sentences:  Vomitoxin belongs to a class of mycotoxins (trichothecenes) which are strong inhibitors of protein synthesis; exposure to vomitoxin causes the brain to decrease its uptake of the amino acid tryptophan and, in turn, its synthesis of serotonin.Reduced levels of serotonin are believed to be responsible for the anorexic effects of DON and other trichothecenes.Irritation of the gastrointestinal tract may also play a role in reducing food intake, and may also partially explain the high incidence of paraesophageal stomach ulcers observed in sows during food refusal.