Penitrem A

Penitrem A is a fungal neurotoxin found on ryegrass. It is produced by certain species of Aspergillus, Claviceps, and Penicillium. It inhibits potassium channels in smooth muscles. The maxi-channels targeted have their highest density in the cerebellar Purkinje cells.

It causes a stagger in horses and cattle.

ED-50
The ED-50 for Penitrem A is 10nM. The ED-50 is the effective dose for 50% of the population. Many toxic chemicals do not show ED-50s and act by irreversible covalent adduction.

Stages of toxicity

 * Acute Tremor
 * Chronic Ataxia
 * Little recovery