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Changes in transmitter release patterns in vitro induced by tremorgenic mycotoxins
H F Bradford1, P J Norris, C C Smith
1Department of Biochemistry, Imperial College, London, England.
Summary
Tremorgenic mycotoxins, Verruculogen and Penitrem A, significantly increase neurotransmitter release in the brain. These toxins disrupt normal brain function, impacting glutamate and GABA release in rat and sheep models.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
- Biochemistry
Context:
- Tremorgenic mycotoxins, Verruculogen and Penitrem A, are known to induce neurotoxic syndromes with tremors.
- Understanding their neurochemical effects is crucial for assessing toxicity and potential neurological impacts.
Purpose:
- To investigate the neurochemical effects of Verruculogen and Penitrem A on neurotransmitter release in mammalian and invertebrate models.
- To elucidate the mechanism of action of these tremorgenic mycotoxins.
Summary:
- Penitrem A and Verruculogen were administered to rats and sheep, and their effects on synaptosomes from various brain regions were analyzed.
- Both toxins significantly increased spontaneous release of glutamate, GABA, and aspartate in rat cerebrocortical synaptosomes.
- Penitrem A also affected neurotransmitter release in sheep corpus striatum and reduced Veratrine-stimulated release, while Verruculogen increased miniature-end-plate potential frequency in locusts.
Impact:
- These findings provide insights into the neurotoxic mechanisms of tremorgenic mycotoxins.
- The study highlights differential effects of these toxins on various neurotransmitter systems and species.
- Results contribute to understanding the neurochemical basis of tremor syndromes induced by mycotoxins.