title: A role for platelet-derived growth factor in drug-induced chronic ergotism? A case report.
abstract: Generalized vasoconstriction in chronic ergot poisoning is attributed both to the ergotamine activity on alpha-adrenergic receptors and to its direct action on vascular smooth muscle cells. The authors propose that endothelial wall, chronically damaged by ergot alkaloids, releases platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), which contributes to vasoconstriction and promotes further arterial obstruction. Their hypothesis is supported by the increased PDGF activity found in plasma of a patient suffering from chronic ergotism.
authors.affiliation: Second Chair of Medicine, Institute of Medical Semeiotics, University of Padua, Italy.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Pietrogrande
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Caenazzo
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Dazzi
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Polato
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Girolami
mesh_terms: D002908:Chronic Disease; D062787:Drug Overdose; D004878:Ergotamine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D004881:Ergotism / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / Q000032:analysis*; D014661:Vasoconstriction / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor; D004878:Ergotamine