Effects of maternal T-2 toxin exposure on microorganisms and intestinal barrier function in young mice

T-2 toxin belongs to the trichothecenes group A compound, mainly produced by Fusarium fungi. It has been shown that T-2 toxin could cross the placental barrier and breast milk, thus endangering the health of offspring. The present study aimed to explore the effects of maternal T-2 toxin exposure on the integrity of the intestinal barrier and the intestinal microflora of young mice. From late pregnancy (GD 14) to lactation (LD 21), pregnant mice were given T-2 toxin daily at 0, 0.005, or 0.05 mg T-2 toxin/kg BW. Postnatal day 21 (PND21), PND28, and PND56 young mice were chosen as objects to detect the influences of maternal T-2 toxin exposure to mice on the offspring. The results showed that maternal exposure to T-2 toxin disturbed the balance of the intestinal microbial flora of the young mice. Villous adhesions and fusion of ileum were observed in T-2-treated groups. In addition, supplementation of T-2 toxin significantly decreased the gene expressions of Claudin 1 , Occludin , Tjp1 , Il10 , Il6, and Tnf in PND 21. However, in PND 28, the expressions of Tnf were significantly increased . T he expressions of Claudin 1 , Occludin , Tjp1 , Il10 , Il6 and Tnf were significantly increased after T-2 toxin treatment in PND 56. These results suggested that maternal exposure to T-2 toxin has negative influences on the intestine of young mice, which may be due to the alterations of microbial composition.