[Toxins of Byssochlamys nivea Westling. I. Preliminary study of toxicity in sheep].

The acute intoxication in 4 sheep, due to an extract from a Byssochlamys nivea culture containing patulin is attained by administering per os with a syringe or with an esophagal tube doses of patulin varying from 15 to 50 mg per kg of bodyweight. A dose of 20 mg/kg, given with a syringe, brought on the death of a sheep within 5 hours following the administration, while a dose of 50 mg/kg given by an esophagal tube, only led to some temporary and slight problems. Intoxication brings on such symptoms such as nasal discharge, the stoppage of ruminating, a painful sensitivity in the retro-sternal area, weight loss, and prolonged loss of appetite. With an autopsy, a sero-fibrinous peritoneal exsudate and considerable hemorrhaging in the abomasum can be found. Anatomo-pathological examinations pinpoint lesions in the liver and kidneys. Biochemical examinations revealed hemoconcentration followed by anemia, and a considerable drop in serum proteins. The urea level increases 24 hours after and attains a notable maximum at the 30th hour (50 to 200 per cent). During these acute intoxications, no disorder whatsoever in the nervous system was observed.