Effects of zearalenone on various components of rabbit uterine tubal fluid.
A study was conducted to determine whether an orally administered mycotoxin, zearalenone (11.5 mg/kg of body weight/day), enters the uterine tubal fluid (UTF) of rabbits and to evaluate its influence on certain constituents of UTF. Using high-performance liquid chromatography, the concentration of zearalenone in UTF was maximal on day 1 of initial exposure to the compound, then decreased rapidly to half the peak concentration by day 5. The disappearance curve for zearalenone in UTF was linear throughout the treatment period (10 days) and was not detectable within 3 days after the last administration of zearalenone and the initiation of pregnancy (does were bred on day 10 of the zearalenone treatment). Zearalenone increased the volume of UTF (P less than 0.05) in estrous does, but decreased the pH (P less than 0.05) and the total free amino acid concentration (P less than 0.05) of UTF, compared with pretreatment values. The concentrations of several trace elements and amino acids known to be of critical importance in early embryonic development were altered by zearalenone treatment and/or pregnancy. Gross developmental anomalies were not evidenced when fetuses were examined on days 28 to 30 of gestation. It was concluded that zearalenone or associated metabolites affect factors that influence fertility during the early preimplantation period. Furthermore, the analysis of UTF appears to be an effective screening method for assessing certain potential reproductive toxicants.
Osborn
R G
RG
Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia 65211.
Osweiler
G D
GD
Foley
C W
CW
D000284:Administration, Oral / Q000662:veterinary; D000596:Amino Acids / Q000032:analysis; D000818:Animals; D001826:Body Fluids / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D004971:Estrus; D005187:Fallopian Tubes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D011247:Pregnancy; D011270:Pregnancy, Animal / Q000187:drug effects*; D011817:Rabbits; D012118:Resorcinols / Q000633:toxicity*; D013997:Time Factors; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000032:analysis; D015025:Zearalenone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity*
D000596:Amino Acids; D012118:Resorcinols; D014131:Trace Elements; D015025:Zearalenone