A competitive enzyme immunoassay for the pyrrolizidine alkaloids of the senecionine type.

We developed an immunoassay with antibodies against retrorsine to detect the closely related senecionine, the main alkaloid in various Asteraceae. Sensitivity is about 23 pg (68 fmol) for senecionine. Cross reactivity of monocrotalin, retrorsine N-oxide, senkirkine (< 0.1%), and seneciphylline (3.6-34.5%) was resolved. The alkaloid content in leaves of Petasites hybridus (Asteraceae) was determined to be 3.86 ppm, calculated as senecionine, which was far less than in rhizomes (104.8 ppm). Additionally, we proved specificity by taking immunograms from different parts of Petasites hybridus. The test is a suitable tool for assessing the toxic potential of medicinal plants containing senecionine.

[Toxic effects in rabbits after immunization against the pyrrolizidine alkaloid retrorsine]. / Toxische Effekte beim Kaninchen durch Immunisierung gegen das Pyrrolizidinalkaloid Retrorsin.

Six rabbits were immunized against the pyrrolizidine alkaloid retrorsin, conjugated to bovine serum albumin. Seven i.v. inoculations were distributed over a period of half a year. The total antigen dose differed between animals. Towards the end of the experiment all animals (except 2 receiving the lowest antigen dose) suffered from apathy, anorexia and loss of body weight. Pathologically these symptoms correlated well with liver cirrhosis, gradually dependent on the total antigen dose. Blood-chemical parameters were disparate and contradictory.