T-2 TOXIN AND ITS EFFECT ON THE STRUCTURE OF RABBIT LIVER

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to determine the effects of the T-2 toxin and quercetin (Q) on the structure of rabbit’s liver. T-2 toxin is a member of the fungal metabolites known as the trichothecences. Quercetin belongs to a large number of flavonoid compounds commonly found in a variety of fruits and vegetables. These flavonoid compounds have manifold biological properties. We observed the influence of this flavonoid on rabbit’s liver after mycotoxin exposure.
Adult female and male rabbits of the meat line M91 were used in this experiment. Animals were divided into three groups: control group, T-2 group (1000 μg.kg-1), and T-2 toxin combined with quercetin (T-2+Q) (1000 μg.kg-1 and 0.3 mg.kg-1).
Light microscopy revealed the most pronounced changes in the T-2 group in the portobiliar spaces of the rabbit’s liver. They were dilated and contained inflammatory cells. The inflammation was not located only in these spaces, but was spread along the lobules. In these areas the marked proliferation of progenitor cells, oval cells were observed. These cells were oval, with light-staining cytoplasm and pronounced euchromatic oval shaped nucleus. Hepatocytes located at the borders of portobiliar space showed marked morphological changes. They were large, pale with round euchromatic nuclei. Many of them had two nuclei.
The histological changes in the T-2+Q group were moderate in comparison with changes observed in T-2 group. We observed only moderate to slight inflammation in the portobiliar space. Sinusoids were slightly dilated and contained lymphocytes and Kupffer cells. Hepatocytes were pale with round nuclei. The number of binuclear hepatocytes increased considerably compared with T-2 group.In our study we observed partial protective effect of this dietary antioxidant to liver. Quercetin reduced the intensity of inflammation in the portal spaces. Rapid regeneration parenchyma by of activation of hepatocytes and oval cells was also seen.