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Ergotism in humans and cattle are caused by several species of Claviceps that infect rye and other cereal grains. Symptoms in humans vary greatly and are generally classified as convulsive, gangrenous, or gastrointestinal (enteric). Cattle are particularly susceptible to both gangrenous and hyperthermic ergotism (also called summer syndrome). The prevalence of ergotism has decreased as knowledge of the fungus has increased, mainly through implementation of regulations and advances in milling procedures. However, outbreaks in humans have recently occurred in lower socioeconomic populations of Ethiopia (1977 and 2001) and India (1975) with devastating results. Prominent outbreaks in cattle have occurred in Australia (1987), the United States (1996), South Africa (1996–1997), and Brazil (1999) and, as opposed to human cases, they do not appear to be bound by economic development. This review provides a detailed summary of all major ergot epidemics since 1900 in both humans and cattle. Special attention is devoted to the ergotism symptoms and to the regulations surrounding the control of ergot in the food supply. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Ergotism is a horrendous disease with grotesque symptoms caused by ingesting specific ergot alkaloids. Mass poisoning episodes are attributable to consumption of grain – usually rye – infected with the fungus Claviceps purpurea. By focusing on possible cases of ergotism, we re-examine Norwegian history from the sagas through to the end of the seventeenth century. Our review – not intended to be exhaustive, or ex post facto to assign medical or psychiatric labels – draws attention to the very real possibility that many remarkable medical cases may have been the result of the ingestion of highly poisonous and psychoactive food substances. Where possible we highlight explanations given at the time – often rooted in religion or demonology – to explain the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Resveratrol antimycotoxigenic activity was tested against Fusarium verticillioides and Fusariurn graminearum in corn. Both trans-resveratrol and RES VIN® (a commercial lyophilised polyphenolic product obtained from the skins of red wine grapes, which contains a 10.015% resveratrol) were tested for their efficacy to control mycotoxins accumulation in corn. In particular, their effects were tested against fumonisin B1 (FB1) and zearalenone (ZEA) accumulation in naturally contaminated corn with additional inocula of toxinogenic isolates of either F. verticillioides or F. graminearum. ZEA accumulation was reduced by 80% in F. graminearum inoculated samples, while no inhibition of FB1 accumulation was observed in any of the treatments tested. Resveratrol has previously shown to have antifungal properties against certain fungal species. Thus, studies are needed using higher resveratrol concentrations in order to achieve wider antimycotoxigenic effect as reported in in vitro studies. Trans-resveratrol and RES VIN® had similar effects in the experiment carried out, suggesting that the use of the sub product of the wine industry could be a good alternative to synthetic resveratrol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biocontaminants such as mold spores are capable of being released into the indoor air from the site of growth and being transported in a viable or non-viable form. Exposure to toxic mold and the mycotoxins contained in the spore and vegetative body have been shown to produce adverse health effects following inhalation, ingestion and dermal contact. This paper presents the results of a study of the release of Stachybotrys chartarum spores from contaminated gypsum wallboard and of tests on the effects of environmental conditions on the release of viable and non-viable spores and fragments. The findings of S. chartarum spore emissions with low air velocity flow conditions were found to be directly proportional to airflow and indirectly proportional to relative humidity. These emission findings corroborate previous observations involving Penicillium and Aspergillus. The viability of S. chartarum spore emissions is also discussed with respect to culturable and commonly used field measurement techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To test the hypothesis that mycotoxins may be the agents responsible for the allergy mediating effect of moulds, the effect of gliotoxin and patulin on T cell functions, especially the Th1/Th2 balance and subsequent IgE production, was investigated using cell models. In the presence of gliotoxin or patulin, anti-CD3/CD28/CD40-stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) showed a suppressed IFN-γ secretion, whereas IL-4 was not affected or even stimulated (strongest between 1 and 10 ng mL1 mycotoxin). The observed T cell polarisation toward the Th2 phenotype was accompanied by upregulated IgE synthesis. In addition, both mycotoxins reduced the allergen-specific (birch pollen) expression of IFN-γ mRNA, while IL-4 mRNA expression was unaltered or enhanced (significant for 10 ng mL1 patulin). These data suggest that the mycotoxins gliotoxin and patulin may enhance allergic responsiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trichothecenes are mycotoxins produced by various species of fungi, which can occur on various agricultural products. Among these compounds, T-2 toxin, HT-2 toxin, diacetoxyscirpenol (DAS) and deoxynivalenol (DON) are the most naturally encountered and the most potent trichothecenes. Consumption of trichothecene contaminated foods by farm animals and humans leads to mycotoxicosis. Trichothecenes are known to induce haematological disorders such as neutropenia, aplastic anemia and thrombocytopenia in humans and animals. Four trichothecenes, T-2 toxin, HT-2 toxin, DAS and DON have been tested on human platelet progenitors (CFU-MK) using a culture model of CFU-MK optimized for toxicological studies. Trichothecenes cause, at low concentrations, cytotoxic effects in megakaryocyte progenitors, which could induce thrombocytopenia. Sensitivity of human CFU-MK is compared to respective sensitivities of human red blood cell progenitors (BFU-E) and white blood cell progenitors (CF-U-GM) that were described in previous works. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ten female Sprague-Dawley rats were inoculated orally with a suspension of viable Candida albicans. Lesions were induced on the posterior midline dorsum of the tongue in seven of ten animals. The clinical and histologic appearance of these lesions was similar to human median rhomboid glossitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describes consecutive cases of ergotism which were treated according to different suggestions in the literature. Treatment consisting of a sympathetic block by means of a continuous lumbar epidural block; Continuous infusion of sodium nitroprusside; Treatment with continuous intravenous infusion of nitroglycerin.

A 34-year-old woman was hospitalized for severe acute arterial insufficiency of the limbs. Overuse of ergotamine derivative was acknowledged by the patient, who had a long history of migraine headaches. An arteriogram showed diffuse arterial spasm and occlusion of right leg distal arteries. Intravenous infusion of a stable prostacyclin analog (Iloprost) was administered. Rapid and complete improvement of arteriospasm was noted within a few hours, confirmed by a further arteriogram. This appears to be one of the rare case reports of successful limb salvage by use of Iloprost for ergotism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generalized vasoconstriction in chronic ergot poisoning is attributed both to the ergotamine activity on a-adrenergic receptors and to its direct action on vascular smooth muscle cells. The authors propose that endothelial wall, chronically damaged by ergot alkaloids, releases platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), which contributes to vasoconstriction and promotes further arterial obstruction. Their hypothesis is supported by the increased PDGF activity found in plasma of a patient suffering from chronic ergotism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article informs that chronic ergotism appears both epidemically and sporadically with drug-induced etiology. These two forms constitute poisoning by ergot alkaloids, which are derivatives of lysergic acid. Here a case of chronic poisoning by ergotamine tartrate is presented, interesting by the appearance of acute circulatory signs which occurred during suppression of the medication. These signs were confirmed by roentgenogram and necessitated surgical treatment. A 62-year-oId unmarried woman, who was neurodystonic, consulted in February 1966 for a violent headache osteoarticular cervicooccipital pains.

A case of ergotism producing a segmental block of the femoral artery is presented. Arteriograms demonstrate the block, and follow-up arteriogram show reversal of the spasm causing the block. The unusual arterial changes are demonstrated. From this case it can be inferred that ergot poisoning can cause a localized spasm in a major vessel and that anyone complaining of symptoms suggestive of arterial insufficiency should be questioned closely about the use of ergot-containing medications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]