Abstract
The sequential changes in the livers of 10 goats, 3 sheep and 2 calves given daily oral doses of 5 g./kg. body weight of fresh leaves of Ipomoea carnea were studied by serial biopsy. Seven goats and 2 sheep died during the 5 to 107 day period and 3 other goats and 1 sheep were killed in a moribund state, 121 days after the commencement of dosing. Neither of the 2 calves died during the experiment. Inappetence, dullness, dyspnoea and paresis of the hind limbs were prominent clinical signs of Ipomoea poisoning in both goats and sheep. Gradual deterioration of the general condition and debility were seen in one of the calves. Both calves were killed on the 121st day. Reduction in cytoplasmic basophilia of the liver cells, fatty change, loss of glycogen, focal hepatocellular necrosis, accumulation of mononuclear cells and polymorphs, new bile ductule formation and portal fibrosis developed between the 21 and 121 days in goats and sheep. None of the calves showed hepatic portal fibroplasia. Regression of the parenchymal-cell changes was seen in one of the calves. All animals showed an increase in the concentrations of glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase and arginase in the serum. Glutamate pyruvate transaminase activity did not change. Post-mortem examination of goats, sheep and one of the calves revealed excess fluid in the serous cavities, oedema of the lungs, congestion of the kidneys, subendocardial haemorrhage and necrosis of the liver and hepatic fibrosis.
Published Version
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