Structural Characterization of Pinnatoxin Isomers

Pinnatoxins, a group of marine biotoxins primarily produced by the dinoflagellate Vulcanodinium rugosum, have garnered significant attention due to their potent toxic effects and widespread distribution in marine ecosystems. LC-MS analysis of shellfish and V. rugosum cultures revealed the presence of previously unidentified isomers of pinnatoxins D, E, F, and H, at levels approximately six times lower than those of known isomers. The chemical structures of these isopinnatoxins were determined using a combination of LC-MS/MS and NMR spectroscopy, which demonstrated that the isomerization of each pinnatoxin occurred through the opening and recyclization of the spiro-linked tetrahydropyranyl D-ring to form a smaller tetrahydrofuranyl ring. The acute toxicity of isopinnatoxin E was determined by intraperitoneal injection into mice and was found to be significantly lower than that of pinnatoxin E. Given their low toxicity and low abundance, it is unlikely that isopinnatoxins contribute significantly to the overall toxicity of pinnatoxins.