MYOGLOBINURIA DUE TO QUAIL POISONING

Quail poisoning is known to produce an acute myoglobinuric syndrome. T he cause of this syndrome is still unknown. It has been suggested that a toxic effect or a genetic sensitivity plays a major role. Ten patie nts with a history of quail poisoning were examined to determine their present state and the course of the disease. A muscle biopsy was perf ormed in 2 of these patients who complained of muscle cramps after exe rcise. The activities of several glycolytic, mitochondrial and lipolyt ic enzymes were estimated. In all 10 patients the physical examination , electromyogram findings and conduction velocities were normal. Serum levels of CK, aldolase and lactic acid were also within normal range. In the 2 patients with cramps, all enzyme activities were normal in m uscle tissue. Our findings possibly exclude a preexisting enzyme defec t as a cause of myoglobinuria in quail poisoning. Considering that 4 o f our patients continued the consumption of quails without further pro blems, we suggest that the major factor contributing to quail poisonin g must be toxic.