Development against toxic alkaloids

In human and model animal cells, metabolism of the exogenously applied Vinca alkaloids is carried out by a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase and in some cases by myeloperoxidase, and removal of the toxic alkaloids from the cytoplasm to the extracellular compartment is made by an ABC transporter. The mechanisms involved in metabolism and transport of the Vinca alkaloids in animals are thought to have developed, at least in part, as a defence against the toxic compounds present in the plants that animals eat [204]. 

Solanopubamine, a natural steoroidal alkaloid isolated from Solarium schim-perianum, has strong antimicrobial activity. Some semi-synthetic compounds were developed from these alkaloids and their biological activity is also strong. They are also cytotoxic against a panel of human cancer cell lines and toxic to microorganisms. 

The effects of pyrrolizidine alkaloids on the mixed-function oxidase enzyme system in rat liver have been studied.79,80 Dehydroheliotridine and heliotrine (at higher dose rates) have similar effects on pregnant rats and their embryos.81 The development of pulmonary hypertension and obstructive lesions in rats after administration of monocrotaline (48) has been studied.82 Butylated hydroxyanisole protects young mice against the acute toxicity of monocrotaline.83 Reduced levels of pyrrole metabolites were observed. 

Quinolizidine alkaloids, pure or in mixtures of plant extract, can be used to protect plants against noxious insects. Scientific data have shown that quinolizidine alkaloids play a role in the resistance of some lupine varieties to the pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris) due to their ability to inhibit the development of this pest population. Evidence also points out that alkaloid extracts have an important influence on the feeding and development of larvae and on potato beetle mortality. Researchers concluded that the toxicity and restricted larval development was correlated with alkaloid content. In this research, the strongest action of the extract contained 1.6-3.3% alkaloids. Spraying potatoes with lupine extract seems to be... 

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