Comparison of acute toxicities of deoxynivalenol (vomitoxin) and 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol in the B6C3F1 mouse

The acute toxic effects of deoxynivalenol (DON) and 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol (15-ADON) were compared in the B6C3F1 female mouse after oral and intraperitoneal exposure. Using the abbreviated procedure of Lorke (Archs Toxicol. 1983, 54, 275), LD50 values for DON were estimated to be 78 mg/kg (oral) and 49 mg/kg (IP) whereas the LD50 values for 15-ADON were 34 mg/kg (oral) and 113 mg/kg (IP). Acute doses of these toxins resulted in extensive necrosis of the gastro-intestinal tract, bone marrow and lymphoid tissues, and focal lesions in kidney and cardiac tissue. The minimum doses required for these histopathological effects were consistent with LD50 estimations. The results indicate that 15-ADON was more or less toxic than DON depending on the route of administration. Risk assessments for DON should therefore consider the potential for 15-ADON occurrence and toxicity in food and feed.