Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids
| Definition: |
A group of ALKALOIDS, characterized by a nitrogen-containing necine, occurring mainly in plants of the BORAGINACEAE; COMPOSITAE; and LEGUMINOSAE plant families. They can be activated in the liver by hydrolysis of the ester and desaturation of the necine base to reactive electrophilic pyrrolic CYTOTOXINS. |
| Also Called: |
Senecio Alkaloids |
| Previously Indexed: |
Alkaloids (1966-1970),Heterocyclic Compounds (1966-1970) |
Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids Categories.
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Monocrotaline - A pyrrolizidine alkaloid and a toxic plant constituent that poisons livestock and humans through the ingestion of contaminated grains and other foods. The alkaloid causes pulmonary artery hypertension, right ventricular hypertrophy, and pathological changes in the pulmonary vasculature. Significant attenuation of the cardiopulmonary changes are noted after oral magnesium treatment. |
Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids Definitions and Terms
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