Isolation and partial characterization of toxins from the dinoflagellate Gymnodinium breve Davis

Red tide (Ptychodiscus brevis) toxin aerosols: a review

Advances in knowledge concerning red tide toxin aerosols (airborne) of the Florida red tide organism, Ptychodiscus brevis, have not kept pace with information about waterborne toxins. This review provides a summary of current knowledge regarding the characterization, effect and production of red tide toxin aerosols. Insight into the chemical characterization and toxic effects of aerosolized toxins is provided from investigations of toxins extracted from natural blooms, as well as from laboratory cultures, of P. brevis. This information is used in conjunction with the few studies that have been performed on toxin aerosols to consider toxic effects. The production of aerosolized toxins is considered through studies of jet drop aerosol formation from bursting bubbles. Existing information suggests that aerosolized red tide toxins may be the same chemicals as those extracted from laboratory cultures, with one of the toxins having a greater respiratory effect than others.

The chemistry of brevetoxins: a review

The structure of the unique 'red tide' dinoflagellate neurotoxin, brevetoxin-B is presented and the experimental data supporting the chemical structure is discussed. A brief account of the other brevetoxins and their structural relationships is also presented. A biosynthetic scheme for the natural formation of the brevetoxin skeleton is proposed. Studies of the most toxic of the three pure brevetoxins, brevetoxin-A, indicate a skeleton differing from that of brevetoxin-B.

Isolation and properties of isolated nuclei from the Florida red tide dinoflagellate Gymnodinium breve (Davis)

A simple and rapid method is described for the isolation of nuclei from the Florida red tide dinoflagellate Gymnodinium breve. The nuclei are free of cytoplasmic contamination and are active in endogenous RNA synthesis. The ratio of DNA : RNA : acid-soluble protein : acid-insoluble protein is 1:0.39:0.13:0.63, respectively, and each nucleus contains ca. 113 picograms of DNA. Electrophoretic analysis of the acid-soluble proteins reveals the presence of two histone-like proteins with molecular weights of 12,000 and 13,000.

Current status of marine biotoxicology--an overview

Marine biotoxicology is the science that deals with the poisons produced by marine plants and animals. This subject is briefly reviewed in an attempt to provide an overview of the subject as it pertains to analytical toxicology, and to provide a brief résumé of the chemical structure, toxicity, and mechanism of action of these poisons. Subjects discussed include marine phytotoxicology, protozoan, sponge, coelenterate, echinoderm, mollusk, nemertine, annelid worm, crab, stingray, weeverfish, scorpionfish, ciguatoxin, tetrodotoxin, scombrotoxin, sea snake, turtle, and mammal poisons. Knowledge of the therapeutics of marine biotoxications is still quite meager. Knowledge of the nature and mechanism of action of these biotoxins is essential to a more scientific approach to the treatment of their intoxications.