Toxicological approaches to the metabolites of Fusaria. VII. Effects of zearalenone on the uteri of mice and rats.

Abstract

Zearalenone produced by the fungus Fusarium roseum (Gibberella zeae) caused a marked uterotrophic response in mice and rats. Single or repeated administrations to immature mice and rats resulted in an increase of the uterine weight several times higher than the control weight. This effect was specific to the uterus, and oral administration was more effective than other routes. Ovariectomized mice were highly sensitive to zearalenone, and the dose-response curve was linear when daily doses of 1 to 2 mg/kg were given for one week. Zearalenone promoted cellular proliferation and mitosis in the uterine muscle cells.