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Journal of veterinary internal medicine2016; 30(3); 880-884; doi: 10.1111/jvim.13927

Hypoglycin A Concentrations in Maple Tree Species in the Netherlands and the Occurrence of Atypical Myopathy in Horses.

Abstract: Atypical myopathy (AM) in horses is caused by the plant toxin hypoglycin A, which in Europe typically is found in the sycamore maple tree (Acer pseudoplatanus). Owners are concerned about whether their horses are in danger if they graze near maple trees. Objective: To measure hypoglycin A in the most common maple tree species in the Netherlands, and to determine whether concentration of toxin is a predictor of AM in horses. Methods: A total of 278 samples of maple tree leaves, sprouts, and seeds were classified by species. Mean concentrations of hypoglycin A were compared for the type of sample, the season and the occurrence of AM in the pasture (non-AM versus AM). Statistical analysis was performed using generalized a linear model (SPPS22). Results: Almost all Acer pseudoplatanus samples contained hypoglycin A, with concentrations differing significantly among sources (P < .001). Concentrations were significantly higher in seeds from the AM group than in seeds from the non-AM group (856 ± 677 and 456 ± 358 mg/kg, respectively; P = .039). In sprouts and leaves this was not the case. Acer platanoides and Acer campestre samples did not contain detectable concentrations of hypoglycin A. Conclusions: Acer platanoides and campestre seem to be safe around paddocks and pastures, whereas almost all Acer pseudoplatanus samples contained hypoglycin A. In all AM cases, Acer pseudoplatanus was found. Despite significantly higher concentration of hypoglycin A in seeds of pastures where AM has occurred, individual prediction of AM cannot be made by measuring these concentrations because of the high standard deviation.
Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
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Publication Date: 2016-03-20 PubMed ID: 26995161PubMed Central: PMC4913566DOI: 10.1111/jvim.13927Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The study investigates the link between atypical myopathy (AM) in horses and the toxin hypoglycin A found in certain maple tree species in the Netherlands. The research examines the toxin’s concentration across different tree species, and if this concentration can predict the occurrence of the AM disease.

Research Objective

The study’s main goal is to measure hypoglycin A levels in the most common maple species in the Netherlands, and establish if this toxin’s concentration can act as a telltale sign of Atypical Myopathy in horses.

Methodology

  • A total of 278 samples consisting of maple tree leaves, sprouts, and seeds were carefully classified by species.
  • The average hypoglycin A concentrations were compared according to the sample type, the season, and the presence—or lack thereof—of AM in the pasture.
  • Statistical analysis was carried out using a generalized linear model (SPPS22).

Results

  • Almost all samples from Acer pseudoplatanus trees contained some amount of hypoglycin A, and concentrations significantly varied among sources.
  • Seeds from pastures with AM had notably higher concentrations of the toxin when compared to those from non-AM pastures. Sprouts and leaves, however, did not exhibit this difference.
  • Samples from Acer platanoides and Acer campestre did not have detectable levels of hypoglycin A.

Conclusion

  • Acer platanoides and Acer campestre tree species appear safe for horses and can be around paddocks and pastures as they do not contain detectable hypoglycin A levels.
  • Almost all Acer pseudoplatanus samples contained some degree of hypoglycin A, and all AM cases were found to be associated with this tree species.
  • Although pastures with AM featured significantly higher hypoglycin A concentrations in their seeds, the broad standard deviation means that predicting individual instances of AM through toxin measurement isn’t feasible.

Although the research provides useful insights on which tree species are safer for horses, it underscores that the measured hypoglycin A concentrations can’t be a reliable predictor of individual AM cases due to the high standard deviation.

Cite This Article

APA
Westermann CM, van Leeuwen R, van Raamsdonk LW, Mol HG. (2016). Hypoglycin A Concentrations in Maple Tree Species in the Netherlands and the Occurrence of Atypical Myopathy in Horses. J Vet Intern Med, 30(3), 880-884. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.13927

Publication

Journal of veterinary internal medicine
ISSN: 1939-1676
NlmUniqueID: 8708660
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 30
Issue: 3
Pages: 880-884

Researcher Affiliations

Westermann, C M
  • Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
van Leeuwen, R
  • RIKILT-Wageningen UR, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
van Raamsdonk, L W D
  • RIKILT-Wageningen UR, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
Mol, H G J
  • RIKILT-Wageningen UR, Wageningen, the Netherlands.

MeSH Terms

  • Acer / chemistry
  • Animals
  • Horse Diseases / chemically induced
  • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
  • Horses
  • Hypoglycins / analysis
  • Hypoglycins / toxicity
  • Muscular Diseases / chemically induced
  • Muscular Diseases / epidemiology
  • Muscular Diseases / veterinary
  • Netherlands / epidemiology
  • Plant Leaves / chemistry
  • Plant Poisoning / veterinary
  • Seeds / chemistry

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Citations

This article has been cited 16 times.
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