THE EFFECT OF DEOXYNIVALENOL ON SEROTONINERGIC NEUROTRANSMITTER LEVELS IN PIG-BLOOD

Deoxynivalenol(DON) produces two characteristic toxicological effects, decreased feed consumption (anorexia) and emesis. Both effects have b een linked to increased central (CNS) serotoninergic activity. Althoug h there has also been some indication of a peripheral involvement, the role of blood pools of serotonin and related compounds in mediating D ON toxicity is not well defined. In this study, the effect of DON on p lasma concentrations of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5HT), 5HIAA (5 -hydroxyindoleacetic acid) and tryptophan (TRP), as a reflection of an induced peripheral serotoninergic system, was investigated in swine. Typical values for the plasma concentrations of 5HT, 5HIAA, and TRP we re established in pigs. Following administration of DON, either intrag astrically or intravenously, concentration changes in these substances were measured over an eight hour period. The effect of low and high t oxin doses were also compared. Analyses showed no effect on plasma lev els of the compounds of interest, even at sufficient toxin doses to in voke emesis in the test animals. Any variation over the course of the study remained within acceptable control limits. These results indicat ed no peripheral effect by DON which could account for the increased s erotoninergic activity associated with altered feeding behaviour or em esis.