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A Role for Platelet-Derived Growth Factor in Drug-Induced Chronic Ergotism?

A Case Report

Second Chair of Medicine, Institute of Medical Semeiotics, University of Padua, Italy

Andrea Caenazzo

Second Chair of Medicine, Institute of Medical Semeiotics, University of Padua, Italy

Francesco Dazzi

Second Chair of Medicine, Institute of Medical Semeiotics, University of Padua, Italy

Giuliana Polato

Second Chair of Medicine, Institute of Medical Semeiotics, University of Padua, Italy

Antonio Girolami

Second Chair of Medicine, Institute of Medical Semeiotics, University of Padua, Italy

Generalized vasoconstriction in chronic ergot poisoning is attributed both to the ergota mine activity on -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.

Angiology, Vol. 46, No. 7, 633-636 (1995)
DOI: 10.1177/000331979504600712


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