Ergocornine is an alkaloid of the ergoline family. Like other ergoline alkaloids, it occurs in various species of vines of the Convolvulaceae (morning glory) family and in some species of lower fungi. Ergocornine is one of 3 similar peptides referred to as ergotoxine alkaloids, the other two being ergocryptine and ergocristine. Ergotoxines prepared into their hihydroergotoxine mesylates, commonly known as ergoloid mesylates, are used in the symptomatic therapy of age-related dementia. Long term exposure to some ergoline alkaloids can cause ergotism, a disease causing convulsive and gangrenous symptoms. (6, 3)
belongs to the class of organic compounds known as ergopeptines. These are ergoline derivatives that contain a tripeptide structure attached to the basic ergoline ring in the same location as the amide group of the lysergic acid derivatives.
Oral, dermal, inhalation, and parenteral (contaminated drugs). (5)
Mechanism of Toxicity
Ergoline alkaloids tend to act as a group, producing complex and variable effects of partial agonism or antagonism at adrenergic, dopaminergic, and serotonergic receptors. Variables relating to these effects are influenced by the agent, dosage, species, tissue, physiological, and endocrinological state, and experimental conditions. In particular, ergoline alkaloids have been shown to have the significant affinity towards the 5-HT1 and 5-HT2 serotonin receptors, D1 and D2 dopamine receptors, and alpha-adrenergic receptors. This can result in a number of different effects, including vasoconstriction, convulsions, and hallucinations. Ergometrine is also known to have a non-receptor specific oxytocic activity. (2, 3, 4)
No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC).
Uses/Sources
Ergocornine is an alkaloid of the ergoline family. Like other ergoline alkaloids, it occurs in various species of vines of the Convolvulaceae (morning glory) family and in some species of lower fungi. Ergocornine is one of 3 similar peptides referred to as ergotoxine alkaloids, the other two being ergocryptine and ergocristine. Ergotoxines prepared into their hihydroergotoxine mesylates, commonly known as ergoloid mesylates, are used in the symptomatic therapy of age-related dementia. (6, 3)
Minimum Risk Level
Not Available
Health Effects
Ingestion of ergoline alkaloids is known to cause the disease ergotism. Ergotism occurs in two forms, gangrenous and convulsive, likely depending on the different kinds and amounts of ergoline alkaloids present. (1)
Symptoms
Convulsive ergotism can cause painful seizures and spasms, diarrhea, paresthesias, itching, headaches, nausea and vomiting. Usually the gastrointestinal effects precede the central nervous system effects. As well as seizures there can be hallucinations and mental effects including mania or psychosis. Gangrenous ergotism causes dry gangrene as a result of vasoconstriction induced in the more poorly vascularized distal structures, such as the fingers and toes. Symptoms include desquamation, weak periphery pulse, loss of peripheral sensation, edema and ultimately the death and loss of affected tissues. (7)
Treatment
Treatment for ergotism consists of vasodilators, anticoagulants and low molecular weight dextrans. If necessary, a sympathetic nerve blockade may be carried out, such as brachial plexus blockade. Temporary sedation (e.g. haloperidol) will be necessary in hallucination and diazepam is used for convulsions. There is no specific antidote. (8)
