Palytoxin: deadlier than fugu?

Palytoxin 3 out of 5 stars Hyperkalemia, Hyperphosphatemia, Acute Kidney Injury, and Fatal Dysrhythmias After Consumption of Palytoxin-Contaminated Goldspot Herring. Wu M: et al. Ann Emerg Med 2014 Dec;64:633-6. Abstract Palytoxin, a huge heat-stable molecule, is one of the most deadly of all the marine toxins. Fortunately, cases of severe palytoxin poisoning are relatively rare. This paper from Taiwan describes 4 patients from a single family who became symptomatic after eating fish soup made from the local catch. One person died. The presence of palytoxin was confirmed in samples of leftover fish. The following questions are based on point made in the paper. Click on the question to reveal the answer: What is the mechanism by which palytoxin produces poisoning? expand(document.getElementById('ddet581325760'));expand(document.getElementById('ddetlink581325760')) Palytoxin poisons the membrane sodium-potassium pump, impairing the ability of cells to maintain electrical gradients. Essentially, it turns the normally carefully regulated pump into an open non-specific cation channel. Sodium ions rush into the cell — creating a permanent state of depolarization —  along with calcium ions that ultimately cause cell death. Calcium also mediates release of neurotransmitters, histamine, and catecholamines. Palytoxin is a potent vasoconstrictor, especially affecting heart and kidney vessels. What fish and sea creatures can be poisoned by palytoxin? expand(document.getElementBy...
Source: The Poison Review - Category: Toxicology Authors: Tags: Medical fish poisoning Goldspot herring marine palytoxin Source Type: news