The effects of zearalenone (ZEN), an estrogenic mycotoxin produced by Fusarium fungi, and its derivatives alpha- and beta-zearalenols (Zel), zearalanone (ZAN), and alpha- and beta-zearalanols (Zal) were compared using bovine neutrophil chemiluminescence, a bactericidal parameter. ZEN and Zels suppressed the chemiluminescence at a concentration of 10-5 M, whereas ZAN and Zals did not. Based on the structural difference among those substances, we concluded that possession of the C1'-2' double bond in the microlide ring is essential for zearalenones to induce neutrophil suppression.
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References:
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- Murata et al. (2003) Vet. Hum. Toxicol. 45:18-20.