CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION OF CIGUATERA POISON
Abstract
Research on ciguatera toxin has resulted in the development of an efficient method for extracting the toxin from the musculature of fish. Procedures for the partial purification of the crude extract have also been devised. These procedures utilize precipitation of nontoxic material from methanol solution and adsorption of ciguatera toxin on silicic ac d. More precise fractionation of ciguatera toxin is accomplished on a silicic acid column developed in stepwise fashion by ether containing small percentages of methanol.As a method for fractionation and as the basis for a test for ciguatera toxin, paper chromatography was examined. Fourteen different solvent systems were utilized, but none proved satisfactory. In almost every case toxicity was found in the region of the solvent front. In miscellaneous experiments it was found that ciguatera toxin, when stored at sub-freezing temperatures either under air or nitrogen, may undergo alteration with an increase in toxicity. In examining the alga Lyngbya majascula for ciguatera poison it was determined that, if the toxin is present in this marine plant, the concentration is very low . (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 19, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0258148
Entities
People
- Donald W. Hessel