Skeletal deformities induced by the intraperitoneal administration of deoxynivalenol (vomitoxin) in mice.

The contamination of drinking water by organic acids, selenium deficiency and the ingestion of fungal mycotoxins are the three main aetiological factors in the development of Kashin-Beck disease. An avian tibial chondrodysplasia induced by mycotoxins has been reported. Deoxynivalenol (DON) is one of many mycotoxins produced by the most common contaminating species of fungi. The pattern of skeletal malformations induced by its administration intraperitoneally to pregnant mice is reported. Costo-vertebral segmentation abnormalities were the main deformities observed. The chondrodysplasia previously described was not seen.