Application

T-2 toxin can cause degenerative lesions in articular cartilage of rats⁸. Furthermore, immunotoxicity studies have reported that T-2 toxin can cause cell death in human lymphoid T cells and also induces cell membrane damage in B cells⁹.

Biochem/physiol Actions

The trichothecenes, such as T2 Toxin, are mycotoxins produced by fungi of the genus Fusarium. They are commonly present in foods and feed of cereal origin. T-2 toxin induces DNA damage and cell death on prolonged administration. These effects can be partially blocked by antioxidants, such as glutathione, coenzyme Q10, or α-tocopherol. Increases blood-brain barrier permeability and inhibits monoamine oxidase activity in brain.

Preparation Note

T-2 Toxin is soluble in chloroform at 9.80 - 10.20 mg/ml and yields a clear, colorless to faint yellow solution. Furthermore, the product is freely soluble in DMSO and slightly soluble in petroleum ether.

Quality

Chromatographically purified