Coprine
Coprine (1-cyclopropanol-1-N5-glutamine) is a compound produced by edible mushrooms of the genus Coprinopsis (e.g., C. atramentaria, the death cap, the ink cap) that on ingestion causes a marked ethanol sensitivity.
From:
Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science, 2012
Related terms:
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Mushrooms, Coprine
T.R. Peredy, in
Encyclopedia of Toxicology (Third Edition), 2014
Background
Coprine-containing mushrooms such as
Coprinopsis atramentaria, also known as the common inky cap mushroom is found in Europe and North America. It is a common fungus and arises often after rain showers throughout the northern hemisphere in the spring through autumn. It is edible; however, poisonous when consumed with alcohol – which is the source of one of the common names for this mushroom – tippler's bane.
Coprine has been isolated from
C. atramentaria formerly
Coprinus atramentarius; however, other
Coprinus species such as the common edible
Coprinus comatus (Shaggy Mane, Lawyer's wig) do not contain coprine. Other mushroom species are known to cause
alcohol intolerance:
Verpa bohemica, Clitocybe clavipes, Pholiota squarrosa, Tricholoma flavovirens, Mochella angusticeps, and
Lepiota aspera, however, their mechanism of toxicity is unknown.
Toxicology and Human Environments
Ernest Hodgson, in
Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science, 2012
2.3.5 Coprine
Coprine (1-cyclopropanol-1-
N5-glutamine) is a compound produced by edible mushrooms of the genus
Coprinopsis (e.g.,
C. atramentaria, the death cap, the ink cap) that on
ingestion causes a marked ethanol sensitivity. The mechanism appears to be inhibition of the low
Km form of liver
acetaldehyde dehydrogenase by the active metabolite cyclopropanone hydrate. Although the overall effect resembles that of
disulfiram, coprine (Fig. 14.1) does not affect dopamine-β-decarboxylase and is a more potent ethanol-sensitizing agent.2,15
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Hazards and Diseases
D. Clarke, C. Crews, in
Encyclopedia of Food Safety, 2014
Antabuse Syndrome
Occurrence
It is caused by the fungi
Coprinus atramentarius,
Clitocybe clavipes, other
Coprinus spp.
Toxicity
Coprinus species produce the compound
coprine. This is not itself a poison but interferes with the alcohol
detoxification process by inhibiting one of the enzymes (alcohol dehydrogenase) that processes alcohol. Alcohol is then broken down only partially to
acetaldehyde. The symptoms of coprine poisoning are due to the build-up of acetaldehyde in the blood. Incidentally, the alcohol antabuse treatment disulfiram operates in the same manner, hence the syndrome being named ‘antabuse.’
Clinical Manifestations
Symptoms may occur shortly after the consumption of both the fungus and an
alcoholic beverage up to 48 h after the fungi is eaten. Symptoms include a flushing of the face and neck, a
metallic taste in the mouth, tingling of the extremities, rapid heartbeat, and a feeling of swelling in the face and hands. The initial symptoms may be followed by nausea and vomiting. Occasionally visual disturbances,
vertigo, weakness, and confusion occur.
Diagnosis and Treatment
The symptoms will subside on their own in time, although the patient may be convinced that he or she has been seriously poisoned.
Coprine poisoning is unpleasant but will run its course in a couple of hours without treatment.
Coprinus atramentarius is edible and safe if cooked and if no alcohol is ingested within 2–3 days of eating the fungi.