Deoxynivalenol is a natural type B trichothecene produced by certain species of the fungus Fusarium, particularly those found on cereal crops, including wheat, barley, oats, maize, and rye. This mycotoxin can induce vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss as well as other physiological and toxicological effects. It inhibits protein biosynthesis, binds to peptidyl transferase, and inhibits the synthesis of RNA and DNA, contributing to immunotoxicity. It passes the blood-brain barrier at different rates in different animals and this may be related to anorexia.
