Spatial variability and depuration of tetrodotoxin in the bivalve Paphies australis from New Zealand.

ABSTRACT: Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a potent neurotoxin responsible for many human intoxications globally. Despite its potency and widespread occurrence in taxonomically diverse species, the primary source of TTX remains uncertain. Paphies australis, an endemic clam found in New Zealand, has been found to contain TTX in several locations. However, it is unknown if this represents endogenous production or accumulation from an external source. To address this question, the concentrations of TTX in whole P. australis and dissected organs (siphons, foot, digestive gland and the 'rest') from thirteen sites around New Zealand were determined using liquid chromatography-tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry analysis (LC-MS/MS). Depuration rate of TTX was also investigated by harvesting and measurin

SUBMITTER: Biessy L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7286059 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature