Orellanine

Orellanine is a toxic compound that is primarily found in certain species of the mushroom genus Cortinarius. It is named after the Swiss mycologist Robert Orell, who first isolated the toxin. Orellanine is the main cause of Cortinarius mushroom poisoning, which can lead to serious kidney damage and even death.

Chemical Structure and Properties

Orellanine is a bipyridine derivative, with the chemical formula C_10H_8N_2O_4. It is a crystalline solid that is soluble in water and alcohol. The compound has a molar mass of 224.18 g/mol. Its structure consists of two pyridine rings connected by a -CH2- bridge, with two hydroxyl groups (-OH) and two nitro groups (-NO2) attached to the rings.

Toxicity

Orellanine is highly toxic to humans and animals. It primarily targets the kidney, causing severe damage that can lead to renal failure. The toxin works by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) that cause oxidative stress and damage to kidney cells. Symptoms of orellanine poisoning include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and eventually kidney failure. The onset of symptoms can be delayed for several days after ingestion, which makes diagnosis and treatment difficult.

Treatment

There is currently no specific antidote for orellanine poisoning. Treatment is primarily supportive and involves managing the symptoms and preventing further kidney damage. This may include intravenous fluids, medications to control nausea and vomiting, and in severe cases, dialysis.

Prevention

The best way to prevent orellanine poisoning is to avoid consuming Cortinarius mushrooms. It is important to accurately identify mushrooms before consumption, as many toxic species can resemble edible ones. Education and awareness about the dangers of wild mushroom consumption can also help prevent poisoning.

See Also

• Mushroom poisoning
• Renal failure
• Dialysis

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