Roquefortine and isofumigaclavine A, alkaloids from Penicillium roqueforti

Ann Nutr Aliment. 1977;31(4-6):963-8.

Abstract

Extraction of mycelium from cultures of Penicillium roqueforti (strain CS1) yielded 2 new crystalline metabolites, designated roquefortine and isofumigaclavine A. The structure of roquefortine, the major alkaloid, was established by a combination of chemical transformations and spectroscopic studies. The structure of isofumigaclavine A was determined by spectroscopic and X-ray analysis. Roquefortine possessed neurotoxic properties when injected intraperitoneally in mice and has been detected in 16 out of 16 samples of blue cheese from 7 countries. Isofumigaclavine A has also been found in blue cheese.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Assay
  • Cheese
  • Ergolines* / biosynthesis
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Mice
  • Mycotoxins* / biosynthesis
  • Penicillium / metabolism*

Substances

  • Ergolines
  • Mycotoxins