ARS | Publication request: Observation of T-2 and HT-2 glucosides from Fusarium sporotrichioides by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)

Submitted to: Toxins
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: December 19, 2011
Publication Date: December 28, 2011
Citation: Busman, M., Poling, S.M., Maragos, C.M. 2011. Observation of T-2 and HT-2 glucosides from Fusarium sporotrichioides by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Toxins. 3(12):1554-1568.

Interpretive Summary: T-2 is a toxin produced by a variety of fungi during their infestation of growing grain kernels. Here we have noted the production of modified versions of the toxin that will evade normal techniques for toxin analysis. These modifications are similar to those observed in other related fungal toxins found in grain. It is likely that these modified toxins will convert to T-2 upon consumption by mammals. This work provides researchers and grain processors additional information regarding the compounds to include in monitoring efforts aimed at assuring the safety of grain products.

Technical Abstract: Cultures of Fusarium sporotrichioides were extracted and subjected to evaluation by high performance liquid chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Along with the expected T-2 and HT-2 toxins, compounds 162 m/z higher than the toxins were observed. Fragmentation behavior of the larger compounds showed similarity to the T-2 and HT-2 toxins. Based on LC-MS/MS behavior, it is proposed that the two compounds are T-2-(3-glucoside) and HT-2-(3-glucoside) “masked” forms of the toxins.