Effect of zearalenone (ZEN) on the jejunum histology in rats.

<p>Samples were collected from the pregnant dams (A–D) at gestation day 8, and weaned dams (E–H) and pups (I–L) at three weeks after born. The results were showed from left to right-ZEN0, ZEN50, ZEN100, ZEN150 in each period of the rats. (A)(E, F): jejunal histology demonstrated intact intestinal villi structure. (B) (G): mild local disruption of villus tips. (C) (H): denudated villi with partial digestion with moderate to massive epithelial lifting. (D): villi loss and disruption in integrity of villi. (A–H): HE, 200×; (I–L) HE, 400×. ZEN 0, ZEN 50, ZEN 100, and ZEN 150 means a daily feeding with ZEN at doses of 0.3, 48.5, 97.6, and 146.0 mg/kg respectively, at gestation days 1 to 7.