Which two problems are caused by the mycotoxin ergotamine?

• A. Nausea and vomiting
• B. Vasoconstriction and tissue necrosis
• C. Edema and numbness
• D. Fever and rash

Answer: (B)

Ergotamine, an ergot alkaloid produced by certain fungi on grains, causes intense vasoconstriction of peripheral and other vessels by acting on alpha-adrenergic and serotonin receptors. This markedly reduces blood flow, leading to ischemia and can progress to tissue necrosis in areas like the fingers and toes. Those vascular effects are the hallmark problems produced by this toxin, which is why vasoconstriction and tissue necrosis are the correct pairing.

Nausea and vomiting, edema and numbness, or fever and rash aren’t the characteristic outcomes of ergotamine exposure. GI upset can occur with many toxins, and fever or rash isn’t typical of the vascular effects seen with ergotism, whereas edema or numbness are not the defining issues either.