1,2-dehydro pyrrolizidine ester alkaloids (PA) are toxic for human and livestock. The PAs undergo a metabolic toxication process in the liver which is the first target organ for PA poisoning. World-wide many episodes of PA intoxications have been reported involving humans as well as ruminants. This intoxication is not only related to the amount and duration of the exposure to PAs but also to species, age and gender. Besides the metabolic toxification, detoxication processes are also important. The paper discusses the toxification and detoxication processes and gives an overview about PA poisoning cases in humans and ruminants.
We report the occurrence of veno-occlusive disease in a preterm neonate who was symptomatic with hepatomegaly and ascites and was delivered by caesarean section for threatening fetal asphyxia and died shortly afterwards. Post mortem examination revealed veno-occlusive disease typical for pyrrolizidine alkaloid poisoning. The content of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in the liver could be confirmed. Analysis of a herbal mixture which was used for cooking in the family revealed high amounts of the respective alkaloids clarifying the source of the poison and the causal relationship.
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