INTOXICATION AND PHYTOCHEMISTRY STUDY OF Litch chinensis IN MARES AFTER SPONTANEOUS INGESTION

MELO M.O. (1), DANTAS-BARROS A.M. (2), FONSECA M. (2), MELO M.M. (1),

(1) Escola de Veterinária, Brazil, UFMG; (2) Faculdade de Farmácia, UFMG; Brazil.

Nine adult mares, showing clinical signs of ataxia, abnormal attitude, lateral recumbency, lethargy, conjuctival congestion, dyspnea, cyanosis, dehydratation, hemoptiasis and brownish urine. The blood profile showed anemia, microcytic and hypochromic erythrocytes; leukocytosis, neutrophilia, regenerative left shift, increase of GGT and total bilirubin. All mares died and were submitted to necropsy. The gross findings were hydrotorax, parietal pleura with petechial multifocal hemorrhage, edema and pulmonary congestion, hydropericardio, pericardial and myocardial multifocal haemorrage. Hepatomegaly and brownish livers were seen. In the small intestine, the presence of hemorrhage and congestion in the serous membranes, and in large intestine a large amount of material that suggest skin-seed mix in ingesta were observed. Neutrophilic endocarditis and myocarditis, in association with fibrous degeneration, edema and pulmonary congestion, focal acute splenic infarctation and liver degeneration were observed microscopically. Rabies and toxicololgic (pesticide, artificial fertilizer, mycotoxins, monensin and heavy metals) exams were performed, all showing negative results. All mares were in Brachiaria sp. pasture in which area there were trees (Litch chinensis Sonn). In order to confirm the diagnosis, four animals were separeted and fed with whole mature fruits from L. chinensis. After 5th day of fruit administration, all animals showed the same signs, gross and microscopic lesions as described above, confirming the intoxication. The routine phytochemistry study was performed into four parts of the fruit of L. chinensis: almond, skin of the almond, comestible pulp and outside skin of fruit. Heterosids flavonols, polyphenols, saponins were observed. Coumarins were observed only in the almond and were evaluated by thin layer chromatography. Identified components could be responsible for the toxic effects observed, considering that saponins can cause hemolysis, coumarins are mucous irritants and flavonoids could cause cardiac stimulation.

KEY WORDS: mare, intoxication, Lich chinensis, phytochemistry.

CORRESPONDENCE TO: Marilia Melo, Lab.Toxicologia, UFMG; marilia@vet.ufmg.br