Case report: Amanita muscaria (fly agaric) poisoning
Mikhail Kochlev/shutterstock.com
2 out of 5 stars
Coma in the course of severe poisoning after consumption of red fly agaric (Amanita muscaria). Mikaszewska-Sokolewicz MA et al. Acta Biochim Pol 2016 Feb 1 [Epub ahead of print]
Full Text
Probably the most recognizable mushroom in the world is Amanita muscaria (the “fly agaric”), This striking red-and-white fungus contains several distinct neurotoxins:
ibotenic acid: this toxin is structurally similar to the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamic acid
muscimol: structurally similar to GABAA this is the main psychoactive component of A muscaria producing sedative and dissociative manifestations
muscarine: contrary to the common belief that it is a major contributor to poisoning from A muscaria , this cholinergic toxin is usually present in such small amounts that it rarely contributes to significant clinical toxicity
Because of the variety of toxins present in A muscaria and their different effects, ingestion of the mushroom often does not produce a clear and consistent toxidrome. This case report, from the Medical University of Warsaw, describes a 21-year-old man who was brought to hospital after intentional ingestion of A muscaria. He was unresponsive to pain or voice. Physical examination revealed tachycardia (pulse 127/min) along with mitosis and warm, dry skin. He subsequently developed seizure activity and increased oropharyngeal and respiratory secretions. After intubation, gastric lavage r...
Source: The Poison Review - Category: Toxicology Authors: Leon Tags: Medical amanita muscaria fly agaric isotonic acid muscimol mushroom poisoning Source Type: news
More News: Back Pain | Gastric Lavage | Gastroenterology | Hospitals | Men | Mushrooms | Neurology | Pain | Poisoning | Respiratory Medicine | Skin | Toxicology