Effects of T-2 Toxin on the Expression of Connexin 32 in the Mouse Liver

Abstract

In this study we investigated the effect of T-2 toxin (4 or 8 mg/kg/b.w.), a kind of trichothecene mycotoxins produced by the genus Fusalium, on the expression of connexin 32 (Cx32), a major protein of gap-junction, in mice. The area of total Cx32-positive spots on the immunostained section showed a tendency to be reduced from 6 to 36 hours after T-2 toxin inoculation (HAI), and it was significantly reduced at 36 HAI, irrespective of the dose of T-2 toxin. The value of Cx32 protein detected by Western blot analysis showed a tendency to be reduced from 3 to 48 HAI except at 6 HAI, and it was significantly reduced at 12 HAI, irrespective of the dose of T-2 toxin. Such reduction in Cx32 protein expression may be related to the depression of protein synthesis and induction of free radicals by T-2 toxin.