Response of the nuclear receptors PXR and CAR and their target gene mRNA expression in female piglets exposed to zearalenone

Abstract A study was conducted to determine the effects of zearalenone (ZEN) on the mRNA expression of pregnane X receptor (PXR), constitutive and rostane receptor (CAR), and phase I and II enzymes as well as the toxicity in the liver of female weanling piglets. Thirty-two female weanling piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Large white, 12.27 ± 0.30 kg)were divided into four groups (n = 8 piglets/group) that were supplemented with 0 (control), 0.5, 1 or 2 mg/kg ZEN. The trial period lasted for 28 d. The results showed that the ZEN supplementation in the diets (0.5–2 mg/kg) had no effect on growth performance but dose-dependently increased serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanineaminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and γ-glutamyltransferase activities (P