The influence of deoxynivalenol (DON) on hemoleucogram components at rats

Mycotoxins are considered to be natural substances produced by fungi, infecting cereals and other agricultural products. The study was conducted on 20 male Sprague-Dowley rats which received feed with known concentration of DON. The animals were divided in 4 groups: Group I - control group, group II - 3 mg//Kgc DON, group III - 5 mg/Kgc DON, group IV - 9 mg/Kgc DON. The blood samples were taken and the main components of bloods were analyzed: erythrocytes, platelets, leucocytes, Ht. (hematocrit), Hb. (concentration hemoglobin). Variations of blood parameters give information regarding the influence of DON on functionality of cardiovascular and excretory system. Administration of DON contaminated feeds determined at Sprague-Dowley rats a decrease of erythrocytes and platelets with each increasing dose (p < 0.05), a decrease of hematocrit and concentration of hemoglobin and no significant changes (p > 0.05) were observed regarding the number of leucocytes.