| 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. (Safety Evaluation Section, Department of Safety Research
TEL +81-29-838-7823) |