T-2 toxin induces cytotoxicity and disrupts tight junction barrier in SerW3 cells

Environ Toxicol Pharmacol. 2017 Dec:56:259-267. doi: 10.1016/j.etap.2017.10.005. Epub 2017 Oct 12.

Abstract

T-2 toxin, which is produced in grain and grain products as a secondary metabolite by Fusarium species, is also potentially dangerous for human health. Up to date, no study was reported the cytotoxicity of T-2 toxin on SerW3 cells in the perspective of junctional barriers. This study focused on revealing the cytotoxic effects of T-2 on Sertoli cells associated with cell junctional barriers. In the present study, SerW3 cells were exposed to T-2 toxin at 12, 120 and 1200ng/ml doses for 24 and 48h. Cytotoxicity tests including cell viability (MTT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) cytotoxicity test and trypan blue exclusion assay were performed. Occludin, ZO-1, N-cadherin and β-catenin were immunolabelled, expressions of occludin and N-cadherin were determined by western blotting. SerW3 cell barrier integrity was measured by transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER). Cytotoxicity caused by T-2 toxin increased in a dose dependent manner, expressions of proteins and TEER measurement decreased. This study may underlie the early targets of T-2 toxin on SerW3 cells mimicking blood-testis barrier in vitro.

Keywords: Cytotoxicity; N-cadherin; Occludin; Sertoli cell barrier; T-2 toxin; TEER.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Electric Impedance
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects
  • L-Lactate Dehydrogenase / metabolism
  • Male
  • Rats
  • Sertoli Cells / cytology*
  • Sertoli Cells / drug effects
  • Sertoli Cells / metabolism
  • T-2 Toxin / pharmacology
  • T-2 Toxin / toxicity*
  • Tight Junctions / drug effects*

Substances

  • L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
  • T-2 Toxin