hepatic glutathione content.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 14, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA186954
Entities
People
- Juan M. Jorge
- Robert F. Fricke
Organizations
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases