Formation of methylhydrazine from acetaldehyde N-methyl-N-formylhydrazone, a component of Gyromitra esculenta.

Abstract

Gyromitrin, acetaldehyde N-methyl-N-formylhydrazone, is a toxin present in edible wild mushroom Gyromitra esculenta. At 37 degrees under different acidic conditions (pH 1 to 3), mimicking the milieu of human stomach, gyromitrin is converted to methylhydrazine, a known tumor inducer in mice and hamsters, through an intermediate, N-methyl-N-formylhydrazine. In addition, methylhydrazine is formed in the mouse stomach after p.o. administration of gyromitrin. These findings imply that consumption of G. esculenta could present a carcinogenic, as well as an acutely toxic, health hazard.

• Authors: D Nagel, L Wallcave, B Toth, R Kupper
• Journal: Cancer research (Cancer Res) Vol. 37 Issue 9 Pg. 3458-60 (Sep 1977) ISSN: 0008-5472 [Print] United States
• PMID: 18281 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Carcinogens
• Hydrazines
• Hydrazones
• Toxins, Biological
• Monomethylhydrazine

Topics

• Animals
• Carcinogens (metabolism)
• Gastric Mucosa (metabolism)
• Hydrazines (metabolism)
• Hydrazones (metabolism)
• Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
• Hydrolysis
• In Vitro Techniques
• Mice
• Monomethylhydrazine (metabolism)
• Mushroom Poisoning
• Toxins, Biological (metabolism)