Dispositions and tissue residue of zearalenone and its metabolites α-zearalenol and β-zearalenol in broilers

Zearalenone (ZEA) is a secondary fungal metabolite produced mainly by a Fusarium graminearum. To clarify the toxicokinetics, and residues of ZEA and its major metabolites alpha-zearalenol (alpha-ZOL) and beta-zearalenol ((3-zoL) in chickens, ZEA was then administered intravenously (iv) or orally (po) to broiler chickens at a dosage of 1.2 mg/kg body weight. The concentrations of ZEA, alpha-ZOL and beta-ZOL in the plasma and various tissues were quantified using LC-MS/MS. The plasma concentrations of ZEA were measurable up to 2 h after iv and po administration, and the concentrations of alpha-ZOL and beta-ZOL were detected up to 4h after both types of administration. A two-compartment model was developed to describe the toxicokinetic of ZEA in broilers. The values of t(1/2 beta) and V-d were 1.36 +/- 0.29 h and 6.40 +/- 0.891/kg, respectively. The absolute oral bioavailability was 29.66 +/- 5.6%. ZEA, alpha-ZOL and beta-ZOL were measurable in the vital organs after po administration. These results suggest that ZEA is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and it has ability to penetrate into the various tissues of broiler chickens. (C) 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.