Palytoxin: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 03:47, 13 February 2025

A potent marine toxin

Palytoxin is a highly potent marine toxin originally isolated from the soft coral Palythoa species. It is one of the most toxic non-protein substances known, with a complex structure that has fascinated chemists and biologists alike.

Structure[edit]

Palytoxin is a large and complex polyether compound. Its structure consists of a long carbon chain with multiple hydroxyl groups and cyclic ethers, making it a member of the polyether class of toxins. The molecular formula of palytoxin is C₁₂₉H₂₂₃N₃O₅₄, and it has a molecular weight of approximately 2,686.9 g/mol.

Source[edit]

Palytoxin was first isolated from the soft coral Palythoa toxica, found in the Hawaiian Islands. It is also found in other marine organisms, including certain species of zoanthids and dinoflagellates.

Mechanism of Action[edit]

Palytoxin exerts its toxic effects by binding to and modifying the function of the sodium-potassium pump (Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase) in cell membranes. Normally, this pump helps maintain the electrochemical gradient across the cell membrane by pumping sodium ions out of the cell and potassium ions into the cell. Palytoxin converts this pump into a non-selective ion channel, disrupting the ion balance and leading to cell death.

Toxicity[edit]

Palytoxin is extremely toxic, with an estimated lethal dose for humans being as low as 0.15 micrograms per kilogram of body weight. Exposure can occur through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact, leading to symptoms such as muscle spasms, respiratory distress, and cardiovascular collapse.

Clinical Significance[edit]

Due to its high toxicity, palytoxin poses a significant risk to humans, particularly those handling marine organisms that may contain the toxin. There have been reports of poisoning from aquarium enthusiasts who have handled zoanthid corals without proper protection.

Safety Precautions[edit]

When handling marine organisms that may contain palytoxin, it is crucial to wear protective gloves and masks to prevent skin contact and inhalation. Proper ventilation is also important to avoid inhaling aerosolized toxins.

Related pages[edit]

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-{{png-image}}
+{{short description|A potent marine toxin}}
-'''Palytoxin''' is one of the most potent [[toxins]] known to science, originating from [[coral]]s of the genus ''[[Palythoa]]''. It is a complex [[organic compound]] that presents a significant risk to humans if ingested, inhaled, or comes into contact with the skin. The structure of palytoxin is large and intricate, consisting of a long chain of connected carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms, along with several rings and side chains. This complexity contributes to its potent biological activity and the difficulty of studying its mode of action.
+{{Taxobox
+| name = Palytoxin
+| image = Palytoxin.svg
+| image_caption = Chemical structure of Palytoxin
+}}
-The primary source of palytoxin is marine [[zoanthids]], specifically those belonging to the genus ''Palythoa''. These organisms are found in tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide. Palytoxin can also be found in certain species of [[fish]], which may accumulate the toxin by feeding on zoanthids or other organisms that have ingested the toxin.
+'''Palytoxin''' is a highly potent [[marine toxin]] originally isolated from the soft coral ''[[Palythoa]]'' species. It is one of the most toxic non-protein substances known, with a complex structure that has fascinated chemists and biologists alike.
-The mechanism of action of palytoxin involves its interaction with the [[sodium-potassium pump]] (Na+/K+-ATPase), a critical [[enzyme]] that maintains the [[electrochemical gradient]] across cell membranes. Palytoxin binds to this enzyme and converts it into an open [[ion channel]], leading to an uncontrolled influx of [[sodium ions]] into the cell and efflux of [[potassium ions]]. This disruption of ion balance results in cell [[swelling]], [[lysis]], and ultimately, cell death.
+==Structure==
+Palytoxin is a large and complex [[polyether]] compound. Its structure consists of a long carbon chain with multiple hydroxyl groups and cyclic ethers, making it a member of the [[polyether]] class of toxins. The molecular formula of palytoxin is C<sub>129</sub>H<sub>223</sub>N<sub>3</sub>O<sub>54</sub>, and it has a molecular weight of approximately 2,686.9 g/mol.
-Exposure to palytoxin can lead to a variety of symptoms, depending on the route of exposure. These may include [[gastrointestinal distress]], [[muscle pain]], [[cardiovascular problems]], and in severe cases, [[death]]. There is no specific [[antidote]] for palytoxin poisoning, and treatment is generally supportive, aimed at managing symptoms and maintaining vital functions.
+==Source==
+Palytoxin was first isolated from the soft coral ''[[Palythoa]] toxica'', found in the Hawaiian Islands. It is also found in other marine organisms, including certain species of [[zoanthids]] and [[dinoflagellates]].
-Due to its high toxicity, palytoxin has been the subject of research for potential applications in [[biomedical research]] and as a tool in [[molecular biology]] to study the function of the sodium-potassium pump and other ion channels. However, its use is limited by the risks associated with handling and exposure.
+==Mechanism of Action==
+Palytoxin exerts its toxic effects by binding to and modifying the function of the [[sodium-potassium pump]] (Na<sup>+</sup>/K<sup>+</sup> ATPase) in cell membranes. Normally, this pump helps maintain the electrochemical gradient across the cell membrane by pumping sodium ions out of the cell and potassium ions into the cell. Palytoxin converts this pump into a non-selective ion channel, disrupting the ion balance and leading to cell death.
-In addition to its biological significance, palytoxin has also been of interest in the field of [[environmental science]], as outbreaks of palytoxin-producing organisms can pose a risk to marine ecosystems, [[aquaculture]], and human health. Monitoring and managing these outbreaks is crucial to prevent palytoxin poisoning in humans and animals.
+==Toxicity==
+Palytoxin is extremely toxic, with an estimated lethal dose for humans being as low as 0.15 micrograms per kilogram of body weight. Exposure can occur through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact, leading to symptoms such as muscle spasms, respiratory distress, and cardiovascular collapse.
-[[Category:Toxins]]
+==Clinical Significance==
-[[Category:Marine biology]]
+Due to its high toxicity, palytoxin poses a significant risk to humans, particularly those handling marine organisms that may contain the toxin. There have been reports of poisoning from aquarium enthusiasts who have handled zoanthid corals without proper protection.
-[[Category:Biochemistry]]
-{{chemistry-stub}}
+==Safety Precautions==
+When handling marine organisms that may contain palytoxin, it is crucial to wear protective gloves and masks to prevent skin contact and inhalation. Proper ventilation is also important to avoid inhaling aerosolized toxins.
+==Related pages==
+* [[Marine toxins]]
+* [[Sodium-potassium pump]]
+* [[Zoanthid]]
+* [[Dinoflagellate]]
+[[Category:Marine toxins]]
+[[Category:Polyethers]]
+[[Category:Neurotoxins]]