Upper motor neurone effects in sheep of some beta-carboline alkaloids identified in zygophyllaceous plants.

Abstract

The beta-carbolines harmane, norharmane, tetrahydronorharmane, harmine, harmaline and harmol were administered to sheep to assess their effects on upper motor neurone function. Harmane at a dose rate of 54 mg/kg induced hypomotility, head tremors, pelvic limb paresis, hypermetria and a wide based stance. A range of similar effects were observed with norharmane at the same dose rate. Tetrahydronorharmane at a dose rate of 54 mg/kg induced hypermotility followed by hypomotility, asymmetrical pelvic limb paresis, hypermetria, a wide based stance, and stereotyped eating behaviour. Harmine and harmaline at 6 mg/kg induced mild head and body tremors, and at 18 mg/kg induced hypomotility, intense head and body tremors, pelvic limb paresis, crossing over of limbs, neck extension and head swaying. Harmol was not effective at 54 mg/kg by either the subcutaneous or intraperitoneal routes, but at an intravenous dose of 27 mg/kg it induced hypermotility followed by hypomotility, body tremors, limb paresis, muscle asynergy, a wide based stance and jumping behaviour. Harmane, tetrahydronorharmane, harmaline and harmol were convulsive in some sheep at high dose rates.

• Authors: C A Bourke, M J Carrigan, R J Dixon
• Journal: Australian veterinary journal (Aust Vet J) Vol. 67 Issue 7 Pg. 248-51 (Jul 1990) ISSN: 0005-0423 [Print] England
• PMID: 2393371 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Alkaloids
• Carbolines
• harmol
• Harmine
• tryptoline
• harman
• norharman
• Harmaline

Topics

• Alkaloids (toxicity)
• Animals
• Carbolines (toxicity)
• Female
• Harmaline (toxicity)
• Harmine (analogs & derivatives, toxicity)
• Locomotion (drug effects)
• Motor Neurons (drug effects)
• Plants, Toxic
• Sheep (physiology)