belongs to the class of organic compounds known as ciguatera toxins. These are lipid-soluble polyether compounds consisting of 13 to 14 rings fused by ether linkages into a most rigid ladder-like structure.
Ciguatoxin lowers the threshold for opening voltage-gated sodium channels in synapses of the nervous system. The effect of opening a sodium channel will cause depolarization, which could sequentially cause paralysis, heart contraction, and changing the senses of hearing and cold. Because it does not cross the blood brain barrier (BBB), ciguatoxins solely affect the peripheral nervous system (PNS). (4, 2)
Ciguatoxin poisoning can cause paralysis, heart contraction, and changing the senses of hearing and cold. Because it does not cross the blood brain barrier (BBB), ciguatoxins solely affect the peripheral nervous system (PNS) (4).
Symptoms
The major symptoms will develop just a few hours of toxin ingestion: vomiting, diarrhea, numbness of extremities, mouth and lips, reversal of hot and cold sensation, muscle and joint aches. The symptoms may last from days to weeks or even months depending on each individual situation (3).
Treatment
There is no effective treatment or antidote for ciguatera poisoning. The mainstay of treatment is supportive care. Some medications such as Amitriptyline may reduce some symptoms of ciguatera, such as fatigue and parenthesis, although benefit does not occur in every case. Also used are steroids and vitamin supplements, but these merely support the body's recovery rather than directly reducing the toxic effects. (5)
