The Experimental Intoxication of Sheep with Sporidesmin, A Metabolic Product of Pithomyces chartarum: III.—Some Changes in Cellular Components and Coagulation Properties of the Blood, in Serum Proteins and in Liver Function

Abstract

SUMMARY Sporidesmin was administered to sheep at the rate of 0.5 mg., 0.8 mg. and 1.0 mg./kg. bodyweight. The blood cellular picture was followed in sheep dosed at the intermediate and higher levels. While no significant change was noted in the erythrocyte values during the course of the experiments, a diphasic increase of neutrophil leucocytes was observed and its probable significance is discussed. Changes in blood “prothrombin” time and clot retraction were noted, but it is considered unlikely that these changes play a significant role in the course of the disease. Serum protein levels were followed in sheep dosed with 1.0 mg./kg. and the changes found gave good indication of progressing liver injury. The elevated levels of total serum protein found were mainly due to increased values for (β-and γ-globulin; serum albumen levels fell during the course of the experimental disease. Of the 5 liver function tests examined, the strong-iodine flocculation test and the thymol and zinc-sulphate turbidity tests were found to indicate liver injury in the second phase of the disease. Liver excretory function was determined by measuring bromsulphthalein clearance rate throughout the disease in 4 sheep dosed with sporidesmin at 1.0 mg./kg. Impairment of excretory function was observed to occur during 2 well-defined phases of the induced disease and its likely implications are examined.