Relationship between beta-nitropropionic acid content of crownvetch and toxicity in nonruminant animals

Analysis of 3-nitropropionic acid in Fabaceae plants by HPLC-MS/MS

INTRODUCTION

3-Nitropropionic acid (3-NPA) is a toxic compound that can accumulate in esterified form in the Fabaceae family. In the Lotae tribe, many species have been identified as 3-NPA producers (e.g., Securigera varia), while some of the genetically close Lotae plants were formerly reported as 3-NPA-free (e.g., Lotus corniculatus and Anthyllis vulneraria). These plants are used as forage and have a tradition in ethnomedicine, also, the extracts of A. vulneraria are used in cosmetics.

OBJECTIVES

Our aim was to investigate the 3-NPA content of these selected Fabaceae species and to develop a validated quantitative method to evaluate 3-NPA concentrations in extracts of different herbal parts and cosmetic products.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A UHPLC-ESI-Orbitrap-MS/MS method was applied for detection and identification of 3-NPA derivatives in the form of glucose esters. For the quantitative analysis, an optimized sample processing method was developed. The free 3-NPA content was determined using HPLC-ESI-MS/MS.

RESULTS

3-NPA esters could be detected in all three species, but their quantity showed a high variation. S. varia contained 0.5-1.0 g/100 g of 3-NPA, while in L. corniculatus samples only trace quantities were detectable, below the LOQ (25 ng/ml). Most of the A. vulneraria samples showed similarly low concentrations, but one sample had 3-NPA levels comparable to S. varia. 3-NPA could not be detected in the tested cosmetics containing A. vulneraria extracts.

CONCLUSIONS

Using highly sensitive analytical methods, new 3-NPA-containing species were identified. The developed validated quantitative method is suitable for the determination of 3-NPA concentrations in herbal samples.

Poisoning with 3-nitropropionic acid in possums (Trichosurus vulpecula)

AIMS

To evaluate the toxicity, animal behavioural effects and animal welfare implications of 3-nitropropionic acid administration in possums.

METHODS

The behavioural effects following 3-nitropropionic acid administration were recorded in 26 possums.

RESULTS

The oral LD50 was between 110 and 170 mg/kg. Time to death averaged 9.5+/-1.9 h (mean+/-s.e.m.). Adverse signs from an animal welfare perspective were retching and restless behaviour that occurred in episodes during a period that averaged 1 h 51 min. Retching occurred in possums that were injected intraperitoneally or dosed orally with the 3-nitropropionic acid, suggesting that this effect was not necessarily initiated by gastric irritation.

CONCLUSION

The potency of 3-nitropropionic acid as a toxin was low compared to other toxins that are used in possums, but it is relatively quick acting. It may cause some discomfort (retching and restlessness) prior to death.

3-Nitropropionic acid-exogenous animal neurotoxin and possible human striatal toxin

3-Nitropropionic acid (3-NPA)--a suicide inhibitor of succinate dehydrogenase--is a widely distributed plant and fungal neurotoxin known to induce a damage to basal ganglia, hippocampus, spinal tracts and peripheral nerves in animals. Recent reports from Northern China indicate that 3-NPA is also likely to be responsible for the development of putaminal necrosis with delayed dystonia in children after ingestion of mildewed sugar cane. This article discusses the role of 3-NPA in the causation of the disease in China, its neurotoxic effects in animals and the potential role for this compound as a probe of selective neuronal vulnerability.

Basal ganglia degeneration, myelin alterations, and enzyme inhibition induced in mice by the plant toxin 3-nitropropanoic acid

The plant toxin, 3-nitropropanoic acid, produced topographically and morphologically distinctive lesions in mice after daily intraperitoneal injections. In the lateral caudate-putamen there were bilateral and symmetrical lesions consisting of marked swelling and pyknosis of individual cells and processes in otherwise unaffected tissue. The appearance of transitional forms and the usual post-synaptic location of the swollen processes indicated that affected cells were neurons. A few mice exhibited a more diffuse spongy change in the lateral caudate-putamen that caused major architectural changes. In the globus pallidus, entopeduncular nucleus, and anterior substantia nigra pars reticulata there was fine spongy change of the neuropil that spared cell bodies, and was primarily due to swelling of dendrites. A third lesion pattern in myelinated tracts of the midbrain, medulla, and spinal cord consisted of adaxonal, intramyelinic cleft formation. Succinate dehydrogenase activities assayed in frozen brain sections and in isolated mitochondria were markedly reduced in intoxicated mice.