Acute Oral Toxicity of Tetrodotoxin in Mice: Determination of Lethal Dose 50 (LD50) and No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL)

Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is starting to appear in molluscs from the European waters and is a hazard to seafood consumers. This toxin blocks sodium channels resulting in neuromuscular paralysis and even death. As a part of the risk assessment process leading to a safe seafood level for TTX, oral toxicity d...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Paula Abal, M. Carmen Louzao, Alvaro Antelo, Mercedes Alvarez, Eva Cagide, Natalia Vilariño, Mercedes R. Vieytes, Luis M. Botana
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2017-02-01
Series:Toxins
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.mdpi.com/2072-6651/9/3/75
Description
Summary:Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is starting to appear in molluscs from the European waters and is a hazard to seafood consumers. This toxin blocks sodium channels resulting in neuromuscular paralysis and even death. As a part of the risk assessment process leading to a safe seafood level for TTX, oral toxicity data are required. In this study, a 4-level Up and Down Procedure was designed in order to determine for the first time the oral lethal dose 50 (LD50) and the No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) in mice by using an accurate well-characterized TTX standard.
ISSN:2072-6651