Toxic metabolite profiling of Inocybe virosa

Area of Science:

• Mycology and Toxicology
• Analytical Chemistry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Wild mushroom foraging poses risks due to toxic species resembling edible ones.
• Accurate identification and understanding of toxic compounds are crucial for safety and treatment.
• The genus Inocybe contains both edible and poisonous species, necessitating differentiation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify volatile toxic metabolites in Inocybe virosa.
• To confirm the presence and assess the toxicity of muscarine in Inocybe virosa.
• To investigate the pharmacokinetic and toxicological profile of muscarine in vivo.

Main Methods:

• Gas chromatography (GC) for volatile compound identification.
• Liquid chromatography (LC) for muscarine confirmation.
• In vitro digestion assays, bioassays in mice, and pharmacokinetic studies (pharmacokinetics and gamma scintigraphy) in rabbits.

Main Results:

• Identified methyl palmitate, phenol, 3,5-bis (1,1-dimethylethyl), and phytol as suspected toxins.
• Confirmed muscarine presence; in vitro studies showed minimal impact of digestion on its toxicity.
• Bioassays indicated muscarine's role in Inocybe virosa toxicity, with rapid accumulation in the head, thorax, and later liver, explaining observed symptoms and hepatotoxicity.

Conclusions:

• Inocybe virosa contains muscarine and other volatile compounds contributing to its toxicity.
• Muscarine is a significant toxin responsible for early muscarinic effects and potential hepatotoxicity.
• This study elucidates the toxicological role of muscarine, complementing its known pharmaceutical applications.