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Effects of yessotoxin (YTX) on the skeletal muscle: an update

A Tubaro1, E Bandi, S Sosa

  • 1Department of Materials and Natural Resources, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy. tubaro@units.it

Food Additives & Contaminants. Part A, Chemistry, Analysis, Control, Exposure & Risk Assessment
|February 25, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Yessotoxins (YTXs) affect skeletal muscle cell excitability in vitro. However, in vivo studies show no structural damage, suggesting low bioavailability and excluding toxicity from food contamination.

Area of Science:

  • Marine Biology
  • Toxicology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Yessotoxins (YTXs) are marine algal toxins.
  • YTXs are associated with diarrheic shellfish poisoning.
  • Oral YTX intake causes mitochondrial changes in cardiac cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of YTX on skeletal muscle.
  • To assess YTX's impact on muscle cell excitability and structure.
  • To evaluate YTX toxicity in skeletal muscle tissue.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro studies using mouse skeletal myotubes.
  • In vivo studies involving oral administration of YTX to mice.
  • Transmission electron microscopy for ultrastructural analysis.

Main Results:

  • YTX influenced skeletal myotube excitability in a dose- and time-dependent manner in vitro.
  • No ultrastructural alterations were observed in mouse skeletal muscle in vivo.
  • Acute and repeated oral YTX administration did not cause skeletal muscle damage.

Conclusions:

  • YTX exhibits in vitro effects on skeletal muscle excitability.
  • Low bioavailability of YTX to skeletal muscle after oral intake is suggested.
  • YTX is unlikely to cause toxic effects in skeletal muscle when consumed as a food contaminant.

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