Brevetoxin
Brevetoxin
Brevetoxin (pronounced: breh-vuh-tox-in) is a type of neurotoxin produced by the dinoflagellate species Karenia brevis. It is known for its role in causing red tide, a harmful algal bloom that can have severe impacts on marine life and human health.
Etymology
The term "brevetoxin" is derived from the genus name of the organism that produces it, Karenia brevis. The suffix "-toxin" is used to denote that it is a toxic substance.
Description
Brevetoxins are cyclic polyether compounds. They are lipid-soluble and can accumulate in shellfish and fish, posing a risk to humans who consume contaminated seafood. Brevetoxins bind to voltage-gated sodium channels in nerve cells, disrupting normal neurological function.
Health Effects
Exposure to brevetoxins can lead to neurotoxic shellfish poisoning (NSP), a condition characterized by gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and neurological symptoms such as tingling fingers or toes. In severe cases, NSP can cause respiratory distress and even death.
In addition to NSP, brevetoxins can also cause respiratory irritation in humans who inhale the toxins, particularly in coastal areas during red tide events. This can lead to coughing, sneezing, and shortness of breath, especially in individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma.
Related Terms
- Neurotoxin: A poison that acts on the nervous system.
- Dinoflagellate: A type of single-celled organism, many species of which can produce toxins.
- Red tide: A type of harmful algal bloom caused by high concentrations of certain dinoflagellate species.
- Neurotoxic shellfish poisoning (NSP): A condition caused by consuming shellfish contaminated with brevetoxins.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Brevetoxin
- Wikipedia's article - Brevetoxin
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