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Acute toxicity of Microcystis aeruginosa and its cardiovascular effects
Abstract:
The acute toxicity of a water extract from unialgal-cultured blue-green alga Microcystis aeruginosa M228 on mice and rats was studied. The mice intraperitoneally injected with the extract became lethargic and piloerection was seen. Terminally their ears, tails, limbs, and eyes became chalky white. The LD50 value of the extract for mice was estimated at 14.4 mg dry wt of cells/kg and that of rats was 67.4 mg/kg. Tachycardia was shown in the mice injected with the extract. A value of LD50 of coadministration of the extract and phenoxybenzamine in mice was significantly larger than that of the extract alone and survival time of mice injected with the extract and phenoxybenzamine was prolonged. These results suggest that the extract of the alga may take the acute toxic effects via the sympathetic nervous system.
Insights
The blue-green alga Microcystis aeruginosa produces a toxic extract that causes acute effects in rodents. This algal toxin appears to act via the sympathetic nervous system.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Environmental Health
- Microbiology
Background:
- Blue-green algae, such as Microcystis aeruginosa, can produce potent toxins.
- Understanding the toxicological profile of algal extracts is crucial for public health and environmental safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the acute toxicity of a water extract from Microcystis aeruginosa M228.
- To determine the median lethal dose (LD50) in mice and rats.
- To elucidate the potential mechanism of toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Administration of Microcystis aeruginosa M228 water extract to mice and rats via intraperitoneal injection.
- Observation of clinical signs and symptoms of toxicity.
- Determination of LD50 values.
- Assessment of the effect of phenoxybenzamine coadministration on toxicity.
Main Results:
- The extract induced lethargy, piloerection, and characteristic chalky white extremities in mice.
- Estimated LD50 values were 14.4 mg/kg for mice and 67.4 mg/kg for rats.
- Tachycardia was observed in treated mice.
- Coadministration with phenoxybenzamine significantly increased the LD50 and prolonged survival time, suggesting sympathetic nervous system involvement.
Conclusions:
- The water extract of Microcystis aeruginosa M228 exhibits significant acute toxicity in rodents.
- The toxic effects appear to be mediated through the sympathetic nervous system.
- Further research is warranted to identify the specific toxin and its precise mode of action.