Generalized vasoconstriction in chronic ergot poisoning is attributed both to the ergota mine activity on α-adrenergic receptors and to its direct action on vascular smooth muscle cells. The authors propose that endothelial wall, chronically damaged by ergot alkaloids, releases platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), which contributes to vasoconstriction and promotes further arterial obstruction. Their hypothesis is supported by the increased PDGF activity found in plasma of a patient suffering from chronic ergotism.
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