Marine Toxins Flashcards
What synthesises most marine toxins?
Dinoflagellates (marine plankton).
Which receptor does domoic acid act on?
Kainate receptors.
What is the effect of domoic acid in humans?
Amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP).
What are the symptoms of amnesic shellfish poisoning?
Damage to hippocampus, amygdala, entorhinal cortex.
Lesions in anterior claustrum, nucleus accumbens, thalamus.
Short-term memory deficits.
Vomiting and diarrhoea.
Abnormal repetitive behaviours, e.g. chewing.
Chemoconvulsant-induced seizures.
Coma.
Death.
What is the effect of saixitoxin in humans?
Paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP).
Which receptor does saixitoxin act on?
Blocks sodium channels.
What are the symptoms of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP)?
Flaccid paralysis.
Respiratory failure.
Death.
What is the effect of brevetoxin in humans?
Neurotoxic shellfish poisoning (NSP).
How does brevetoxin act on receptors?
Binds to alpha subunit of VG sodium channels and causes persistent opening.
What are the symptoms of neurotoxic shellfish poisoning?
Paresthesias (feelings of tingling, numbness, or pins and needles).
Reversal of hot and cold temperature sensation.
Vertigo.
Ataxia.
What is one potential clinical application of marine toxins?
Potential anaesthetic.
