Physiological Effects of Deoxynivalenol from Naturally Contaminated Corn on Cerebral Tryptophan Metabolism, Behavioral Response, Gastrointestinal Immune Status and Health in Pigs Following a Pair-Feeding Model

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of deoxynivalenol (DON) from naturally contaminated feed on pig growth, immune status, organ health, brain serotonin (5-Hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) and behavior. Sixteen individually housed pigs (25.57 ± 0.98 kg, age 9 weeks) were randomly allotted to two dietary treatments: without DON (CON) or with 3.8 mg/kg of DON (MT). Pigs were pair-fed to eliminate differences in feed intake (equal tryptophan (Trp) intake). Pigs fed CON received a daily ration based on the ad libitum feed consumption of their MT pair-mate. Performance was determined over 21 days and blood collected for immunological and oxidative stress parameters. Behavior was recorded for 12 h on days 0, 7, 14 and 21. After 21 days, pigs were euthanized to collect tissues for immune parameters, gut morphology and brain serotonin levels. Overall, pigs fed MT had greater weight gain compared with CON. Immunological and oxidative stress parameters were unaffected, but pigs fed MT had reduced villus height, crypt depth and villus-to-crypt ratio in the jejunum. Pigs consuming MT had reduced concentration of 5-HT and increased 5-HT turnover in the hypothalamus. Mycotoxin-fed pigs spent more time lying and sitting, and less time standing and drinking. In conclusion, consumption of DON impacted gastrointestinal tract structure, altered behavior and changed Trp metabolism through increasing 5-HT turnover in hypothalamus.

Co-Occurrence of 35 Mycotoxins: A Seven-Year Survey of Corn Grain and Corn Silage in the United States

“…As a result, there are increased levels of free tryptophan which is taken up by the brain and used to synthesize serotonin. Although DON and other trichothecenes do not alter the tryptophan concentration, they are shown to increase the serotonin turnover in the hypothalamus to result in DON-induced feed refusal and lethargic behavior [ 41 ]. As a result of these complementary actions, the interaction between DON and FA could cause animals to display greater symptoms of DON toxicity than would be expected based on the mycotoxin analysis of feedstuffs or rations.…”

Combined Toxicity Evaluation of Ochratoxin A and Aflatoxin B1 on Kidney and Liver Injury, Immune Inflammation, and Gut Microbiota Alteration Through Pair-Feeding Pullet Model

“…Pair-feeding model is a practical method that can balance the feed consumption between different groups to eliminate effects caused by feed intake. For instance, Shen et al (25) and Lun et al (26) applied the pair-feeding model to study the toxic effects of vomitoxin (DON) on pigs. Considering that the reduction of feed intake can be a non-toxic factor to influence animals' toxic responses, a group fed a normal diet with similar feed intake to the group fed a contaminated diet in the pairfeeding model may help to exclude the interference caused by moldy feed organoleptic defects.…”

Phytobiotics with Adsorbent to Mitigate Toxicity of Multiple Mycotoxins on Health and Growth of Pigs

“…Among mycotoxins, aflatoxins, fumonisins, and deoxynivalenol pose a higher risk for pigs due to their higher occurrence, detrimental effects, and species susceptibility [ 2 , 3 ]. The detrimental effects of aflatoxins, deoxynivalenol, and fumonisins in pigs include immune modulation [ 4 , 5 ], cell toxicity [ 4 ], increase in oxidative stress and inflammatory markers [ 6 , 7 ], and reduction in feed intake with eventual decrease in growth [ 8 , 9 ]. In order to reduce damages from these mycotoxins, their levels in feeds are controlled by governmental regulation.…”