The distribution, metabolism, and excretion of trichothecene mycotoxins

Abstract

All trichothecene mycotoxins have a basic tetracyclic sesquiterpene structure with a six-membered oxygen-containing ring, an epoxide group in the 12, 13 position, and an olefinic bond in the 9, 10 position. The trichothecenes may also have side groups such as hydroxyl, esterified hydroxyl, keto, or epoxide groups in various combinations. Initial studies on the in vitro metabolism of trichothecenes were limited to the assessment of biotransformation by animal tissues or organs. Diacetoxyscirpenol (DAS) is unique among the trichothecenes in that the toxic effects have been well established in humans during phase I and II clinical trials for treatment of malignancies. in swine, the kinetic profiles of DAS and its two metabolites, monoacetoxyscirpenol and scirpenetriol, were examined after oral administration of 2 mg/kg body weight. Accurate pharmacokinetic data after the oral administration of trichothecenes are difficult to obtain with many animal species due to the potent emetic action of these mycotoxins.