Ergot of Rye zErgot is a disease of Rye. The Ergot is the Ergot of Rye dark purplish sclerotium of the fungus that Claviceps purpurea replaces the grain.

Ergot of Rye Ergot of Rye zErgot was very common pathogen of rye. zAppearance on rye has been documented zAlso infect other grains. in ancient Greece. zProportion of mycotoxins differ within z Ergot contains about forty alkaloids species. Thus, symptoms may vary. (mycotoxins), may be fatal when consumed. z“The Ergot” also over wintering stage in zSome source of pharmacological medicine. life cycle. zIn spring sclerotium produces stroma zOriginal source from which Lysergic (pl.= stromata) containing asci & Acid Diethylamide (LSD) isolated. ascospores.

Ergot of Rye Ergot of Rye z Stromata are zAscospores dispersed by wind, onto rye mushroom-like (right) flowers. structures growing zInfection initially produces asexual out of ergot. spores of Spacelia stage, in honey dew exudate. zFly dispersed. z L-section (left) z through stroma, with Can repeatedly asci & ascospores. infect rye flowers.

1 Ergot of Rye Ergot of Rye zErgot forms as winter approaches. zTwo types of ergot poisoning recognized: zSummary of life cycle: „Convulsive ergotism, a nervous dysfunction, fits, muscle spasms, hallucinations and delusions. „Gangrenous ergotism, constriction of blood vessels, especially to extremities, resulting in loss of extremities. zOversimplification of symptoms!

Ergot of Rye Ergot of Rye zLoss of toes in foot due to gangrene.

zCow with gangrenous ergotism.

Ergot of Rye Gangrenous Ergotism

zGangrene of finger tips. zEarliest observation of ergotism probably began with cultivation of Rye. zGangrenous ergotism was first documented during Middle Ages (around 5th Century). „First major outbreak in 875 A.D. „Named “Holy Fire” at this time. „Major epidemics of ergotism occurred http://dermatology.about.com/library/blgangrene1photo.htm every few years.

2 Gangrenous Ergotism Gangrenous Ergotism zGangrenous ergotism in Middle Ages zFrance was center of many severe (continued): epidemics. „Blackened toes, fingers, arms and legs „Rye was staple of poor. most common symptoms „Climate was cool and wet, favorable for „Eventually dying of gangrene in ergot growth. infected limbs. „When wet and humid, flowers stay open longer and more prone to contamination. „Convulsive ergotism also could also occur resulting in victims becoming insane.

Gangrenous Ergotism Gangrenous Ergotism zRelief and hope: zRelief and hope: „Outbreak of ergotism in 1039, in „Those afflicted often were cured of France. ergotism. „Gaston de la Valloire built hospital to „Affliction returned after leaving care for afflicted. hospital. „Hospital dedicated to St. Anthony. „Patients thought it was God that cured „Led monks to start order of St. them. Anthony, leading to 370 hospitals. „Eventually “Holy Fire” became “St. Anthony’s Fire”.

Gangrenous Ergotism Gangrenous Ergotism zThuillier, French Physician, 1670 believed zThuillier, French Physician, 1670 believed Ergot was source of “disease”. Ergot was source of “disease” (continued). „Formulated generalities of Ergotism. „Correlated high ergot infection with Only the poor seem to be inflicted. high occurrence of “Fire”. Entire families may be inflicted, but „Was unable to convince anyone of his not neighbors. Thus, not contagious. theory. Victims of St. Anthony’s Fire all „Louis Tulasne (1853) would verify that consumed rye bread. Ergot was a fungus and cause of Believed that bread made from rye ergotism. infected with ergot was responsible.

3 Historical Impact Historical Impact zHas impacted geographical boundaries: zHoly Roman Empire in red „Between 800-900 A.D. Northmen (Vikings) invaded Holy Roman Empire. „Thousand of Franks died as result of gangrenous ergotism. „Numerous raids caused Charles III to abdicate throne and Franks’ land was split into two kingdoms. Kingdom of West Frank became France. Kingdom of East Frank became Germany.

Historical Impact Historical Impact zPresent day France and Germany: zHas impacted geographical boundaries (continued): „By 911 AD, Northmen’s hold on northwest of France complete, became Normandy. „Normandy ceded to Northmen. „Eventually absorbed by France.

Historical Impact Ergotism in the Past zPeriod of the Bubonic Plague 1348-1350. zPeriod of the Bubonic Plague 1348-1350. zOne third of Europe’s population died. zOne third of Europe’s population died. zAn alternative cause Matossian (1989): zAn alternative cause Matossian (1989): „Some symptoms often not associated „Life history of Bubonic Plague. with Bubonic Plague, i.e., symptoms associated with Trichothecenes. „Matossian believed consumption of T-2 „Also, included rainfall and temperature infected grains or related mycotoxins data that would favor Trichothecene damaged immune system. formation in grain and not favor the „Made humans and rats more occurrence of Bubonic Plague. susceptible to plague.

4 Historical Impact Historical Impact zMatossian found certain category of zDepression of European population people more infected: following plague: „Age, 5-14 and 15-24 „Population depression lasted for over „Poor, substandard food more likely to 100 years. eat rye „After plague, winters were cooler. „Lived near grain storage (attracted „Evidence of ergotism. rats) „Combination of trichothecene and „ Rainfall, humidity and flooding. ergot poisoning contributed to spontaneous abortions and low fertility.

Convulsive Ergotism Convulsive Ergotism zSymptoms for convulsive ergotism more familiar and recently associated with zWitchcraft and ergotism: witchcraft: „What did people think occurred when „Mary Matossian also includes a chapter symptoms of convulsive ergotism on ergotism and witchcraft. observed? „Correlation between the occurrences of „Matossian correlated diet, locality, witchcraft reported and consumption of climatic condition with incidents of infected grain. witchcraft trials. „Not difficult to imagine if victims claim to be hearing voices and speaking to unseen spirits.

Historical Impact Ergotism in the Past zWitchcraft and ergotism (continued): zWitchcraft and ergotism (continued): „How did witch hunt begin?. „Who were the witches? „In Salem, Massachusetts, January 20,  1692. Doctors. Herbalists. „Three pre-teen girls exhibited Why them? convulsive ergotism(?). „Thought to be bewitched by doctor. „Who were the witches? Consumption of witch cake would tell.

5 Ergot of Rye 20th Century Ergot of Rye 20th Century zAn example of a modern day outbreak zAn example of a modern day outbreak (1951, in Pont-St. Esprit, France): (1951, in Pont-St. Esprit, France) „First noticed by Dr. Jean Vieu, on (continued): August 12, 1951. „Found common food item. „Combination of strange symptoms. „Took four weeks to trace source. „By August 14th. Hospital filled with „Presently, quality control prevents such patients with same symptoms. incidents from occurring. „However, it was not known immediately what cause was.

Pharmaceutical Usage zPharmaceutical usages of Ergot „During 17th Century, mid-wives used extracts of ergot during child birth: Inducing contraction of uterus. Controlling postpartum hemorrhage. Albert Hofman, 1935, synthesized ergonovine, in lab, Sandoz Laboratories . „Ergotamine: Migraine headaches „And of course, LSD, Thursday’s topic.

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