PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

Crotalaria spectabilis seed poisoning has been reported in cattle on rural properties in Diamantino and Campo Verde municipalities in Mato Grosso, Brazil. The disease appeared 75 to 120 days after the animals were fed a diet contaminated with C. spectabilis seeds. Clinically, the animals showed a lack of appetite, progressive weight loss, apathy, photosensitivity, lateral recumbency, and death. Some animals developed neurological manifestations as a consequence of hepatic encephalopathy. In total, 37 cattle died, and six cattle were necropsied. The main macroscopic changes consisted of ascites and a firm and decreased liver with an irregular surface and multifocal pale yellowish discoloration. Microscopically, hepatocyte loss with fibrosis, megalocytosis and bile duct proliferation was observed. Animals with severe hepatic damage also had status spongiosus in the central nervous system. Furthermore, a hepatic biopsy of 15 cows who consumed contaminated grains but did not develop clinical disease revealed histologic liver changes similar to necropsied animals.

• Crotalaria spectabilis hepatic fibrosis pyrrolizidine alkaloids monocrotaline cattle

Abstract in Portuguese:

Relata-se dois surtos de intoxicação por sementes de Crotalaria spectabilis em bovinos em propriedades rurais nos municípios de Diamantino e Campo Verde, Mato Grosso, Brasil. A doença apareceu 75 a 120 dias depois que os animais foram alimentados com uma dieta contaminada com sementes de C. spectabilis. Clinicamente, foi observado falta de apetite, perda de peso progressiva, apatia, fotossensibilização, decúbito lateral e morte. Alguns animais desenvolveram manifestações neurológicas secundárias à encefalopatia hepática. No total, 37 bovinos morreram e seis deles foram submetidos à necropsia. As principais alterações macroscópicas consistiram em ascite e fígado diminuído em tamanho com superfície capsular irregular, difusamente firme e com áreas multifocais amarelo-pálidas. Microscopicamente, foi observado perda de hepatócitos acompanhada de fibrose hepática com megalocitose e proliferação de ductos biliares. No sistema nervoso central de bovinos com lesões hepáticas graves havia status spongiosus. A biópsia hepática de 15 bovinos que consumiram grãos contaminados, mas estavam clinicamente sadios, revelou alterações hepáticas similares às descritas nos animais submetidos à eutanásia.

• Crotalária fibrose hepática alcaloides pirrolizidínicos monocrotalina bovinos

Abstract in English:

Crotalaria lanceolata E. Mey. and Crotalaria pallida Aiton. are leguminous plants of family Fabaceae found in most of the Brazilian territory. They were initially used as green manure and due their easy spread they are currently considered weeds in crops. Soybean and corn contamination can occur through the mechanical harvesting of these grains along with seeds of the Crotalaria species, which end up in the formulation of feed for production animals. Crotalaria spp. genus has toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA). Most plant species belonging to this genus can cause acute or chronic liver injury. In a first stage, one-day old broilers were divided into three groups: Group A (C. pallida seeds), Group B (C. lanceolata seeds), and Group C (Control). Groups A and B were divided into five subgroups, each with eight broilers, which received the following doses of the respective seeds in feed as of the 7th day of age: daily doses of 0.4%, 0.8% and 2.5%, and single doses of 15% and 25%. Four broilers in each study group were euthanized at 28 days of age - completing 21 days of seed consumption, and the four remaining broilers were euthanized at 42 days of age - completing 35 days of seed consumption. In a second stage, experiments were conducted using seeds of both the aforementioned plants with 28-day old broilers. These were divided into three groups of four animals each: Group D (C. pallida seeds) and Group E (C. lanceolata seeds), which received the respective seeds at daily doses of 1% and 2% in feed for 20 days, and Group F (Control). These broilers were euthanized when they were 80 days old. C. lanceolata seeds showed higher toxicity to broilers than C. pallida seeds, both supplied as of the 7th day of life. Clinical signs included inappetence, ruffled feathers, and brown diarrhea. The following gross lesions were observed: subcutaneous edema, ascites, hydropericardium, yellowish liver with hypertrophy or atrophy and enhanced lobular pattern, and distended gallbladder. Histologic lesions present in all birds in varying degrees were characterized by tumefaction and vacuolar degeneration of hepatocytes. The following clinical conditions and gross lesions were observed in the broilers: hepatocyte megalocytosis and karyomegaly, slight biliary epithelial hyperplasia, eosinophilic spheroids, and nuclear invagination with loss of hepatocyte cord architecture.

• Experimental poisoning Crotalaria lanceolata E. Mey. Crotalaria pallida Aiton. Fabaceae hepatotoxic plants pyrrolizidine alkaloids Crotalaria sp. broilers toxic plants poisoning toxicoses

Abstract in Portuguese:

Crotalaria lanceolata E. Mey. e Crotalaria pallida Aiton. são leguminosas da família Fabaceae presentes na maioria do território brasileiro. Inicialmente foram utilizadas como adubação verde e devido sua fácil disseminação são consideradas invasoras de culturas. Através da colheita mecanizada da soja e milho pode ocorrer a contaminação destes grãos com sementes dessas espécies e entrar na formulação de ração para animais de produção. O gênero Crotalaria spp. possui alcaloides pirrolizidínicos de ação tóxica. A maioria das espécies desse gênero causam lesões hepáticas, com evolução aguda, ou, crônica. Frangos de corte de um dia de vida foram divididos em três grupos: Grupo A (sementes de C. pallida - doses diárias de 0,4%, 0,8%, 2,5% e doses únicas de 15% e 25%), Grupo B (sementes de C. lanceolata - doses diárias de 0,4%, 0,8%, 2,5% e doses únicas de 15% e 25%) e Grupo C (Controle). Os Grupos A e B foram divididos em cinco subgrupos, com oito frangos cada, que a partir do sétimo dia de vida, receberam as doses estabelecidas. Quatro frangos de cada grupo foram sacrificados aos 28 dias, e os quatro restantes aos 42 dias de vida. Também foram conduzidos experimentos com as sementes dessas duas plantas com aves de 28 dias, as quais foram divididas em três grupos: Grupo D (C. pallida - doses de 1% e 2% diariamente, durante vinte dias), Grupo E (C. lanceolata - doses de 1% e 2% diariamente, durante vinte dias) e Grupo F (Controle). Cada grupo composto por quatro aves. Estas aves foram sacrificadas ao completarem 80 dias de vida. Sementes de C. lanceolata demonstraram maior toxicidade para frangos de corte do que sementes de C. pallida. Os sinais clínicos foram inapetência, penas arrepiadas e diarreia acastanhada. Na macroscopia observou-se edema subcutâneo, ascite, hidropericárdio, fígado de coloração amarelada com hipertrofia e, ou, atrofia, evidenciação do padrão lobular e vesícula biliar distendida. As lesões histológicas presentes em todas as aves, em diferentes graus caracterizaram-se por tumefação e degeneração vacuolar de hepatócitos. Nas aves que manifestaram alterações clínicas e lesões macroscópicas, havia megalocitose, cariomegalia, hiperplasia do epitélio biliar, leve, esferoides eosinofílicos e invaginação nuclear com perda da arquitetura dos cordões de hepatócitos.

• Intoxicação experimental Crotalaria lanceolata E. Mey. Crotalaria pallida Aiton. Fabaceae plantas hepatotóxicas alcaloides pirrolizidínicos intoxicação por Crotalaria sp. frangos de corte toxicoses

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Borelli V., Cardoso T.C., Biffi C.P., Wicpolt N., Ogliari D., Savari T., Traverso S.D. & Gava A. 2016. [Experimental poisoning by Crotalaria pallida (mucronata) in sheep.] Intoxicação experimental por folhas de Crotalaria pallida (mucronata) em ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 36(10):935-938. Laboratório de Patologia Animal, Centro de Ciências Agroveterinárias, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Av. Luiz de Camões 2090, Bairro Conta Dinheiro, Lages, SC 88520-000, Brazil. E-mail: a2ag@cav.udesc.br This paper describes the toxic potential of the green leaves of Crotalaria pallida and the clinical signs in experimentally poisoned sheep. Green leaves of C. pallida were collected in São João do Sul, Santa Catarina, and administered orally to six adult sheep, as single dose of 40, 20, 10, 5, 2.5 and 2.5g/kg, and for two sheep at doses of 0.63 and 1.25g/kg during 30 days. The poisoning was reproduced at lethal doses of 2.5g/kg. One of the sheep that received a single dose of 2.5g/kg and another that received daily doses did become ill. All sheep wich developed clinical signs died between 13 and 22 hours after administration of the plant. Slight signs started in about 11 hours after ingestion of the plant, and clinical signs included loose stool, restlessness and increased heart and respiratory rates. A few minutes preceding death, pronounced abdominal breathing and severe dyspnea was observed. The main gross lesions were restricted to the thoracic cavity, as severe pulmonary edema and hydrothorax. Lung microscopy showed marked edema in the diffuse pleural surface, the interlobular spaces and around the peribronchial arteries. Multifocal edema was observed within alveoli and around the bronchi and bronchioles, and mild multifocal infiltration of neutrophils. The clinical and pathological alerations of the experimental poisoning was similar to that observed in the spontaneous poisoning, characterized by marked pulmonary edema and death shortly after the onset of clinical signs.

• Poisonous plants Crotalaria mucronata plant poisoning plantas tóxicas intoxicação por plantas

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Borelli V., Cardoso T.C., Biffi C.P., Wicpolt N., Ogliari D., Savari T., Traverso S.D. & Gava A. 2016. [Experimental poisoning by Crotalaria pallida (mucronata) in sheep.] Intoxicação experimental por folhas de Crotalaria pallida (mucronata) em ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 36(10):935-938. Laboratório de Patologia Animal, Centro de Ciências Agroveterinárias, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Av. Luiz de Camões 2090, Bairro Conta Dinheiro, Lages, SC 88520-000, Brazil. E-mail: a2ag@cav.udesc.br Descrevem-se o quadro clínico, patológico e o potencial tóxico das folhas verdes de Crotalaria pallida em ovinos. Para o experimento folhas verdes de C. pallida foram coletadas no município de São João do Sul em Santa Catarina e administradas por via oral para seis ovinos adultos, em doses únicas de 40, 20, 10, 5, 2,5 e 2,5g/kg, e para dois ovinos, em doses diárias de 0,63 e 1,25g/kg durante 30 dias. Reproduziu-se a intoxicação com doses letais a partir de 2,5g/kg. Um dos ovinos que recebeu a dose única de 2,5g/kg e os que receberam as doses diárias, não adoeceram. Todos os ovinos que apresentaram sinais clínicos morreram entre 13 e 22 horas após a administração das folhas. Sinais clínicos leves como fezes pastosas, inquietação e aumento das frequências cardíaca e respiratória tiveram início cerca em 11 horas após a ingestão da planta. Minutos antes da morte observaram-se dispneia intensa com respiração abdominal pronunciada. As principais lesões macroscópicas foram restritas à cavidade torácica, como hidrotórax e edema pulmonar acentuado. O exame microscópico revelou no pulmão, edema acentuado e difuso na superfície pleural, nos espaços interlobulares e ao redor das artérias peribronquiais e peribronquiolares. Edema multifocal foi observado no interior de alvéolos e ao redor de brônquios e bronquíolos, além de leve infiltrado neutrofílico multifocal. O quadro clínico-patológico da intoxicação experimental foi similar ao observado na intoxicação espontânea e caracterizou-se por edema iulmonar acentuado e morte logo após o início dos sinais clínicos.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Pires A.P.C., Oliveira M.C., Braga K.M., Malafaia P., Barros J.P.N., Tokarnia C.H. & Brito M.F. 2015. [Study about the sensitivity of goats to the toxicity of crotalarias poisonous for cattle aiming their use for prophylactic measures.] Estudo sobre a sensibilidade dos caprinos à toxidez de crotalárias tóxicas para bovinos visando a sua utilização na profilaxia. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 35(6):501-512. Curso de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, BR-465 Km 7, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: anap.castropires@gmail.com Plant poisoning is known to be one of the most important causes of death of adult cattle in Brazil. As there are not many possibilities for treatment, all efforts must focus on application of alternative prophylactic measures, among them the use of a less sensitive animal species in areas of the occurrence of certain plants. This study aimed to ascertain the sensibility of goats to crotalarias (Crotalaria spectabilis and Crotalaria juncea), so that this animal species could be used as a prophylactic measure against those plants poisonous for cattle. Single or daily doses of seeds of Crotalaria spectabilis and Crotalaria juncea were given to eight young adult goats of both sexes divided randomly in two groups of four goats, e.g. one group for each plant. None of the four goats that received seeds of Crotalaria juncea developed clinical sings of poisoning or showed changes in the biochemistry examination. Out of the four goats that received seeds of Crotalaria spectabilis, three died. One goat received a 20g/kg single dose of seeds and developed signs of acute poisoning. Postmortem and histopathological examination revealed marked centrilobular hemorrhagic necrosis. The other two goats developed chronic poisoning by the administration of 2g/kg daily doses of seeds for 35 and 150 days respectively. One goat showed severe interstitial pneumonia and mild hepatic lesions, while the other goat presented only chronic hepatic lesions. Both goats showed transient changes in the biochemistry examination. The fourth goat received a 10g/kg single dose of seeds and did not develop significant clinical or biochemical changes. The results of the present study showed that goats are not indicated to be used as a prophylactic measure against poisoning by Crotalaria spectabilis, but can be recommended as a prophylactic measure against poisoning by Crotalaria juncea.

• Poisonous plants Crotalaria spp. plant poisoning plantas tóxicas intoxicação por plantas controle biológico

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Pires A.P.C., Oliveira M.C., Braga K.M., Malafaia P., Barros J.P.N., Tokarnia C.H. & Brito M.F. 2015. [Study about the sensitivity of goats to the toxicity of crotalarias poisonous for cattle aiming their use for prophylactic measures.] Estudo sobre a sensibilidade dos caprinos à toxidez de crotalárias tóxicas para bovinos visando a sua utilização na profilaxia. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 35(6):501-512. Curso de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, BR-465 Km 7, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: anap.castropires@gmail.com A intoxicação por plantas é sabidamente uma das principais causas de morte de bovinos adultos no Brasil. Uma vez que pouco pode ser feito no que diz respeito ao tratamento destas intoxicações, os esforços devem se concentrar na adoção de medidas profiláticas alternativas, como a utilização de uma espécie menos sensível no local de ocorrência de determinadas plantas. Objetivou-se com esse trabalho verificar a sensibilidade de caprinos às crotalárias (Crotalaria spectabilis e Crotalaria juncea) para que estes possam ser utilizados na profilaxia da intoxicação por essas plantas em bovinos. Sementes de C. spectabilis e C. juncea foram fornecidas em doses únicas ou diárias a oito caprinos adultos jovens, de ambos os sexos, divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos de quatro animais (um grupo para cada planta). Dos quatro caprinos que receberam as sementes de C. juncea, nenhum desenvolveu sinais clínicos de intoxicação ou apresentou alterações significativas no exame bioquímico. Entre os quatro caprinos que receberam sementes de C. spectabilis três morreram. Um animal recebeu uma dose única de 20g/kg de sementes da planta e desenvolveu sinais de intoxicação aguda, caracterizadas macro e microscopicamente por necrose hemorrágica centrolobular. Os outros dois caprinos desenvolveram um quadro de intoxicação crônica pela administração de doses diárias de 2g/kg de sementes da planta por 35 e 150 dias respectivamente. Um animal apresentou uma marcada pneumonia intersticial e lesões hepáticas leves, enquanto no outro caprino observaram-se apenas lesões hepáticas crônicas. Ambos os animais apresentaram alterações transitórias ao exame bioquímico. O quarto caprino recebeu a dose única de 10g/kg, sobreviveu e não apresentou alterações clínicas ou da bioquímica sanguínea significativas. Os resultados do trabalho mostraram que não se deve usar caprinos como medida profilática na intoxicação por C. spectabilis, mas que pode se recomendar esta espécie na profilaxia da intoxicação por C. juncea.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Ubiali D.G., Boabaid F.M., Borges N.A., Caldeira F.H.B., Lodi L.R., Pescador C.A., Souza M.A. & Colodel E.M. 2011. [Acute poisoning with Crotalaria spectabilis (Leg. Papilionoideae) seeds in pigs.] Intoxicação aguda com sementes de Crotalaria spectabilis (Leg. Papilionoideae) em suínos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 31(4):313-318. Departamento de Clínica Médica Veterinária, Faculdade de Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Av. Fernando Corrêa da Costa 2367, Bairro Coxipó, Cuiabá, MT 78068-900, Brazil. E-mail: moleta@ufmt.br Hepatocellular necrosis are reported in swine after consumption of diets containing grains of “sorgo-granífero” (Sorghum bicolor) accidentally contaminated with Crotalaria spectabilis seeds in the municipality of Juscimeira, MT. Clinical signs began 24-48 hours after consumption of contaminated ration and were characterized by depression, lethargy, apathy, loss of appetite, vomiting, pale or jaundiced mucous membranes, ascites, lateral recumbency, the lateral position with paddling and convulsions, clinical outcome was 48-60 hours followed by death. 76 pigs died in four properties. The main gross lesions were liver increased in size and lobular illustration with red-brown central areas interspersed with yellowish areas, ascites and hydrothorax with reddish-yellow liquid containing filaments with aspect of fibrin, enlarged lymph nodes and interlobular pulmonary edema. The disease was experimentally reproduced with 16 pigs divided into six groups that received seeds of C. spectabilis in different doses. Hepatocellular necrosis occurred in seven pigs, two of which received daily doses of 2.5g/kg and five who received single doses of 5 and 9.5g/kg. Ten daily doses of 0.5 and 1.25g/kg caused liver fibrosis.

• Poisonous plants Crotalaria spectabilis Leg. Papilionoideae pyrrolizidine alkaloids plant poisoning plantas tóxicas alcalóides pirrolizidínicos intoxicação por planta

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Ubiali D.G., Boabaid F.M., Borges N.A., Caldeira F.H.B., Lodi L.R., Pescador C.A., Souza M.A. & Colodel E.M. 2011. [Acute poisoning with Crotalaria spectabilis (Leg. Papilionoideae) seeds in pigs.] Intoxicação aguda com sementes de Crotalaria spectabilis (Leg. Papilionoideae) em suínos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 31(4):313-318. Departamento de Clínica Médica Veterinária, Faculdade de Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Av. Fernando Corrêa da Costa 2367, Bairro Coxipó, Cuiabá, MT 78068-900, Brazil. E-mail: moleta@ufmt.br Relata-se necrose hepatocelular em suínos após consumo de ração que continha grãos de sorgo-granífero (Sorghum bicolor) acidentalmente contaminado com sementes de Crotalaria spectabilis. Morreram 76 suínos em quatro propriedades no município de Juscimeira, MT. Os sinais clínicos iniciaram-se 24-48 horas após o consumo da ração contaminada e foram caracterizados por depressão, letargia, apatia, inapetência, vômito, mucosas ictéricas ou pálidas, ascite, decúbito esternal, decúbito lateral com movimentos de pedalagem e convulsões, a evolução clínica foi de 48-60 horas seguida de morte. As Principais alterações macroscópicas foram fígado aumentado de tamanho com evidenciação do padrão lobular, ascite e hidrotórax com líquido de coloração amarelo avermelhado contendo filamentos com aspecto de fibrina, linfonodos aumentados e edema pulmonar interlobular. A doença foi reproduzida utilizando-se 16 suínos divididos em seis grupos que receberam sementes de C. spectabilis em diferentes doses. Necrose hepatocelular ocorreu em sete suínos, sendo dois que receberam doses diárias 2,5g/kg e cinco que receberam doses únicas de 5,0 e 9,5g/kg. Dez doses diárias de 0,5 e 1,25g/kg causaram fibrose hepática.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Lucena R.B., Rissi D.R., Maia L.A., Dantas A.F.M., Flores M.A., Nobre V.M.T., Riet-Correa F. & Barros C.S.L. 2010. [Poisoning by pyrrolizidine alkaloids in ruminants and horses in Brazil.] Intoxicação por alcaloides pirrolizidínicos em ruminantes e equinos no Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 30(5):447-452. Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária, Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Av. Roraima 1000, Cidade Universitária, Camobi, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Cases of poisoning by pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) in ruminants and horses were surveilled retrospectively by accessing the files of two veterinary diagnostic laboratories in southern and northeastern Brazil. The data obtained were compared with those withdrawn from the literature and pertaining to outbreaks of the toxicosis in Brazil where it is associated with the ingestion of PAs-containing plants from the genera Senecio, Crotalaria and Echium. Acute and chronic forms of the toxicosis were encountered. Acute disease was observed in association with the ingestion of Crotalaria retusa in sheep and goats. C. retusa and Senecio spp. were also responsible for chronic poisoning in cattle, horses and sheep. PAs poisoning is an important cause of death in livestock in Brazil. It is the major cause of death in cattle in the Central region of Rio Grande do Sul and one of the major causes of death in horses in the state of Paraíba. The epidemiology, clinical signs, pathology, and importance of acute and chronic toxicoses are described and discussed.

• Poisonous plants pyrrolizidine alkaloids Senecio spp. Crotalaria spp. plant poisoning plantas tóxicas alcalóides pirrolizidínicos intoxicação por planta

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Lucena R.B., Rissi D.R., Maia L.A., Dantas A.F.M., Flores M.A., Nobre V.M.T., Riet-Correa F. & Barros C.S.L. 2010. [Poisoning by pyrrolizidine alkaloids in ruminants and horses in Brazil.] Intoxicação por alcaloides pirrolizidínicos em ruminantes e equinos no Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 30(5):447-452. Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária, Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Av. Roraima 1000, Cidade Universitária, Camobi, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Casos de intoxicação por alcaloides pirrolizidínicos (APs) em ruminantes e equinos foram investigados retrospectivamente através do acesso aos arquivos de dois laboratórios de diagnóstico veterinário no Sul e Nordeste brasileiro. Os dados obtidos foram comparados com aqueles retirados da literatura concernentes a surtos dessa toxicose no Brasil, onde ela é associada com a ingestão de plantas que contêm APs dos gêneros Senecio, Crotalaria e Echium. Formas aguda e crônica da toxicose foram encontradas. A doença aguda foi observada em associação com a ingestão de Crotalaria retusa em ovinos e caprinos. C. retusa e Senecio spp. também foram responsáveis pela intoxicação crônica em bovinos, equinos e ovinos. A intoxicação por APs é uma importante causa de morte em animais pecuários no Brasil. Essa é a principal causa de morte em bovinos na região Central do Rio Grande do Sul e uma das principais causas de morte em equinos na Paraíba. A epidemiologia, os sinais clínicos, a patologia e a importância da intoxicação por APs são descritos e discutidos.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Boghossian M.R., Peixoto P.V., Brito M.F. & Tokarnia C.H. 2007. [Experimental poisoning by Crotalaria mucronata (Fabaceae) seeds in cattle.] Aspectos clínico-patológicos da intoxicação experimental pelas sementes de Crotalaria mucronata (Fabaceae) em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(4):149-156. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: mailto:mubogho@hotmail.com Experiments were performed to define the clinical and pathological picture of prolonged administration of the seeds of Crotalaria mucronata Desv. to cattle, in order to obtain additional information about this toxicosis. The ground seeds were administered orally to 9 bovines. Doses of 1g/kg/day, 2g/kg/day, 3g/kg/day each in one bovine, and 5g/kg/day in two of three bovines, given for 61- 63 days, did not cause poisoning. Doses of 5g/kg, in one bovine, 7.5g/kg in two bovines and 10g/kg in one bovine, given for 47-61 days, caused symptoms between 47 and 80 days after the first administration and caused death between 3 hours and 5 days after the onset of symptoms. The main clinical signs were positive venous pulse of the jugular vein, abdominal breath, tachycardia, loss of appetite, dry feces, sub-mandibular edema and weakness. Bovines that did not die, were slaughtered 8 or 9 months after first administration. At necropsy pulmonary paleness, hydropericardium, hydrothorax, hydroperitoneum, mesenteric edema, augmented hepatic consistency, discoloration of the liver, right cardiac ventricle dilatation and ruminal wall edema were seen. The main histological lesions were thickening of the alveolar walls and of the arterioles with narrowing of their lumen, and periarteriolar fibrosis, besides hepatic and cardiac lesions of minor importance. It is concluded, that the lesions caused by ingestion of the seeds of C. mucronata over a long period are caused by the difficulties of blood passage through the pulmonar vessels due to fibrosis and thickening of the arteriolar walls through the pneumotoxic action of the plant.

• Poisonous plants Crotalaria mucronata pyrrolizidine alkaloids interstitial pneumonia

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Boghossian M.R., Peixoto P.V., Brito M.F. & Tokarnia C.H. 2007. [Experimental poisoning by Crotalaria mucronata (Fabaceae) seeds in cattle.] Aspectos clínico-patológicos da intoxicação experimental pelas sementes de Crotalaria mucronata (Fabaceae) em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(4):149-156. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: mailto:mubogho@hotmail.com Experiments were performed to define the clinical and pathological picture of prolonged administration of the seeds of Crotalaria mucronata Desv. to cattle, in order to obtain additional information about this toxicosis. The ground seeds were administered orally to 9 bovines. Doses of 1g/kg/day, 2g/kg/day, 3g/kg/day each in one bovine, and 5g/kg/day in two of three bovines, given for 61- 63 days, did not cause poisoning. Doses of 5g/kg, in one bovine, 7.5g/kg in two bovines and 10g/kg in one bovine, given for 47-61 days, caused symptoms between 47 and 80 days after the first administration and caused death between 3 hours and 5 days after the onset of symptoms. The main clinical signs were positive venous pulse of the jugular vein, abdominal breath, tachycardia, loss of appetite, dry feces, sub-mandibular edema and weakness. Bovines that did not die, were slaughtered 8 or 9 months after first administration. At necropsy pulmonary paleness, hydropericardium, hydrothorax, hydroperitoneum, mesenteric edema, augmented hepatic consistency, discoloration of the liver, right cardiac ventricle dilatation and ruminal wall edema were seen. The main histological lesions were thickening of the alveolar walls and of the arterioles with narrowing of their lumen, and periarteriolar fibrosis, besides hepatic and cardiac lesions of minor importance. It is concluded, that the lesions caused by ingestion of the seeds of C. mucronata over a long period are caused by the difficulties of blood passage through the pulmonar vessels due to fibrosis and thickening of the arteriolar walls through the pneumotoxic action of the plant.

Abstract in English:

Nobre V.M.T., Riet-Correa F., Barbosa Filho J.M., Dantas A.F.M., Tabosa I.M. & Vasconcelos J.S. 2004. [Poisoning by Crotalaria retusa (Fabaceae) in Equidae in the semiarid region of Paraíba.] Intoxicação por Crotalaria retusa (Fabaceae) em eqüídeos no semi-árido da Paraíba. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(3):132-143. Depto Clínicas Veteri-nárias, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, PB 58700-000, Brazil. E-mail: verônica.nobre@uol.com.br From 2000 to 2003 eight cases of poisoning by Crotalaria retusa L. were observed in horses on 8 farms in the semiarid region of Paraíba and Ceará. C. retusa was found in all farms. The main clinical signs were characteristic of hepatic encephalopathy, with dullness or hyperexcitability, head pressing, compulsive walking or circling and, occasionally, violent uncontrollable galloping. Decreased cranial nerve reflexes, ataxia and weakness were also observed. Other clinical signs were anorexia, weight loss, photosensitization and jaundice. The clinical manifestation period varied from 4 to 40 days, but most horses had a previous history of weight loss. At necropsy the livers were hard, with irregular surface and white areas mixed with dark red areas and increased lobular pattern. Mild jaundice, ascitis, hydropericardium and hydrothorax were also observed. Edema and moderate congestion were seen in the lungs. Histologic changes of the liver were characterized by fibrosis, mainly periportal, megalocitosis and bile duct cell proliferation. Multifocal areas of centrilobular or midzonal hemorrhages were also observed. Centrilobular hemorrhagic necrosis was present in two horses. Alzheimer type II astrocytes were observed, isolated or in groups, mainly in the caudate nucleus and cortex in 4 horses. The poisoning was experimentally produced in 1 adult horse and 3 adult donkeys. The horse received daily 100 g of C. retusa seeds and died 52 days after the beginning of the experiment. The dried whole C. retusa was mixed with grass and given to the 3 experimental donkeys at daily doses of 10g/kg, 5g/kg and 2.5g/kg, respectively. The donkey treated with 5g per kg died 48 days after beginning of the experiment and the other two were sacrificed at 120 days. Clinical signs and pathology were similar to those observed in spontaneous cases, but Alhzeimer type II astrocytes were observed only in the donkey that died 48 days after the beginning of ingestion of the plant material. The concentration of monocrotaline in the whole plant given to the donkeys was 0.5%.

• Poisonous plants plant poisoning Crotalaria retusa Fabaceae hepatic cirrhosis horse pirrolizidine alkaloids.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Nobre V.M.T., Riet-Correa F., Barbosa Filho J.M., Dantas A.F.M., Tabosa I.M. & Vasconcelos J.S. 2004. [Poisoning by Crotalaria retusa (Fabaceae) in Equidae in the semiarid region of Paraíba.] Intoxicação por Crotalaria retusa (Fabaceae) em eqüídeos no semi-árido da Paraíba. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(3):132-143. Depto Clínicas Veteri-nárias, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, PB 58700-000, Brazil. E-mail: verônica.nobre@uol.com.br From 2000 to 2003 eight cases of poisoning by Crotalaria retusa L. were observed in horses on 8 farms in the semiarid region of Paraíba and Ceará. C. retusa was found in all farms. The main clinical signs were characteristic of hepatic encephalopathy, with dullness or hyperexcitability, head pressing, compulsive walking or circling and, occasionally, violent uncontrollable galloping. Decreased cranial nerve reflexes, ataxia and weakness were also observed. Other clinical signs were anorexia, weight loss, photosensitization and jaundice. The clinical manifestation period varied from 4 to 40 days, but most horses had a previous history of weight loss. At necropsy the livers were hard, with irregular surface and white areas mixed with dark red areas and increased lobular pattern. Mild jaundice, ascitis, hydropericardium and hydrothorax were also observed. Edema and moderate congestion were seen in the lungs. Histologic changes of the liver were characterized by fibrosis, mainly periportal, megalocitosis and bile duct cell proliferation. Multifocal areas of centrilobular or midzonal hemorrhages were also observed. Centrilobular hemorrhagic necrosis was present in two horses. Alzheimer type II astrocytes were observed, isolated or in groups, mainly in the caudate nucleus and cortex in 4 horses. The poisoning was experimentally produced in 1 adult horse and 3 adult donkeys. The horse received daily 100 g of C. retusa seeds and died 52 days after the beginning of the experiment. The dried whole C. retusa was mixed with grass and given to the 3 experimental donkeys at daily doses of 10g/kg, 5g/kg and 2.5g/kg, respectively. The donkey treated with 5g per kg died 48 days after beginning of the experiment and the other two were sacrificed at 120 days. Clinical signs and pathology were similar to those observed in spontaneous cases, but Alhzeimer type II astrocytes were observed only in the donkey that died 48 days after the beginning of ingestion of the plant material. The concentration of monocrotaline in the whole plant given to the donkeys was 0.5%.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Souza A.C., Hatayde M.R. & Bechara G.H. 1997. [Pathological aspects of poisoning by Crotalaria spectabilis (Fabaceae) seeds in swine.] Aspectos patológicos da intoxicação de suínos por sementes de Crotalaria spectabilis (Fabaceae). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 17(1):12-18. Depto Patologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Unesp-Campus de Jaboticabal, Rodovia Carlos Tonanni Km 5, Jaboticabal, SP 14870-000, Brazil. A feeding experiment was undertaken using 24 weanling pigs, distributed in four treatments, with 6 animals in each group. The animals of group 1, 2, 3 and 4 were fed with rations containing 0.0, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6% of Crotalaria spectabilis seeds, respectively, during a period of 90 days. Postmorten examination was performed immediately after death in the animals which died during the experiment. The pigs which survived were sacrificed on the last day of the experiment. During the autopsy fragments of liver, kidneys, lungs and stomach were collected for histological examination. The main clinical signs of the intoxication were subcutaneous oedema, affecting particulary the face, limbs and neck, pale ocular and oral mucous membranes, ruffled bristle, emaciation and apathy. Hydropericardium was the most common finding at necropsy, occurring in severa) intoxicated animals. The major microscopic changes were fibrosis, bile ductulus proliferation and megalocytosis in the liver, bronchopneumonia and chronic bronchitis, renal tubular cell megalocytosis, nephrosis and chronic nephritis, as well as gastritis and gastric ulcerations. The experimental findings showed that rations contaminated with C. spectabilis seeds, at the used rate, were toxic to swine.

• Poisonous plants Crotalaria spectabilis experimental poisoning swine pathology Plantas tóxicas intoxicação experimental suíno patologia.

Abstract in Portuguese:

SINOPSE.- Souza A.C., Hatayde M.R. & Bechara G.H. 1997. [Pathological aspects of poisoning by Crotalaria spectabilis (Fabaceae) seeds in swine.] Aspectos patológicos da intoxicação de suínos por sementes de Crotalaria spectabilis (Fabaceae). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 17(1):12-18. Depto Patologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Unesp-Campus de Jaboticabal, Rodovia Carlos Tonanni Km 5, Jaboticabal, SP 14870-000, Brazil. Foram utilizados 24 suínos desmamados, distribuídos em quatro tratamentos, com seis animais em cada. Os suínos dos tratamentos 1, 2, 3 e 4 receberam, durante 90 dias, ração com respectivamente: 0,0, 0,2, 0,4 e 0,6% de sementes de Crotalaria spectabilis. Os animais que morreram durante o período experimental foram necropsiados logo após a morte. Os sobreviventes foram sacrificados no último dia do experimento. Durante as necropsias, foram colhidos fragmentos do fígado, rim, pulmão e estômago, para realização de exame histopatológico. Os principais sintomas da intoxicação foram edemas subcutâneos, principalmente nos membros, na face e região do pescoço, mucosas oral e ocular pálidas, cerdas eriçadas, caquexia e apatia. O hidropericárdio foi a lesão macroscópica mais comum, acometendo vários animais que receberam a ração contaminada. As principais lesões microscópicas foram fibrose, proliferação de ductos biliares e megalocitose no fígado, broncopneumonia e bronquite crônicas, megalocitose de células epiteliais tubulares renais, nefrose e nefrite crônica, bem como gastrite e ulceração gástrica. Os resultados destes experimentos indicam que ração contaminada com sementes de C. spectabilis, nas proporções utilizadas, foi tóxica para suínos.

Abstract in English:

Symptoms of toxicity were observed in calves fed fresh aerial parts of the plant Crotalaria anagyroides collected in the State of Rio de Janeiro. Plant material was given during periods ranging from 1 to 12 days, the amount consumed by each animal varying from day to day. The plant was not well eaten and the original plan of giving it as the only food could not be adhered to. ln most experiments plant material was mixed with small amounts of chopped giass, concentrate ration and molasses; at times it was necessary to place the plant in the mouth of the animals. The amounts eaten varied from 6700 g (55.8 g/kg) eaten by one animal on one day, to 55400 g (294.8 g/kg) eaten by another animal over 12 days. Two animals received only the leaves and thin stems, two others only the flowers and green and ripe pods, and the last two, all aerial parts (leaves, thin stems, flowers and green and ripe pods). All calves suffered the toxic effects of the plant. Five of the six calves had clinical symptoms of poisoning, while the sixth showed only histopathologic lesions. Symptoms of poisoning were first seen between 38 days and 9 months and 8 days after the first day of ingestion of the plant, until which time the animals were apparently healthy and in good nutritional state. Symptoms consisted mainly of a lack of appetite and weight loss, over weaks or months (3/5) and/or nervous symptoms as excitation (2/5) or depression (1/5) which lasted for days. Two animals also had abdominal contractions of short duration. Two animals died, 11 days and 35 days after the onset of symptoms, one was euthanazied in extremis, after 9 days of disease, and another was euthanazied in bad nutritional state, after 4 months of disease. Only one animal recovered clinically, having shown symptoms for six months and then regaining weight. It was euthanazied together with the sixth bovine which had never shown symptoms of poisoning. The most important post-mortem finding was cirrhosis: the liver was hard, pale and had a lobular, granular or nodular aspect. The most important histopathological changes were the presence of collagen, proliferation of fibroblasts and of the epithelial cells of the bile ducts, megalocytosis and the presence of nodules of regeneration in the liver; in two animals spongy degeneration in the central nervous system. Attention is drawn to the fact that no case histories have been obtained or observations made that incriminate Crotalaria anagyroides as the cause of spontaneous disease in cattle, and it is believed that this would hardly happen because of the bad palatability of the plant.

• Poisonous plants Crotalaria anagyroides Leguminosae Papilionoideae experimental plant poisoning cattle

Abstract in Portuguese:

Em experimentos em que as partes aéreas de Crotalaria anagyroides frescas, recém-colhidas na área do Km 47, Seropédica, município de Itaguaí, Estado do Rio de Janeiro, foram administradas por via oral a seis bovinos jovens desmamados, a planta demonstrou ser tóxica para essa espécie animal. As folhas e talos finos, as inflorescências e vagens ou todas as partes juntas foram dadas aos animais em quantidades que variaram de 6700 g (55,8 g/kg) em um dia até 55400 g (294,8 g/kg) em 12 dias. Todas as partes da planta se revelaram tóxicas. Cinco dos seis bezerros mostraram sintomas de intoxicação; o sexto mostrou a ação tóxica da planta somente através de lesões histopatológicas. Os sintomas apareceram de 38 dias a 9 meses e 8 dias após a ingestão da planta, mantendo-se os animais até então aparentemente sadios e em bom estado de nutrição; consistiram principalmente em anorexia e emagrecimento durante semanas a meses (3/5) e/ou sintomas nervosos sob forma de excitação (2/5) ou depressão (1/5) durante período mais curto (dias). Dois animais tiveram também contrações abdominais. Dois animais morreram após 11 e 35 dias de doentes, um foi sacrificado in extremis após 9 dias doente, e outro foi sacrificado em estado de nutrição precário após 4 meses doente. Só um animal se recuperou clinicamente e engordou, após 6 meses de sintomatologia; esse bovino foi sacrificado junto com o que nunca tinha mostrado sintomas de intoxicação. O achado de necropsia mais importante foi cirrose hepática: o fígado era mais duro, tinha coloração alaranjada clara e aspecto lobular, granular ou até nodular. Os achados histopatológicos mais importantes foram presença de tecido colágeno, proliferação de fibroblastos e das células epiteliais das vias biliares, megalocitose e a presença de nódulos de regeneração no fígado; em dois animais foi constatada degeneração esponjosa no sistema nervoso central. Uma vez que não foram obtidos históricos nem feitas observações que Crotalaria anagyroides tenha sido a causa de doença espontânea em bovinos, é externada a opinião que em virtude da má palatabilidade, que durante os experimentos a planta demonstrou possuir, isto dificilmente poderá acontecer.

• Plantas tóxicas Crotalaria anagyroides Leguminosas intoxicações por planta bovinos patologia