adverse effect of t-2 toxin and the protective role of selenium and vitamin e on peripheral blood b lymphocytes

background: t-2 mycotoxin belongs to the trichothecene family and has damaging effects on the immune system. objective: to investigate the toxic effect of t-2 toxin on the percentage of peripheral blood b lymphocytes and the potential protective role of selenium and vitamin e. method: frequencies of b lymphocytes (cd19+ ) were analyzed after injection of sublethal doses of t-2 toxin into balb/c mice at different time points, using flowcytometry. additionally, the effects of selenium and vitamin e on b lymphocyte, as either prophylaxis or simultaneously administered with t-2 toxin, were investigated. results: after injection of a sublethal dose of t-2 toxin, the number of b cells (cd19+ ) significantly decreased at 12 h and became normal at 72 h. when selenium was injected both 24 h before and simultaneously with t-2 toxin, it was able to inhibit b lymphocyte (cd19+) reduction. in contrast, injecting vitamin e, 24 h before or simultaneously with t-2 toxin did not regulate b lymphocyte alteration. conclusion: selenium plays pivotal role on altered b lymphocyte subset induced by t-2 toxin comparing to vitamin e.