Detection of ergopeptine alkaloids in endophyte-infected perennial ryegrass by tandem mass spectrometry

Authors: Rowan DD, Shaw GJ
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 35, Issue 11, pp 197-198, Nov 1987
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Livestock
Subject Terms: Diagnostic procedures, Fungal/yeast, Locomotor, Mycotoxicosis, Nervous system/neurology, Pasture/crop, Poisoning - plant, Disease/defect, Toxicology
Article class: Correspondence

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Abstract: There is currently considerable interest in the effects of the ryegrass endophyte upon animal performance and pasture production. Recent research has resulted in the isolation of the lolitrem neurotoxins and the Argentine stem weevil feeding deterrent peramine from endophyte infected perennial ryegrass. We now wish to report the occurrence in endophyte infected ryegrass of a third group of bioactive compounds; the ergopeptine alkaloids which have been detected in ryegrass stubble using tandem mass spectrometry. Ergopeptine alkaloids are a class of the ergot alkaloids produced by fungi of the family Clavicipitaceae (e.g. Claviceps purpurea). Ergopeptines are also produced by endophytic fungi of the Balansiae and by the endophyte of tall fescue Acremonium coenophialum Morgan-Jones and Gams. Ergopeptine alkaloids have been detected in endophyte tall fescue matrix…

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