Pregnancy and progeny in rats treated with the pyrrolizidine alkaloid fulvine

ABSTRACT

The pyrrolizidine alkaloids are naturally-occurring plants toxins which are considered significant in the etiology of certain liver diseases, particularly in some tropical and sub-tropical regions. Fulvine, a hepatotoxic alkloid present in the medicinal herb Crotolaria fulva, was observed to be fetotoxic and highly teratogenic in rats. The occurrence of fetal resorptions showed a dose-effect relationship. The highest incidence of developmental defects was induced by fulvine at a dose-level of 80 mg/kg which in other studies produced significant chromosomal damage. Microscopic examination of fetal liver, following maternal exposure of fulvine, did not reveal hepatic lesions.(Summary)