An official website of the United States government.
Describe the pathophysiologic changes caused by pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) and other hepatotoxic plants. Develop immunologic diagnostic assays and vaccines. Develop diagnostic methods to identify PA intoxications,the fate of poisoned animals, and monitor feeds, foods, and animal products for PA contamination. Determine factors influencing PA consumption and develop strategies to reduce losses. Identify toxins, describe plant-induced lesions, and delineate the mechanisms of action of teratogenic plants.
Describe the morphologic and molecular alterations in animals consuming PA and other hepatotoxic plants. Chemical and immunologic methods will be developed to monitor PA-induced intoxications and the presence of PA metabolites. Specific PAs and toxic metabolites will be conjugated to proteins and inoculated into animals. Animal titers will be monitored and immunologic analytical methods will be developed. Diagnostic techniques will be used to determine the incidence of PA intoxications and to monitor potential contamination of feeds and food. The effects of teratogenic plants on embryonic and fetal development will be monitored using ultrasound procedures. Chemical structure/activity relationships of the teratogenic alkaloids will be further refined. Alkaloid absorption, metabolism, and tissue clearance will be determined in the maternal and fetal compartments.Grazing studies will determine the conditions under which livestock are poisoned. Management strategies will be refined to improve livestock production and the economies of rural communities..