Science. 1992 Oct 30;258(5083):799-801.

Homobatrachotoxin in the genus Pitohui: chemical defense in birds?

Dumbacher JP, Beehler BM, Spande TF, Garraffo HM, Daly JW.

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Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago, IL 60637.

Abstract

Three passerine species in the genus Pitohui, endemic to the New Guinea subregion, contain the steroidal alkaloid homobatrachotoxin, apparently as a chemical defense. Toxin concentrations varied among species but were always highest in the skin and feathers. Homobatrachotoxin is a member of a class of compounds collectively called batrachotoxins that were previously considered to be restricted to neotropical poison-dart frogs of the genus Phyllobates. The occurrence of homobatrachotoxin in pitohuis suggests that birds and frogs independently evolved this class of alkaloids.

Comment in

The taste of birds: Pitohui! [Science. 1992]
The taste of birds: Pitohui!Wrangham R. Science. 1992 Dec 18; 258(5090):1867.
Pitohui: how toxic and to whom? [Science. 1993]
Pitohui: how toxic and to whom?Glendinning JI. Science. 1993 Jan 29; 259(5095):582-3.
Smitten by quail. [Science. 1993]
Smitten by quail.Berkowitz DB. Science. 1993 Feb 26; 259(5099):1238-9.
The taste of birds: Pitohui. [Science. 1992]
The taste of birds: Pitohui.Pough FH. Science. 1992 Dec 18; 258(5090):1867.

PMID:: 1439786; [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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