Brevetoxin (PbTx), or brevetoxins, are a suite of cyclic polyether compounds produced naturally by a species of dinoflagellate known as Karenia brevis. Brevetoxins are neurotoxins that bind to voltage-gated sodium channels in nerve cells, leading to disruption of normal neurological processes and causing the illness clinically described as neurotoxic shellfish poisoning (NSP).
belongs to the class of organic compounds known as brevetoxins and derivatives. These are a group of cyclic polyether compounds produced naturally by a species of dinoflagellate known as Karenia brevis. They contain a Pentaoxapentacycloheptacos- 23-en-7-one derivative (type a brevetoxin) or a pentaoxapentacyclotetracosa- 8,23-dien-7-one derivative (type b brevetoxin).
No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC).
Uses/Sources
Brevetoxin (PbTx), or brevetoxins, are a suite of cyclic polyether compounds produced naturally by a species of dinoflagellate known as Karenia brevis. Brevetoxins are neurotoxins that bind to voltage-gated sodium channels in nerve cells, leading to disruption of normal neurological processes and causing the illness clinically described as neurotoxic shellfish poisoning (NSP).
