Penitrem A (tremortin) is a fungal neurotoxin found on ryegrass. It is produced by certain species of Aspergillus, Claviceps, and Penicillium. It inhibits potassium channels in smooth muscles.[citation needed] The maxi-channels targeted have their highest density in the cerebellar Purkinje cells.
It causes a stagger in horses and cattle.
Effective dose
The ED50 for penitrem A is 10 nM.[citation needed] The ED50 is the effective dose for 50% of the population. Many toxic chemicals do not show ED-50s and act by irreversible covalent adduction.
Stages of toxicity
See also
References
- Walter SL (2002). "Acute penitrem A and roquefortine poisoning in a dog". Can. Vet. J. 43 (5): 372–4. PMID 12001505.
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