Studies on neurolathyrism.

Neurolathyrism is a neurological condition seen among people who eat the seeds of Lathyrus sativus (LS) as a principal source of food energy for 2 months or more. It is characterized by severe muscular rigidity and paralysis of the lower limbs. beta-N-Oxalyl-L-alpha,beta-diaminopropionic acid is the principal toxin found in the seed. No experimental animal model for neurolathyrism could be produced by feeding either the seeds or the toxin, although the condition has been known for centuries. We discovered that experimental neurolathyrism could be produced in guinea pigs and primates that needed an external supply of ascorbic acid by making them subclinically deficient in ascorbic acid and feeding them the seeds of LS or extracts thereof. Autoclaving the seeds of LS with lime removes the toxin.