Zearalenone induces apoptosis in bovine mammary epithelial cells by activating endoplasmic reticulum stress

Zearalenone (ZEA) is a common mycotoxin produced by fungi within the genus Fusarium. However, few studies have examined the direct effects of the toxin on the mammary glands. In the present study, the effects of ZEA treatment on bovine mammary epithelial cells (MAC-T) from dairy cows were investigated. The cells were treated with different concentrations of ZEA to evaluate the effect of the toxin on cell viability, intracellular reactive oxygen...