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Types of Toxins

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Humans continually engage with an environment rich in potentially harmful chemicals. These are introduced to our bodies through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. These chemicals exist in various forms, such as air and environmental pollutants, agricultural chemicals, organic solvents, and heavy metals.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 6, 2026

Using an α-Bungarotoxin Binding Site Tag to Study GABA A Receptor Membrane Localization and Trafficking

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Using the radioligand-receptor binding assay for paralytic shellfish toxins: A case study on shellfish from Morocco.

J Naouli¹, R Abouabdellah², A Bennouna²

¹Centre National de L'Energie, des Sciences et des Techniques Nucléaires, B.P 1382, R.P.10001, Rabat, Morocco; Faculty of Science, Laboratory of Genetics, Neuro-endocrinology and Biotechnology, B.P 14000, Kenitra, Morocco.

Journal of Environmental Radioactivity

|August 14, 2018

Summary

A new radioligand-receptor binding assay (RBA) offers a faster, more sensitive, and ethical alternative to the mouse bioassay (MBA) for detecting paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins in seafood.

Keywords:

Atlantic coastline Biotoxins Monitoring Radioligand Shellfish

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Published on: June 7, 2016

Area of Science:

Marine Biology
Food Safety
Analytical Chemistry

Background:

Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) events are a recurring threat along Morocco's coast, impacting fisheries and aquaculture.
Current regulatory monitoring relies on the mouse bioassay (MBA) for saxitoxin (STX) detection, facing ethical and practical challenges.
Increasing intensity and frequency of toxic algal blooms necessitate improved detection methods.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the performance of a nuclear-based radioligand-receptor binding assay (RBA) as an alternative to the MBA for PSP toxin detection.
To compare the RBA and MBA methods using commercially important shellfish species from Moroccan waters.

Main Methods:

The RBA method was validated using reference materials and critical assay parameters.
Over 50 shellfish samples, including cockles, razor shells, oysters, and mussels, were analyzed.
Samples included routine monitoring collections and those previously identified as toxic by MBA.

Main Results:

The RBA demonstrated robustness and provided STX-equivalent activity measurements from 33 to 8500 μg/kg.
RBA results showed a strong significant correlation (r=0.96, P<0.0001) with MBA data.
The RBA exhibited a 10-fold lower limit of quantification (35.24 μg/kg) compared to the MBA (325 μg/kg), detecting toxins at lower levels.

Conclusions:

The RBA is a reliable, rapid, and user-friendly alternative to the MBA for PSP toxin detection.
The RBA's higher sensitivity and ethical advantages make it suitable for routine monitoring, especially with increasing harmful algal bloom risks.
This method supports enhanced food safety and sustainable aquaculture practices in Morocco and globally.