Altered messenger RNA expression in placental tissues of ewes exposed to ergot alkaloids during gestation

An abstract of a study by Britt et al examining the altered messenger RNA expression in placental tissues of ewes exposed to ergot alkaloids during gestation is presented. Consuming ergot alkaloids found in endophyte-infected tall fescue seed causes intrauterine growth restriction due to uteroplacental insufficiency. The objective of this study was to assess the impact on gene expression levels in placental tissue from feeding ergot alkaloids during gestation. The consumption of ergot alkaloids during gestation directly effects the mRNA expression in cotyledon tissues.