Abstract Detail

Symbioses: Plant, Animal, and Microbe Interactions

McGeorge, Gabrielle [1], Lehman, Jeffrey [1].

Effects of Galloyl Derivatives found in Acer spp. on Hemolysis and Methemoglobin Production in Equine Erythrocytes.

Maple toxicosis is a deadly condition affecting equines after they have ingested wilted leaves of the genus Acer (i.e., maple species). It is characterized by hemolytic anemia and methemoglobinemia. Although the toxins responsible for causing toxicosis have not been identified, they are thought to be strong oxidants. The objective of this study is to determine the effect of eight compounds (galloyl derivatives) found in Acer spp. on hemolysis and methemoglobin production in bioassays with equine erythrocytes. Equine erythrocytes were incubated with each compound at concentrations of 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.6 mg/ml. Toxicity was determined spectrophotometrically based on percentage hemolysis of erythrocytes and on the production of methemoglobin. Experiments were repeated three times. Of the eight compounds, only tannic acid and gallic acid showed a significant effect on hemolysis. Tannic acid caused a higher level of hemolysis than did gallic acid. Concentrations of tannic acid >0.4 mg/ml caused significantly more hemolysis than the control. The amount of hemolysis caused by the highest concentration (1.6 mg/ml) was roughly 3 times higher than the control. For gallic acid, only the most concentrated treatment of 1.6 mg/ml resulted in a significant increase in hemolysis relative to the control. Pyrogallol had the greatest effect on the production of methemoglobin. As little as 0.2 mg/ml of pyrogallol significantly increased methemoglobin production (0.9% versus 57% for 0 mg/ml and 0.2 mg/ml, respectively). Quercetin, methyl gallate, gallic acid, and tannic acid significantly affected methemoglobin production, in most cases with as little as 0.2 mg/ml of compound. Acertannin had no effect on hemolysis or on methemoglobin. The results of this study show that maple toxicosis can be explained by the presence of tannic acid and pyrogallol which cause hemolysis and the production of methemoglobin, respectively.

1 - Otterbein University, Biology and Earth Science, 1 South Grove St., Westerville, OH, 43081, USA

Keywords:
maple toxicosis
galloyl derivatives
Acer spp.
gallic acid
methyl gallate
pyrogallol
tannic acid
hemolytic anemia
methemoglobinemia.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P3, Symbioses: Plant, Animal, and Microbe Interactions Posters
Location: Virtual/Virtual
Date: Wednesday, July 21st, 2021
Time: 5:00 PM(EDT)
Number: P3SM005
Abstract ID:972
Candidate for Awards:Phytochemical Best Poster Award