Ciguatoxin

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Chemical structure of the ciguatoxin CTX1B

Ciguatoxin is a fish poison which causes ciguatera.

There are several types:

PubChem 5311333 - Ciguatoxin 1
PubChem 6441260 - Ciguatoxin 2
PubChem 6444399 - Ciguatoxin 3
PubChem 6450530 - Ciguatoxin 4B

[edit] Toxic Effect

Lowers threshold for opening voltage-gated sodium channels in synapse of nervous system. The effect of opening sodium channel will cause depolarization, which could sequentially cause paralytic, heart contraction and changing the senses of hearing and cold.

Because it does not cross the blood brain barrier (BBB), ciguatoxins solely affect the peripheral nervous system (PNS).

The major symptoms will be developed just a few hours of toxin ingestion: vomiting, diarrhea, numbness of extremities, mouth and lips, reversal of hot and cold sensation, muscle and joint aches. The symptoms may last from days to weeks or even months depending on each individual situation.

[edit] Bioaccumulation route

Produced by Gambierdiscus toxicus, a type of dinoflagellates and accumulates in big coral reef fish, such as grouper, wrasse, triggerfish, and amberjack. Ciguatoxin usually accumulates in skin, head, viscera and roe of the fish.

Ciguatoxin could not be destroyed by cooking. Rapid test of this toxin is not standard.