paralytic Shellfish Poison group (PSP) - saxitoxin (STX)

Paralytic Shellfish Poison Group (PSP) - Saxitoxin (STX)
Paralytic Shellfish Poison Group (PSP) - Saxitoxin (STX)

Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) is known as toxins, paralyzed shellfish toxins, and goniatoxin 3 and saxitoxin are among the most toxic toxins in this group.

These toxins are mostly accumulated in the digestive systems and soft tissues of scallops, clams, mussels, mussels, black shell mussels and other marine crustaceans belonging to double jaw molluscs. Paralytic Shellfish Poison Group toxins, and saxitoxin (STX), are transported by these mollusks. These creatures generally live in shallow waters near the shore. Dinoflagellata, which is consumed by these organisms and is ethyl in the formation of toxins, also proliferates in these regions. The formation of dinoflagellata in cold and deep waters is not conducive. Although toxins are removed from the body by crustaceans in a short time, a significant amount is accumulated in their bodies especially during developmental periods and this toxin can be carried for many years.

Toxic dinoflagellata are the largest algae in marine phytoplankton. They are microscopic unicellular organisms and produce their own food using sunlight. It is also a very important food source for crustaceans. Around twenty toxins produced by dinoflagellata are known.

Saxitoxin was first detected in 1980s. This toxin protogonyalax species is produced by dinoflagellata. It was named after an Alaskan oyster. In general, the effects begin to appear five minutes after being taken into the body. It affects the muscular system and immobilizes the person. In the case of saxitoxin poisoning, the mortality rate due to respiratory failure is 9 percent. Toxin does not spoil the taste of the product and does not disappear by cooking.

Paralytic Shellfish Poison Group (PSP) intoxication analyzes are performed by liquid chromatography - mass - mass spectrometry (LC-MS / MS) method within the framework of biotoxin analysis in advanced laboratories. Within the scope of these analyzes, the following studies are carried out for the determination of the amount of saxitoxin (STX):

  • Saxitoxin (STX-f)
  • Saxitoxin (dc-STX)