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Neuro-2a cell-based assay for toxicity equivalency factor - proposal and evaluation in Chilean contaminated shellfish
Ambbar Aballay-González1,2, Juan José Gallardo-Rodriguez3, Macarena Silva-Higuera1,2
1Laboratorio de Biotoxinas UdeC, Departamento de Oceanografía, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile.
Summary
A new cell-based assay effectively detects paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins, offering a viable alternative to traditional methods. This screening tool aids in identifying contaminated seafood, ensuring public safety.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Toxicology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Current paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) detection methods, such as the mouse bioassay and HPLC-FLD, have limitations.
- Ethical concerns restrict mouse bioassays, while analytical methods struggle with novel toxins and overall toxicity assessment.
- Existing methods require specialized personnel and expensive equipment, limiting accessibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a Neuro-2a cell-based assay (Manger's method) for detecting voltage-dependent sodium channel inhibitors, specifically PSP toxins.
- To assess the method's suitability for calculating Toxicity Equivalency Factors (TEF) for STX-analogues.
- To determine the assay's efficacy in screening naturally contaminated marine samples.
Main Methods:
- Adaptation and application of Manger's method using Neuro-2a cells.
- Testing with PSP standards and natural samples containing PSP toxins.
- Validation for calculating TEF and screening for PSP above regulatory limits.
Main Results:
- The adapted Manger's method successfully calculated TEF for STX-analogues.
- The assay effectively screened natural samples for PSP above the 80 μg STX equivalents/100 g shellfish regulatory limit.
- PSP was detected in 19 South Chilean mollusc samples, even with the presence of other marine toxins.
Conclusions:
- The adapted Manger's method is suitable for calculating TEF for STX-analogues.
- The cell-based assay is a useful tool for screening naturally contaminated samples for PSP.
- This method shows potential as an initial step in seafood safety screening programs.
