Beneficial effect of dexamethasone in decreasing the lethality of acute T-2 toxicosis.

1. Steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents were evaluated for effectiveness for treatment of acute T-2 toxicosis in mice. 2. Non-steroidal agents, indomethacin, phenylbutazone, and acetylsalicylic acid, either were ineffective, or potentiated the lethality of T-2 toxin. 3. Of the anti-inflammatory steroids tested, dexamethasone was the most effective. 4. Dexamethasone was administered before, at the same time as, or after injection of T-2 toxin. 5. As the time between toxin exposure and treatment was increased, there was a corresponding increase in lethality. 6. In conclusion, steroidal, but not non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory agents were effective in decreasing T-2 toxin-induced lethality.