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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Lexington, Kentucky » Forage-animal Production Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #238091
Title: Ergot Alkaloid-Induced Blood Vessel Dysfunction Contributes to Fescue Toxicosis

Author
item Strickland, James
item Aiken, Glen
item Klotz, James

Submitted to: Forage and Grazinglands
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/30/2009
Publication Date: 11/4/2009
Citation: Strickland, J.R., Aiken, G.E., Klotz, J.L. 2009. Ergot Alkaloid-Induced Blood Vessel Dysfunction Contributes to Fescue Toxicosis. Forage and Grazinglands. 4Nov09.

Interpretive Summary: Many effects of fescue toxicosis in grazing animals may be explained by compromised blood vessel function which is linked to the presence of ergot alkaloids in endophyte-infected tall fescue. The body’s network of blood vessels provides for the removal of metabolic waste products and delivery of the necessary nutrients, oxygen, hormones, growth factors, immune cells, etc. needed to maintain animal health and productivity. Given the importance of this system and its potential interactions with ergot alkaloids, this review focuses on the relationship of ergot alkaloids with blood vessel dysfunction and the mechanisms by which it may be induced. Note: These Technical Abstract and the Interpretative Summary are identical on purpose as the journal required writing the Abstract more like an Interpretative Summary.

Technical Abstract: Many effects of fescue toxicosis in grazing animals may be explained by compromised blood vessel function which is linked to the presence of ergot alkaloids in endophyte-infected tall fescue. The body’s network of blood vessels provides for the removal of metabolic waste products and delivery of the necessary nutrients, oxygen, hormones, growth factors, immune cells, etc. needed to maintain animal health and productivity. Given the importance of this system and its potential interactions with ergot alkaloids, this review focuses on the relationship of ergot alkaloids with blood vessel dysfunction and the mechanisms by which it may be induced. Note: These Technical Abstract and the Interpretative Summary are identical on purpose as the journal required writing the Abstract more like an Interpretative Summary.