The influence of dietary factors and drug-processing enzymes on Sporidesmin poisoning in sheep - A Preliminary Report

P.H. Mortimer

Ruakura Agricultural Research Centre, Hamilton

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Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1969, 29: 125-131

Studies on the excretion of sporidesmin by sheep showed that concentrations of unchanged sporidesmin excreted in the bile and urine accounted for the severity and pattern of lesions found in facial eczema. In the light of these findings, the pathogenesis of facial eczema is briefly reviewed.

In view of recent work on the effects of administered drugs and protein content of diet in altering the metabolism and excretion of foreign substances by the liver, it seemed pertinent to attempt to influence the metabolism and excretion of sporidesmin by this means. A preliminary report is given on two experiments which indicate that dietary factors can influence the effects of sporidesmin in a way deleterious to sheep. The experiments also suggest that some protective effect may be produced by prestimulation of the drug-processing enzymes in the liver.

Keywords: NZSAPAB;

Last Updated 24-08-2000