Effects of some substances on ergot alkaloid production

✍ Scribed by E. O. Ogunlana; E. Ramstad; V. E. Tyler

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1969
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 345 KB
• Volume: 58
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0022-3549
• DOI: 10.1002/jps.2600580138

✦ Synopsis

Literature reports do not agree with regard to the influence of aeration on the ergot alkaloid production, but in general, the results bring out the need of adequate aeration for substantial alkaloid production. The beneficial influence of aeration and the absolute requirement of molecular oxygen in the biosynthesis of the alkaloids pointed to the possibility that oxygenases may be participating in their biosynthesis. Certain substances which are known to affect oxygenases have been tested for their influence on the ergot alkaloid production in shake cultures of Cluuiceps, strain SD/58. The effects on alkaloid production range widely: sodium L-thyroxine produces inhibition; phenobarbital, hydrocortisone, and 3,4-benzpyrene cause marked increases. The results lend support to the concept that one or more oxygenases are involved in the biosynthesis of the ergot alkaloids.