Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS) can undergo adaptive and reparative changes in response to physiological and pathological stimuli. These manifest primarily as alterations in the levels of active substances expressed by the enteric neuron. While it is known that mycotoxins can affect the function of the central and peripheral nervous systems, knowledge about their influence on the ENS is limited. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of low doses of zearalenone (ZEN) and T-2 toxin on calcitonin gene related peptide-like immunoreactive (CGRP-LI) neurons in the ENS of the porcine descending colon using a double immunofluorescence technique. Both mycotoxins led to an increase in the percentage of CGRP-LI neurons in all types of enteric plexuses and changed the degree of co-localization of CGRP with other neuronal active substances, such as substance P, galanin, nitric oxide synthase, and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide. The obtained results demonstrate that even low doses of ZEN and T-2 can affect living organisms and cause changes in the neurochemical profile of enteric neurons.
Highlights
Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by some fungal species
calcitonin gene related peptide-like immunoreactive (CGRP-LI) nervous structures in the porcine descending colon were observed under physiological conditions, as well as after the administration of zearalenone and
This study demonstrates that calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) is present in neurons and nerves located in the porcine descending colon both under physiological conditions and after mycotoxin administration, and the number of CGRP-LI neurons clearly depends on the type of enteric plexuses
Summary
Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by some fungal species These substances exert a deleterious impact on living organisms [1]. Their effects are carcinogenic, mutagenic, estrogenic and/or neurotoxic in nature, and can lead to an acute and chronic poisoning, allergies, as well as cause a damage to internal organs (primarily liver and kidneys). Given their effects and a high resistance to temperature [1,2], the presence of mycotoxins in food poses a potential threat to health and, in more extreme cases, life of both humans and animals.
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