Effects of acetamide on experimentally-induced Palicourea marcgravii (St Hill) poisoning in rats.

High indices of mortality in cattle have been reported in Brazil as a consequence of Palicourea marcgravii (Pm) acute intoxications. It has been established that Pm leaves contain monofluoroacetic acid (MFA), the active toxic principle of the plant. Rational therapy for MFA poisoning involves the use of a substance that might prevent fluorocitric acid formation. The present work was undertaken to verify if acetamide, a MFA antidote and an acetate donor, protects rats against both Pm and MFA intoxications. It was verified that acetamide protected rats from both convulsions and death. Future experiments should be carried out on cattle to examine the efficiency of acetamide, and particularly under field conditions.