The vasoactive potential of halostachine, an alkaloid of tall fescue (Festuca arundinaceae, Schreb) in cattle
Davis, C.B.; Camp, B.J.
Veterinary and Human Toxicology 25(6): 408-411
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0145-6296 PMID: 6659306 Document Number: 216318
Five calves were given i/v injections of racemic halostachine at 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 or 0.5 mg/kg with or without the monoamine oxidase inhibitor, norharmane, another alkaloid of tall fescue. Halostachine produced an increase in blood pressure, mainly as a result of peripheral vasoconstriction with few cardiac effects. There was considerable individual variation in the increase in blood pressure and its duration. Norharmane had little additional effect. The vasoconstriction produced by halostachine, exacerbated by cold temperatures, could play a role in the development of "fescue foot".