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Ergotism (pron. / ˈ ɜːr ɡ ə t ˌ ɪ z ə m / UR-gət-iz-əm) is the effect of long-term ergot poisoning, traditionally due to the ingestion of the alkaloids produced by the Claviceps purpurea fungus—from the Latin clava "club" or clavus "nail" and -ceps for "head", i.e. the purple club-headed fungus—that infects rye and other cereals, and more recently by the action of a number of ...
The common name for ergotism is "St. Anthony's fire", [14] in reference to this order of monks and the severe burning sensations in the limbs which was one of the symptoms. [ 15 ] There are two types of ergotism.
St. Anthony's fire (also known historically as Ignis Sacer and Holy Fire) may refer to: Ergotism, the effect of long-term ergot poisoning, traditionally due to the ingestion of alkaloids; Erysipelas, an acute infection, typically with a skin rash; St Anthony's Fire, a 1994 Doctor Who novel by Mark Gatiss
Ergoline alkaloids were first isolated from ergot, a fungus that infects rye and causes ergotism or St. Anthony's fire. [21] Reports of the toxic effects due to ergoline alkaloids date back to the 12th century. [22] Ergot also has a long history of medicinal use, which led to attempts to characterize its activity chemically.
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An overdose produces a characteristic poisoning, ergotism or "St. Anthony's fire": prolonged vasospasm resulting in gangrene and amputations; hallucinations and dementia; and abortions. Gastrointestinal disturbances such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, are common. [15] The drug is contraindicated in pregnancy, vascular disease, and psychosis.
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Ergotamine interacts with serotonin, adrenergic, and dopamine receptors. [17] [18] It is an agonist of serotonin receptors including the 5-HT 1 and 5-HT 2 subtypes. [17]Ergotamine is an agonist of the serotonin 5-HT 2B receptor and has been associated with cardiac valvulopathy. [19]