Proportions of predominant Ergot alkaloids (Claviceps purpurea) detected in Western Canadian grains from 2014 to 2016

Abstract

Ergot alkaloids, produced by the fungus Claviceps purpurea, are contaminants of cereal crops. Depending on various factors, the relative composition of individual ergot alkaloids can differ among samples. The objective was to determine if the percentage of individual ergot alkaloids were similar across different cereal grains (barley n=39, rye n=7, triticale n=9, wheat n=94) collected in Western Canada over different years. Ergocristine was the predominant alkaloid accounting for half of the total alkaloids in all grain types. This study documented that barley, rye, triticale and wheat collected across Western Canada had similar percentages of ergocornine (6±1%, P=0.201), ergocristine (48±2%, P=0.939), ergocryptine (17±2%, P=0.302) and ergosine (5±0.5%, P=0.239). There were differences between grain types for ergometrine (P=0.027) and ergotamine (P=0.011), which ranged between 6 to 13% and 11 to 24%, respectively, of the total alkaloid content in different cereals. Both barley and wheat alkaloid percentages were similar between 2015 and 2016; ergocornine (7±1%, P=0.969), ergocristine (47±2%, P=0.680), ergocryptine (18±2%, P=0.572), ergometrine (8±1%, P=0.080), ergosine (15±1%, P=0.119) and ergotamine (P=0.189). The ergocornine percentage was higher in wheat (P=0.017) as compared to barley for 2015/2016 samples. Ergometrine was higher in barley (P=0.002) as compared to wheat for 2015/2016 samples. While two of the alkaloid proportions varied statistically, overall proportions of the six ergot alkaloids were comparable among the four grain types collected across Western Canada. If proportions of ergot alkaloids are similar across a region, then it may be deemed acceptable to recommend a maximum total ergot alkaloid concentration for that region. However, areas that exhibit variation among the ergot alkaloid proportions, individual ergot alkaloid guidelines based on a toxic equivalence factor, may be more appropriate. In contrast, since major differences were not seen between years or grain type, from a producer perspective there may be limited biological/toxicological significance for individual alkaloid guidelines.

Arterial Responses to Acute Low-Level Ergot Exposure in Hereford Cows

“…These previous studies and the present results suggest that concentrations of ergot alkaloids >390 μg/kg cause vasoconstriction in the caudal artery following short-term exposure in feed in beef cows and heifers. It is worth mentioning that ergocristine (48% to total), ergocryptine (17%), and ergotamine (>11%) are major alkaloids in ergot sclerotia in western Canadian grain ( 50 ) therefore, direct comparison between C. purpurea alkaloids and endophyte alkaloids, and between species should be made with caution due to differing alkaloid profiles and potencies, and species-specific sensitivity to ergot alkaloids.…”

Evaluation of Resistance to Fescue Toxicosis in Purebred Angus Cattle Utilizing Animal Performance and Cytokine Response

“…During P-2 at UPRS, ergosine (333 μg/Kg), ergotamine (175 μg/Kg), ergocornine (53 μg/Kg), ergocriptine (150 μg/Kg), and ergocristine (48 μg/Kg) contributed to total ergot alkaloids. These alkaloids are characteristic of Claviceps purpurea [ 6 ], which can commonly infect tall fescue and other grasses. While the concentration of ergovaline decreased during P-2, these concentrations (along with the C. purpurea alkaloids at UPRS) were still high enough to elicit many of the negative symptoms associated with fescue toxicosis [ 7 , 8 ].…”

Recent advances on emerging nanomaterials for controlling the mycotoxin contamination: From detection to elimination

“…Ergot alkaloids (EAs), a toxic alkaloid mixture, mainly exist in the sclerotias (black or purplish structure) of Neothyphodium and Claviceps species (Grusie, Cowan, Singh, McKinnon, & Blakley, 2018; Haque et al., 2020). The major EAs include ergocristine, ergosine, ergocornine, ergotamine, ergocryptine, and ergometrine, which generally simultaneously occur in contaminated feeds (Grusie et al., 2018).…”

“…Ergot alkaloids (EAs), a toxic alkaloid mixture, mainly exist in the sclerotias (black or purplish structure) of Neothyphodium and Claviceps species (Grusie, Cowan, Singh, McKinnon, & Blakley, 2018; Haque et al., 2020). The major EAs include ergocristine, ergosine, ergocornine, ergotamine, ergocryptine, and ergometrine, which generally simultaneously occur in contaminated feeds (Grusie et al., 2018). EAs show the toxicity in both humans and animals, which can lead to convulsions, distorted perception, hallucinations, agalactia, fever, and acute burn in humans, as well as hypersensitivity, convulsions, reduced productivity, internal bleeding, suppression of lactation, abortion, diarrhea, and gangrene in animals (Grusie et al., 2018; Haque et al., 2020; Hulvová, Galuszka, Frébortová, & Frébort, 2013).…”