Cardioinhibitory properties of potato glycoalkaloids in beetles

Bull Environ Contam Toxicol. 2010 Feb;84(2):153-6. doi: 10.1007/s00128-009-9921-3. Epub 2009 Dec 19.

Abstract

The semi-isolated heart bioassay was used to evaluate the effect of glycoalkaloids extracted from potato leaves on the heart contractile activity of three beetle species Zophobas atratus, Tenebrio molitor and Leptinotarsa decemlineata. The dose-response curves indicated species specific action of tested substances. Application of glycoalkaloids on the continuously perfused Z. atratus heart inhibited progressively frequency contractions; higher concentrations exerted short and reversible cardiac arrests. In the rest two beetle species tested glycoalkaloids caused no cardiotropic effect. In vivo bioassay with 1 day old Z. atratus pupae showed that the extract induces a negative inotropic effect on the heart.

MeSH terms

  • Alkaloids / toxicity*
  • Animals
  • Coleoptera / physiology*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Heart / drug effects*
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Insecticides / toxicity*
  • Myocardial Contraction / drug effects
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology
  • Pupa
  • Solanum tuberosum / chemistry*
  • Tenebrio

Substances

  • Alkaloids
  • Insecticides
  • Plant Extracts