Physiological Effects of Deoxynivalenol from Naturally Contaminated Corn on Cerebral Tryptophan Metabolism, Behavioral Response, Gastrointestinal Immune Status and Health in Pigs Following a Pair-Feeding Model.

Yan-Bin Shen,Sung Woo Kim,Alexandra C Weaver

doi:10.3390/toxins13060393

Yan-Bin Shen, Sung Woo Kim + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins13060393

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Abstract

This study investigated the impact of deoxynivalenol (DON) from naturally contaminated feed on pig growth, immune status, organ health, brain serotonin (5-Hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) and behavior. Sixteen individually housed pigs (25.57 ± 0.98 kg, age 9 weeks) were randomly allotted to two dietary treatments: without DON (CON) or with 3.8 mg/kg of DON (MT). Pigs were pair-fed to eliminate differences in feed intake (equal tryptophan (Trp) intake). Pigs fed CON received a daily ration based on the ad libitum feed consumption of their MT pair-mate. Performance was determined over 21 days and blood collected for immunological and oxidative stress parameters. Behavior was recorded for 12 h on days 0, 7, 14 and 21. After 21 days, pigs were euthanized to collect tissues for immune parameters, gut morphology and brain serotonin levels. Overall, pigs fed MT had greater weight gain compared with CON. Immunological and oxidative stress parameters were unaffected, but pigs fed MT had reduced villus height, crypt depth and villus-to-crypt ratio in the jejunum. Pigs consuming MT had reduced concentration of 5-HT and increased 5-HT turnover in the hypothalamus. Mycotoxin-fed pigs spent more time lying and sitting, and less time standing and drinking. In conclusion, consumption of DON impacted gastrointestinal tract structure, altered behavior and changed Trp metabolism through increasing 5-HT turnover in hypothalamus.

Highlights

Deoxynivalenol (DON), a member of the type B trichothecene mycotoxins, is one of the most prevalent mycotoxins worldwide [1,2,3]
The initial body weight (BW) of pigs did not differ between treatments
During the first 7 d, pigs fed with the MT diet had greater (p < 0.05) body weight gain and gain:feed compared with pigs fed with the CON diet (Table 1)

Summary

Introduction

Deoxynivalenol (DON), a member of the type B trichothecene mycotoxins, is one of the most prevalent mycotoxins worldwide [1,2,3]. Due to its high global occurrence, DON is regarded as an important risk factor for animal health [4]. It is well known that DON causes a variety of damages such as altered protein synthesis, gastrointestinal injury and altered immunity [5,6]. The most widely recognized characteristic of DON consumption is its detrimental effect on feeding behavior. High levels of DON can trigger vomiting, whereas lower levels induce anorexia [5]. Reducing feed intake may indirectly result in limited nutrient availability, causing growth reduction, digestive disorders and immune challenges [7]

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