Case Report: Synucleinopathy Associated With Phalaris Neurotoxicity in Sheep

Chronic intoxication with tryptamine-alkaloid-rich Phalaris species (spp.) pasture plants is known colloquially as Phalaris staggers syndrome, a widely occurring neurological disorder of sheep, cattle, horses, and kangaroos. Of comparative interest, structurally analogous tryptamine-alkaloids cause experimental parkinsonism in primates. This study aimed to investigate the neuropathological changes associated with spontaneous cases of Phalaris staggers in sheep with respect to those encountered in human synucleinopathy. In sheep affected with Phalaris staggers, histological, immunohistochemical, and immunofluorescence analysis revealed significant accumulation of neuromelanin and aggregated α-synuclein in the perikaryon of neurons in the cerebral cortex, thalamus, brainstem, and spinal cord. Neuronal intracytoplasmic Lewy bodies inclusions were not observed in these cases of ovine Phalaris staggers. These important findings established a clear link between synucleinopathy and the neurologic form of Phalaris plant poisoning in sheep, demonstrated in six of six affected sheep. Synucleinopathy is a feature of a number of progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disorders of man and may be a common endpoint of such disorders, which in a variety of ways perturb neuronal function. However, whether primary to the degenerative process or a consequence of it awaits clarification in an appropriate model system.

A REVIEW ON SOME CULTIVATED AND NATIVE POISONOUS PLANTS IN ADEN GOVERNORATE, YEMEN

Plant poisoning is a health concern in many countries where plants are used either accidently, especially among children, or intentionally for purposes such as assassination, suicide, hunting, fishing and treating various diseases. Presently, despite the implementation of toxicology surveillance systems in many countries, plant poisoning continues to be a preventable cause of morbidity and mortality. In the Aden governorate of Yemen, there are no laws or regulations for the prevention of plant poisoning, despite the existence of several poisonous species in gardens, and as roadside trees planted by the local authority, or growing wildly in public areas. In addition, there is a lack of scientific studies on the risks of these poisonous plants. Therefore, we undertook this study, based on scientific review, to document and illustrate the botanical, geographical and toxicological characteristics of fourteen poisonous plants collected from different districts of Aden governorate. The documented poisonous species (6 species) belong to Apocynaceae followed by Fabaceae (2 species), whereas Aristolochiaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Dracaenaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Meliaceae, and Verbenaceae are represented by one species each. The toxic parts of the majority of studied poisonous species are the whole plant, latex, seeds, and fruits. Cardiotoxicity, cytotoxicity, gastrointestinal toxicity, and inflammation of skin and mucous membrane are the main clinical manifestations. They are caused by varying amounts of plant toxins such as cardiac glycosides in Calotropis procera, Cryptostegia grandiflora, Nerium oleander and Thevetia peruviana, and cytotoxic toxins such as toxalbumins in Abrus precatorius and Ricinus communis, aristolochic acids in Aristolochia bracteolate, and vinca alkaloids in Catharanthus roseus, as well as gastrointestinal toxins such as cucurbitacins in Citrullus colocynthis, and tannins in Caesalpinia pulcherrima. Inflammation of skin and mucous membrane is caused by calcium oxalate crystals in Calotropis procera latex, and soluble protein in Cryptostegia grandiflora latex. Moreover, Azadirachta indica caused a number of toxicities attributed partially to tetranortriterpenoids, while Sansevieria trifasciata toxicity was reported to be low. The significance of this work is to promote the awareness among the local authority to take legal actions against plant poisoning. In addition, it provides the physicians with scientific information for the diagnosis and treatment of poisoning by some plants. It is hoped that this study motivates researchers to conduct further research on poisonous plants throughout Yemen.

Suspected cyanide toxicity in cattle associated with ingestion of laurel - a case report

Background Cyanide is one of the most rapidly acting toxins affecting cattle, with poisoning typically occurring following ingestion of cyanogenic plants. Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus), is one such potentially toxic cyanogenic plant. This case report details fatalities in an Irish herd following the ingestion of laurel and aims to raise awareness of the potential risk that access to laurel hedges poses to farm animals. Case presentation Over a twelve-day period, the death occurred of 36 dairy-cross weanlings; the majority (22 weanlings) died over a two-day period. Two days following entry to a field bounded by a laurel hedge, the weanlings displayed signs of lethargy and profuse green diarrhoea. In the majority of animals there was a limited response to treatment with antimicrobials, vitamin B complex and fluid therapy. Recumbency and death ensued. Cyanosis was noted terminally. Two weanlings were submitted for post mortem examination. Laurel leaves were identified in the rumen contents of one weanling. Post mortem findings and additional test results on cohort animals suggested a number of pathological processes may have been involved in the animals, possibly complicating/exacerbating the effects of laurel ingestion. However, cyanide was considered a factor in a least some of the casualties and arrangements were made to test for cyanide on blood samples from a random selection of seven cohort animals. Although collected one week after exposure to the laurel hedge, toxic cyanide levels were recorded in a sample from one animal, which subsequently died. Conclusions The large fatality rate serves as a timely reminder to include plant poisoning as a differential diagnosis when dealing with large numbers of rapid fatalities. Failure to thoroughly examine rumen contents and collect a detailed history in this case, could easily have allowed death to be attributed to other causes and the involvement of cyanide toxicity to be missed. In cases of individual or group fatalities, history is invaluable and recent entry to new grazing areas or any potential diet change or access to garden plants should be thoroughly investigated.

Spring poisoning hazards

Poisoning can be seasonal. Potential toxic hazards in the spring include adders, which emerge from hibernation as the weather warms. Adders may not be seen to bite a horse, but envenomation should be considered in a horse with localised limb swelling that spreads up the leg. There are several spring-flowering plants which contain toxic compounds such as cardiogenic glycosides (foxglove, lily of the valley, oleander), protoanemonin (Hellebore) and grayanotoxins (Pieris and Rhododendron). Saplings of sycamore are a spring source of hypoglycin A which causes atypical myopathy in horses. Treating plant poisoning in horses generally involves removing the plant, providing good quality food and giving supportive care. Managing the effects of adder bite is supportive, centring around administration of specific antivenom.

Diversity of Poisonous Plants and their Antidotes, Affecting Ruminant Livestock Production on Rangelands in Ghana

The survival of the extensive livestock system, the practice for most farmers in the livestock industry in Ghana depends heavily on the natural pastures as forage resource. To efficiently use the rangelands, knowledge of the species composition, especially that of poisonous plants is essential. Documented knowledge in Ghana is scanty; documentation and dissemination of the knowledge resource would enable a wider access and wider benefit to stakeholders. A study was conducted in Ghana on poisonous plants with the aim to discover the existence and diversity of poisonous plants and associated antidotes affecting livestock for documentation and preservation of knowledge. 70 different items were cited; 22 were poisonous plants for which antidotes were not cited, 28 were poisonous plants with known antidotes and 32 antidotes. There were 575 citations of plants from 194 reported cases of suspected plant poisoning, categorized as poisonous plants for which no antidotes were cited (146), poisonous plants with cited antidotes (147) and antidotes (282). 50 plants species were identified and belonged to 29 plant families. Some plants were known only by local names. There was an extensive knowledge of the diversity of poisonous plants and antidotes within the ecological zones along with possible antidotes.

Most common poisonous plants of Afghanistan and its related clinical signs in domestic animals

Afghanistan is a landlocked country, having high mountains and high percentage (46%) of permanent pastures. Many types of plants including different species of poisonous grow in the country. Many species of wild and domestic animals have free access to these poisonous plants. In developed countries, poisoning is counted as one of the most important problem for animals, but in Afghanistan it is remained among inconsiderable illness as compared to infectious or metabolic diseases. Yearly, several outbreaks of unknown diseases occur in those areas which are rich of poisonous plants and cause serious economic consequences and human health concerns. The effects of poisonous plants on animals in Afghanistan and its common clinical signs have been remained unrecognized. In this review, we investigate the most common poisonous plants to animals present in Afghanistan and its related clinical signs for early diagnosis of plant poisoning in domestic animals. This review will help readers to distinguish poisonous plants, toxic parts, poisoning signs and the areas where they grow.