Mechanism ofFusariummycotoxin action in mammary gland

Abstract
The interaction of the Fusarium mycotoxins zearolenone and dihydrozearalanol with specific estrogen binding sites was studied by using cytosol preparations of mammary glands from lactating rats. Both substances inhibited [3H]estradiol‐17β association with its binding site in a competitive fashion. This inhibition was a result principally of an effect on estrogen binding by the 8S species of receptors separated by density gradient centrifugation. These data suggest that the biological action of Fusarium mycotoxins with estrogenic activity is mediated by intracellular estrogen receptors.