Dermal toxicity of Fusarium toxins in combinations

T 2 toxin (T 2), diacetoxyscirpenol (DAS), fusarenon X (FX) and butenolide (Bd) at concentrations of 0.2, 0.3, 5 and 10 g/site, respectively, were applied individually and in combinations on shaved skin of guinea pigs. Erythema and induration were observed on skin patches treated with the toxins. Increase in the thickness of stratum malpighii was the major histological change observed. Mild to moderate degeneration of fibrocytes and cellular infiltration were found in the corium of skin treated with FX, Bd, DAS and T 2. The order of toxicity of individual toxins was T 2 > DAS > FX > Bd. Combinations of T 2 + FX and T 2 + Bd resulted in antagonism, while DAS + FX and DAS + Bd caused synergism.