Hypoglycin A Concentrations in Maple Tree Species in the Netherlands and the Occurrence of Atypical Myopathy in Horses
Background Atypical myopathy (AM) in horses is caused by the plant toxin hypoglycin A, which in Europe typically is found in the sycamore maple tree (Acer pseudoplatanus). Owners are concerned about whether their horses are in danger if they graze near maple trees. Hypothesis/Objectives To measure h...
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Wiley
2016-05-01
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| Series: | Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.13927 |
| _version_ | 1798030102262448128 |
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| author | C.M. Westermann R. vanLeeuwen L.W.D. vanRaamsdonk H.G.J. Mol |
| author_facet | C.M. Westermann R. vanLeeuwen L.W.D. vanRaamsdonk H.G.J. Mol |
| author_sort | C.M. Westermann |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Background Atypical myopathy (AM) in horses is caused by the plant toxin hypoglycin A, which in Europe typically is found in the sycamore maple tree (Acer pseudoplatanus). Owners are concerned about whether their horses are in danger if they graze near maple trees. Hypothesis/Objectives To measure hypoglycin A in the most common maple tree species in the Netherlands, and to determine whether concentration of toxin is a predictor of AM in horses. Methods A total of 278 samples of maple tree leaves, sprouts, and seeds were classified by species. Mean concentrations of hypoglycin A were compared for the type of sample, the season and the occurrence of AM in the pasture (non‐AM versus AM). Statistical analysis was performed using generalized a linear model (SPPS22). Results Almost all Acer pseudoplatanus samples contained hypoglycin A, with concentrations differing significantly among sources (P < .001). Concentrations were significantly higher in seeds from the AM group than in seeds from the non‐AM group (856 ± 677 and 456 ± 358 mg/kg, respectively; P = .039). In sprouts and leaves this was not the case. Acer platanoides and Acer campestre samples did not contain detectable concentrations of hypoglycin A. Conclusions and clinical importance Acer platanoides and campestre seem to be safe around paddocks and pastures, whereas almost all Acer pseudoplatanus samples contained hypoglycin A. In all AM cases, Acer pseudoplatanus was found. Despite significantly higher concentration of hypoglycin A in seeds of pastures where AM has occurred, individual prediction of AM cannot be made by measuring these concentrations because of the high standard deviation. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-11T19:34:46Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-148027cb29a6422aa79565a4b6adb4e2 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 0891-6640 1939-1676 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-11T19:34:46Z |
| publishDate | 2016-05-01 |
| publisher | Wiley |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine |
| spelling | doaj.art-148027cb29a6422aa79565a4b6adb4e22022-12-22T04:06:53ZengWileyJournal of Veterinary Internal Medicine0891-66401939-16762016-05-0130388088410.1111/jvim.13927Hypoglycin A Concentrations in Maple Tree Species in the Netherlands and the Occurrence of Atypical Myopathy in HorsesC.M. Westermann0R. vanLeeuwen1L.W.D. vanRaamsdonk2H.G.J. Mol3Department of Equine Sciences Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Utrecht University Utrecht the NetherlandsRIKILT‐Wageningen UR Wageningen the NetherlandsRIKILT‐Wageningen UR Wageningen the NetherlandsRIKILT‐Wageningen UR Wageningen the NetherlandsBackground Atypical myopathy (AM) in horses is caused by the plant toxin hypoglycin A, which in Europe typically is found in the sycamore maple tree (Acer pseudoplatanus). Owners are concerned about whether their horses are in danger if they graze near maple trees. Hypothesis/Objectives To measure hypoglycin A in the most common maple tree species in the Netherlands, and to determine whether concentration of toxin is a predictor of AM in horses. Methods A total of 278 samples of maple tree leaves, sprouts, and seeds were classified by species. Mean concentrations of hypoglycin A were compared for the type of sample, the season and the occurrence of AM in the pasture (non‐AM versus AM). Statistical analysis was performed using generalized a linear model (SPPS22). Results Almost all Acer pseudoplatanus samples contained hypoglycin A, with concentrations differing significantly among sources (P < .001). Concentrations were significantly higher in seeds from the AM group than in seeds from the non‐AM group (856 ± 677 and 456 ± 358 mg/kg, respectively; P = .039). In sprouts and leaves this was not the case. Acer platanoides and Acer campestre samples did not contain detectable concentrations of hypoglycin A. Conclusions and clinical importance Acer platanoides and campestre seem to be safe around paddocks and pastures, whereas almost all Acer pseudoplatanus samples contained hypoglycin A. In all AM cases, Acer pseudoplatanus was found. Despite significantly higher concentration of hypoglycin A in seeds of pastures where AM has occurred, individual prediction of AM cannot be made by measuring these concentrations because of the high standard deviation.https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.13927AcerAtypical myopathyHorsePasture‐associated myopathy |
| spellingShingle | C.M. Westermann R. vanLeeuwen L.W.D. vanRaamsdonk H.G.J. Mol Hypoglycin A Concentrations in Maple Tree Species in the Netherlands and the Occurrence of Atypical Myopathy in Horses Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine Acer Atypical myopathy Horse Pasture‐associated myopathy |
| title | Hypoglycin A Concentrations in Maple Tree Species in the Netherlands and the Occurrence of Atypical Myopathy in Horses |
| title_full | Hypoglycin A Concentrations in Maple Tree Species in the Netherlands and the Occurrence of Atypical Myopathy in Horses |
| title_fullStr | Hypoglycin A Concentrations in Maple Tree Species in the Netherlands and the Occurrence of Atypical Myopathy in Horses |
| title_full_unstemmed | Hypoglycin A Concentrations in Maple Tree Species in the Netherlands and the Occurrence of Atypical Myopathy in Horses |
| title_short | Hypoglycin A Concentrations in Maple Tree Species in the Netherlands and the Occurrence of Atypical Myopathy in Horses |
| title_sort | hypoglycin a concentrations in maple tree species in the netherlands and the occurrence of atypical myopathy in horses |
| topic | Acer Atypical myopathy Horse Pasture‐associated myopathy |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.13927 |
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