Identification of a sapogenin glucuronide in the bile of sheep affected by Panicum dichotomiflorum toxicosis

Authors: Miles CO, Wilkins AL, Munday SC, Embling PP, Holland PT, Smith BL
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 39, Issue 4, pp 150-152, Dec 1991
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant, Sheep
Subject Terms: Biochemistry/chemistry, Clinical pathology, Diagnostic procedures, Liver/hepatic disease, Photosensitivity, Toxicology, Disease/defect, Poisoning - plant, Integument/skin/wool/hair/fur/feather
Article class: Correspondence

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Abstract: Throughout the world, several hepatogenous photosensitisation diseases of ruminants are characterised by the presence of birefringent crystals in and about the bile ducts. These include photosensitisations caused by Tribulus terrestris (geeldikkop of sheep in South Africa), Narthecium ossifragum (alveld of lambs in Norway), Agave lecheguilla, Brachiaria decumbens and several Panicum species such as P. miliaceum, P.coloratum, P. schinzii, and P. dichotomiflorum. In New Zealand, such “crystal-associated” hepatogenous photosensitisations have occurred in sheep, grazing P. miliaceum and in sheep, goats and cattle grazing P. dichotomiflorum. Panicum dichotomiflorum (smooth witch grass) was first recorded in New Zealand in 1946. It is believed to have been accidentlly introduced via aircraft during…

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