Bienfang, P. ., University of Hawai'-i-Manoa/C, Honolulu, USA, bienfang@soest.hawaii.edu
Moeller, P. ., NOAA/NOS Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, USA, peter.moeller@noaa.gov
DeFelice, S. ., University of Hawai'-i-Manoa/Center for Oceans and Human Health, Honolulu, USA, svd@hawaii.edu
Hemscheidt, T. ., University of Hawai'-i-Manoa/Center for Oceans and Human Health, Honolulu, USA, hemschei@hawaii.edu
Huncik, K. ., NOAA/NOS Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, USA, kevin.huncik@noaa.gov
White, D. ., University of Hawai'-i-Hilo, Hilo, USA, onareef@yahoo.com

CIGUATERA: CHARACTERIZATION OF A NEW NEUROTOXIN IN HAWAIIAN FISHES

Muscle tissues from a number of Hawaiian fishes that showed ciguatoxicity (i.e. tested positive for Na-channel antagonism using the neuroblastoma bioassay) were extracted, and repeatedly purified to remove fatty acids. The extracts were analyzed by both triple quad LCMS and 800 MHz NMR instrumentation. This H-CTX crude extract was further isolated into three distinct fractions of cyclic, polyether toxins having corresponding masses of 938, 1156, and 1201 amu. It is commonly understood CTX congeners differ among geographically distinct regions. The molecular masses for these congeners are different from that commonly associated with P-CTX, and are believed to represent a new form of neurotoxin, termed H-CTX. The NMR spectra are being examinded in the hope of defining the molecular structure of these neurotoxins from which improved diagnostic capabilities for ciguatoxic fish could be developed.

Oral presentation

Presentation is given by student: No
Session #:120
Date: 03-03-2008
Time: 14:00