| monocrotaline | <chemical> A pyrrolizidine alkaloid and a toxic plant constituent that poisons livestock and humans through the ingestion of contaminated grains and other foods. The alkaloid causes pulmonary artery hypertension, right ventricular hypertrophy, and pathological changes in the pulmonary vasculature. Significant attenuation of the cardiopulmonary changes are noted after oral magnesium treatment. Pharmacological action: carcinogens, poisons. Chemical name: 20-Norcrotalanan-11,15-dione, 14,19-dihydro-12,13-dihydroxy-, (13alpha,14alpha)- (12 Dec 1998) |
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