Effect of deoxynivalenol (vomitoxin) on the humoral immunity of mice

The effects of vomitoxin (deoxynivalenol; DON) on the immune system were studied in groups of weanling male Swiss Webster mice administered by gavage 0.75, 2.5, and 7.5 mg of vomitoxin per kg body weight. Untreated controls and solvent controls (propylene glycol, ethanol, and distilled water in a ratio of 4:1:5) were also included in this study. Serum antibody (IgM) levels to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) were significantly reduced in the treatment groups compared to the control groups. Plaque-forming cell (PFC) numbers were also lower in the treated groups compared to the control groups. Furthermore, vomitoxin at a dose of 0.75 mg/kg resulted in a significant increase in the albumin, albumin/globulin ratio and a decrease in the alpha-2 globulin fraction compared to the control groups. Administration of 7.5 mg/kg of vomitoxin resulted in deaths, due to toxicity, in all animals of this group within 3 weeks. These preliminary findings are indicative of a potential effect of vomitoxin on the immune system which could have serious implications to man.