title: The effect of low-level deoxynivalenol on neurotransmitter levels measured in pig cerebral spinal fluid.
abstract: Deoxynivalenol (DON) is one of the major mycotoxins produced by Fusarium fungi, and is known to affect feeding behaviour in economically important animals. In this study the effect of low-level DON on cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) neurotransmitter concentrations, as a reflection of altered brain activity, was investigated in swine. Animals were given repetitive doses (6) at 30 min intervals, either intravenously (iv) (10 micrograms/kg) or intragastrically (ig) (30 micrograms/kg). Serial CSF samples were collected via a novel permanent indwelling catheter placed intracerebrally, and changes in catecholamine levels monitored. Results showed a rapid and sustained increase in 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5HIAA) occurred following ig administration, remaining elevated for up to 20 hr post-dosing, and to a lesser extent after iv dosing, lasting up to 6 hr post-dosing. This was indicative of increased CNS serotoninergic activity and indicative to the theory that links elevated brain serotonin turnover to a decrease in feed intake. Also observed were alterations in dopamine (DA) metabolism. Following ig dosing, a delayed increase in homovanillyl alcohol (HVOL) suggested an enhancement of the dopaminergic response occurred as serotoninergic activity diminished. Following iv dosing, a rapid drop in homovanillic acid (HVA) levels alluded to a more direct toxic effect, possibly acting as an inhibitor of DA-metabolizing enzymes.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Food & Animal Research, Agriculture Canada Ottawa, Ontario.
authors.forename: D B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Prelusky
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001923:Brain Chemistry / Q000187:drug effects*; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid*; D013047:Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms; D013270:Stomach; D013552:Swine; D013997:Time Factors; D014255:Trichothecenes / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000633:toxicity*
chemical_list: D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D014255:Trichothecenes; C007262:deoxynivalenol