EFFECT OF REDUCED FEED INTAKE ON ZEARALENONE METABOLISM AND TOXICITY IN THE RAT

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Abstract
Three experiments were conducted to determine the effect of reduced feed intake on the metabolism and toxic expression of zearalenone. Young female rats were fed a standard diet either ad libitum or 75% of ad libitum intake. The enzyme activities of 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3α-HSD) and uridine diphosphate glucuronyl transferase (UDP-G), the zearalenone metabolizing enzymes, were determined after 14 d of feeding. When feed was restricted, 3α-HSD activity increased 28% while UDP-G activity increased 79% compared to fed controls. After 14 d of feeding, animals were orally dosed with 1 mg zearalenone kg−1 body weight; zearalenone and its metabolites were measured in urine and feces. Feed restriction resulted in more conjugated zearalenone being excreted in the urine, with a corresponding decrease in α- and β-zearalenols produced and fecal metabolites compared to fed animals. No conjugated metabolites were found in the feces. Animals were fed the same diet, but 0–150 ppm zearalenone were added for 3 wk and growth and organ weights were determined. Feed restriction ameliorated zearalenone's toxic expression. These results indicate that nutritional regimen effects zearalenone metabolism, excretion and toxicity. Key words: Mycotoxin, zearalenone, feed intake, toxicity

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