Ergochromes: Heretofore Neglected Side of Ergot Toxicity.
Toxins (Basel)
; 11(8)2019 07 25.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-31349616
Ergot, fungal genus Claviceps, are worldwide distributed grass pathogens known for their production of toxic ergot alkaloids (EAs) and the great agricultural impact they have on both cereal crop and farm animal production. EAs are traditionally considered as the only factor responsible for ergot toxicity. Using broad sampling covering 13 ergot species infecting wild or agricultural grasses (including cereals) across Europe, USA, New Zealand, and South Africa we showed that the content of ergochrome pigments were comparable to the content of EAs in sclerotia. While secalonic acids A-C (SAs), the main ergot ergochromes (ECs), are well known toxins, our study is the first to address the question about their contribution to overall ergot toxicity. Based on our and published data, the importance of SAs in acute intoxication seems to be negligible, but the effect of chronic exposure needs to be evaluated. Nevertheless, they have biological activities at doses corresponding to quantities found in natural conditions. Our study highlights the need for a re-evaluation of ergot toxicity mechanisms and further studies of SAs' impact on livestock production and food safety.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Xantenos
/
Claviceps
/
Alcaloides de Claviceps
/
Micotoxinas
Límite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Toxins (Basel)
Año:
2019
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
República Checa
Pais de publicación:
Suiza