An official website of the United States government.
Identify alkaloids from various larkspur species, test their toxicity, and confirm structure-activity relationships. Develop analytical methods, including synthesis of immunogenic conjugates and antibody-based detection methods, and evaluate vaccines. Investigate mechanisms of intoxication, toxin metabolism and clearance, and treatment of intoxicated animals. Determine factors influencing larkspur consumption and toxicity of low and plains larkspurs, and develop of management strategies to reduce losses.
Individual alkaloids will be isolated and identified from various low and plains larkspur species using large scale extraction followed by standard acid/base extraction to yield a crude alkaloid fraction. Preparative HPLC will be used to provide purified alkaloids for toxicity tests using a mouse bioassay and to confirm structure-activity relationships. Development of new analytical methods for larkspur alkaloids will continue. Methods will involve synthesis of immunogenic alkaloid-protein conjugates and the development of antibody-based detection methods. Immunogenic alkaloid-protein conjugates will be evaluated as potential vaccines. Rates of toxin metabolism and clearance will be determined using extracts and purified alkaloids. Evaluation of cholinergic drugs for treatment of intoxicated animals will continue. Grazing and pen studies will be used to determine plant, animal, and environmental factors influencing larkspur consumption. Studies will continue to evaluate management options such as sheep grazing of larkspur, aversive conditioning, and biological management tools.