Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 28, 2026

Refined Murine Model of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
07:51

Refined Murine Model of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Published on: June 17, 2025

Pergolide-induced pleuropulmonary fibrosis

G S Bleumink1, M van der Molen-Eijgenraam, J H Strijbos

  • 1Drug Safety Unit, Inspectorate for Healthcare, The Hague, The Netherlands.

Clinical Neuropharmacology
|November 1, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Ergot alkaloids, like pergolide, can cause rare but serious pleuropulmonary fibrosis. Early diagnosis of this irreversible condition is crucial for minimizing patient damage.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Pulmonology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Ergot alkaloids are associated with rare adverse effects.
  • Pleuropulmonary fibrosis is a recognized complication.
  • Serosal fibrosis can manifest in various forms.

Observation:

  • Four patients developed pleural and/or pulmonary fibrosis during pergolide treatment.
  • Eighty-seven cases with serosal fibrosis symptoms were analyzed.
  • Fibrosis can affect the pleura, lungs, and retroperitoneum.

Findings:

  • Pleuropulmonary fibrosis is a serious and often irreversible adverse effect of ergot alkaloids.
  • Pergolide treatment was linked to these fibrotic conditions in the reported cases.
  • Serosal fibrosis symptoms were observed in a significant number of patients.

Implications:

  • Increased awareness of ergot alkaloid-induced fibrosis is needed.
  • Early diagnosis can help minimize permanent patient damage.
  • Prompt identification and management are key to better patient outcomes.

More Related Videos

Oropharyngeal Administration of Bleomycin in the Murine Model of Pulmonary Fibrosis06:03

Oropharyngeal Administration of Bleomycin in the Murine Model of Pulmonary Fibrosis

Published on: May 9, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema01:23

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema

Emphysema, a major phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is characterized by irreversible destruction of alveolar walls and permanent enlargement of distal airspaces. Unlike chronic bronchitis, which primarily affects the airways, emphysema predominantly involves the lung parenchyma, where structural damage leads to airflow limitation.PathophysiologyIt most commonly results from prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke and other toxic gases, particularly cigarette smoke.
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Prostacyclin Receptor Agonists01:23

Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Prostacyclin Receptor Agonists

Prostacyclin receptor agonists are a class of therapeutic agents integral to managing pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). These drugs operate by mimicking the action of prostaglandin I2, or PGI2, a naturally occurring compound in the body.
These agonists bind to the IPR receptor situated on the plasma membrane of the pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. This binding triggers a cascade of reactions known as the GS-AC-cAMP-PKA pathway. This pathway results in the relaxation of smooth muscle...
Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management01:28

Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management

Pleural Effusion Overview
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
Pleural Effusion I: Introduction01:25

Pleural Effusion I: Introduction

Pleural effusion is an abnormal fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity, a narrow space between the lungs and the chest wall. It is not a disease per se but rather a symptom or indication of an underlying disease. In normal circumstances, this space contains a small amount of fluid (5 to 15 mL), a lubricant facilitating the non-frictional movement of the pleural surfaces.
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's criteria,...
Pleura of the Lungs01:13

Pleura of the Lungs

The lungs are nestled in a cavity, shielded by the pleura. The pleura, a form of serous membrane, wraps around each lung. This membrane arrangement consists of two layers: the visceral and parietal pleurae. The visceral pleura lines the surface of the lungIn contrast, the parietal pleura is the outer layer and contacts to the thoracic wall, the mediastinum, and the diaphragm. The hilum is the point of connection between the visceral and parietal layers. The space between the parietal and...
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction01:29

Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction

Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a thrombus, fat or air embolus, amniotic fluid, or tumor tissue blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. These blockages originate in the venous system or the right side of the heart.EtiologyPE primarily arises from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other hypercoagulable states, such as inherited thrombophilias. Additional etiological factors include venous stasis, commonly seen in obesity, and endothelial injury from surgery and trauma. Less common causes include...