The Mechanism of Ruminal Stasis in Lantana‐poisoned Sheep

Abstract

SUMMARYThe effect of poisoning by the plant Lantana camara L. on reticulo-ruminal motility was investigated in sheep. There was a marked decrease in forestomach motility 4-6 h after dosing with the plant and motility continued to be depressed throughout the course of the disease. The effect of lantana on motility was characterized by a decrease in the number and median amplitude of forestomach movements. This was in contrast to the effect of starvation which caused a decrease in only the number of forestomach movements and even this effect was less severe than in lantana-poisoned animals. The effects of lantana on the components of the reflex which controls rumen motility were examined. No evidence was found for a direct effect of lantana toxins on the stretch and tactile receptors in the reticulum; on the vagus nerves; on the gastric centre or on the muscle of the forestomach. However, evidence was found to support an hypothesis that stasis of the rumen in lantana poisoning is due to inhibitory influences arising from the damaged liver. The evidence included a correlation between the onset of ruminal stasis and liver injury; a relationship between the severity of liver injury and ruminal stasis and the finding that denervation of the liver converted the pattern of forestomach movements in intoxicated animals to that seen in starved animals. It is concluded that stasis of the rumen in lantana-poisoned animals is due at least initially, to inhibitory neural impulses arising from the damaged liver and to the effects of anorexia.

Evaluation of antimotility effect of Lantana camara L. var. acuelata constituents on neostigmine induced gastrointestinal transit in mice

“…In spite of its widespread toxicity in the Lantana affected animals, various parts of this plant have been used in the traditional medicines for treating cuts, ulcers, swelling, eczema, inflammation, fever etc [8]. Gastrointestinal stasis, ruminal stasis, constipation, discolorization of conjunctiva, photosensitization, decreased bile flow and urinary retention in the Lantana poisoned animals has been noticed [27-29]. These symptoms resembled those due to atropine toxicity i.e., anticholinergic excess [30,31].…”

Intake and digestion in swamp buffaloes and cattle. 1. The digestion of rice straw (Oryza sativa)

“…The balloons were placed through the rumen cannula and positioned in the dorsal rumen by fixing to the cannula, and in the reticulum and omasal groove by attachment to weights (reticulum, 10 kg; omasum, 0-5 kg). Chart tracings of pressure changes in the reticulum were used to distinguish A from B sequence forestomach contractions (see McSweeney et al 1989) while those from the other sites provided data on median force (McSweeney & Pass 1983) and frequency.…”

Biological action of lantadene C, a new hepatotoxicant from Lantana camara var. aculeata

“…Higher levels of conjugated form of bilirubin are indicative of obstructive jaundice (23). Studies on lantana poisoning in sheep showed that animals with denervated livers continued to show some interest in food (24).…”