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Prevalence of ergot derivatives in natural ryegrass pastures: detection and pathogenicity in the horse.
Abstract: In the present study, we determined the incidence and effects of season and weather on clinical manifestations of endophyte-infected ryegrass toxicity, performed chemical detection and pharmacological bioassays on ryegrass extracts, and conducted trials on: (i) effects of domperidone or metochlopramide on ovarian inactivity induced by endophyte-infected ryegrass; (ii) efficacy of buspirone or dihydrochloro phenyl piperazine (m-CPP) for preventing suppressed milk production induced by endophyte-infected ryegrass; and (iii) efficacy of domperidone to induce ovulation during winter anestrus. Mares with toxicosis had prolonged gestation, embryonic losses, dystocia, poor mammary gland development, low milk production, prolonged uterine involution, and suppressed ovarian activity. Foals had respiratory failure, abnormalities of the skin, umbilicus, bone, and muscle, failure to thrive, blindness, testicular atrophy, and decreased serum total immunoglobulin concentrations. Endophyte-infected ryegrass and the incidence of toxicosis were correlated (r=0.861, P=0.03). Ergot alkaloids were not detected in extracts of endophyte-infected ryegrass by either thin-layer chromatography or spectrophotometry, but their presence was inferred in bioassays of extracts (dose-related increases in the contractile response of rat uterus). Mares given metoclopropamide (0.6 mg/kg/d), given orally every 8h for up to 7d) ovulated earlier (4-7d vs. 15-18d, P<0.001) than those given domperidone (1.1mg/kg/d) orally for up to 18d). Although both metoclopropamide and domperidone induced milk production, the latter did not induce ovarian cyclicity in healthy mares during seasonal anestrus. Based on these findings, we inferred that endophyte-infected ryegrass is associated with ergot alkaloid intoxication in horse.
Publication Date: 2008-09-26 PubMed ID: 18823653DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2008.08.010Google Scholar: Lookup The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
Summary
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This research aims to examine the prevalence of toxic compounds in endophyte-infected ryegrass, how it impacts horses, and potential mitigation strategies including the use of medicines like domperidone or metoclopramide. The study found correlation between such infected ryegrass and observed toxicosis symptoms in horses, though the specific toxic compound, ergot alkaloids, were not directly detected but inferred through bioassays.
Overview of The Problem
- The study was initiated to explore the correlation and impact of endophyte-infected ryegrass on horses.
- The main compounds suspected of causing harm are ergot alkaloids, derived from the fungus infecting the ryegrass.
- Domperidone or metoclopramide were evaluated for their potential in reducing the harmful effects of the infected ryegrass.
Findings and Observations
- When infected with the ryegrass toxicosis, horses showed prolonged gestation, low milk production, impaired mammary gland development, and suppressed ovarian activity. Foals born under these conditions exhibited several abnormalities and health issues.
- Despite not being directly detected, the presence of ergot alkaloids in the infected ryegrass was suggested through bioassays.
- A statistical correlation was found between the incidence of ryegrass toxicosis and the presence of endophyte infected ryegrass.
Interventions Evaluated
- Oral administration of Metoclopramide caused mares to ovulate earlier than those given domperidone. However, domperidone did not induce ovarian cyclicity in healthy mares during seasonal anestrus.
- Both medicines, Metoclopramide and domperidone, were found to induce milk production in the mares.
Conclusion Drawn
- Based on the correlation between the incidence of toxicosis and the presence of endophyte-infected ryegrass, and inferred presence of ergot alkaloids through bioassays, the study associates ergot alkaloid intoxication from infected ryegrass as a probable harm to horses.
Cite This Article
APA
Lezica FP, Filip R, Gorzalczany S, Ferraro G, de Erausquin GA, Rivas C, Ladaga GJ.
(2008).
Prevalence of ergot derivatives in natural ryegrass pastures: detection and pathogenicity in the horse.
Theriogenology, 71(3), 422-431.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2008.08.010 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Grupo INCA, Casilla de Correos 48, San Antonio de Areco, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
MeSH Terms
- 2-Pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazoles
- Animal Feed / analysis
- Animals
- Biological Assay
- Buspirone / pharmacology
- Ergot Alkaloids / isolation & purification
- Ergot Alkaloids / toxicity
- Female
- Food Contamination
- Fungi / isolation & purification
- Fungi / metabolism
- Horse Diseases / chemically induced
- Horse Diseases / epidemiology
- Horses
- Lactation / drug effects
- Lansoprazole
- Lolium
- Piperazines / pharmacology
- Rain
- Seasons
- Time Factors
Citations
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