Toxins of some marine algae (Pyrrophyta)

The literature data on toxins of neuroparalytic action, produced by pyrrophytic algae and capable of being accumulated by edible mollusks, are presented. The LD50 for mice of saxitoxin, the best known and most strongly acting toxin, is 5-10 microgram/kg. some toxins of dinoflagellates have been isolated in purified form. Their physicochemical properties have been studied and the structural formula of crystalline derivatives of saxitoxin has been established. The major problem of environmental protection is associated with a study of toxic dinoflagellates.