Effects of prolonged tremor due to penitrem A in mice.

Adult mice were given subcutaneous injections of purified penitrem A (10 mg/kg) dissolved in corn oil. The mycotoxin was prepared by ether extraction and absorption chromatography; identity was established by absorption and mass spectra. Tremors were sustained for 72 hr following a single dose; readministration every 3 days was used to provide continuous trembling for 18 days. No lesions specifically attributed to penitrem A could be detected by histological examination of brains even after 18 days of trembling. Pharmacological agents affecting central nervous system neurotransmitters had some capacity to modify the effects of penitrem A. The results of those studies were such that a definitive conclusion regarding mechanisms of action of the toxin could not be determined.