How Do You Spell ERGOTOXINE?

Pronunciation: [ˈɜːɡətˌɒksa͡ɪn] (IPA)

Ergotoxine is a chemical compound produced by a fungus commonly found in rye and other grains. The pronunciation of ergotoxine can be broken down phonetically as follows: [ɜrgoʊtɑksin]. The first syllable, "er," is pronounced with a short "e" sound followed by a rolled "r." The second syllable, "go," is pronounced with a short "o" sound. The third syllable, "tox," is pronounced with a "t" sound and a short "o." The final syllable, "ine," is pronounced with a long "i" sound and a soft "n."

ERGOTOXINE Meaning and Definition

1. Ergotoxine refers to a group of naturally occurring alkaloids that are derived from the fungus Claviceps purpurea. These alkaloids are predominantly found in infected cereals, particularly rye, and are responsible for causing a condition called ergotism. Ergotoxine is formed by the combination of two major components, namely ergocornine and ergocristine.

   Ergotoxine possesses vasoconstrictive properties, meaning it causes the narrowing of blood vessels. This effect mainly occurs due to its ability to bind and activate certain receptors in smooth muscles, such as alpha-adrenergic receptors. As a result, ergotoxine can lead to the constriction of peripheral blood vessels, reducing blood flow to various organs and tissues.

   In terms of pharmacological properties, ergotoxine exhibits ergot alkaloid activity similar to other ergot derivatives. It has been utilized in medical settings as a medicine to control bleeding and promote contraction of the uterus during childbirth. However, due to its potential side effects and the availability of more efficient alternatives, the use of ergotoxine has significantly decreased over time.

   On the toxicological side, ergotoxine can induce various symptoms when ingested in large quantities, including visual disturbances, hallucinations, constriction of blood vessels, gangrene, and convulsions. The excessive consumption of contaminated cereals has historically led to outbreaks of ergotism, known as "St. Anthony's Fire," which affected humans and animals alike.

   In conclusion, ergotoxine is a natural alkaloid found in infected cereals, possessing vasoconstrictive properties. While it has been used in medical applications, its toxicity and availability of safer alternatives have reduced its overall usage.

2. An alkaloid probably identical with cornutine, obtained from ergot, or produced during the catabolism of tyrosin.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for ERGOTOXINE

• wrgotoxine
• srgotoxine
• drgotoxine
• rrgotoxine
• 4rgotoxine
• 3rgotoxine
• eegotoxine
• edgotoxine
• efgotoxine
• etgotoxine
• e5gotoxine
• e4gotoxine
• erfotoxine
• ervotoxine
• erbotoxine
• erhotoxine
• eryotoxine
• ertotoxine
• ergitoxine
• ergktoxine

Etymology of ERGOTOXINE

The word "ergotoxine" is derived from two main components: "ergot" and "toxin".

1. Ergot: The term "ergot" refers to the parasitic fungus Claviceps purpurea, which infects various cereal grains, especially rye. Ergot has a long history of causing outbreaks of poisoning, known as ergotism, in humans and livestock. The word "ergot" itself has a Greek origin derived from the word "ergon", meaning "work" or "task", possibly referring to the effect of ergot poisoning on muscle contraction.

2. Toxin: The term "toxin" is derived from the Greek word "toxikon", which literally means "poison for arrows". It originally referred to the poison used on arrowheads in ancient times.

Plural form of ERGOTOXINE is ERGOTOXINES