Which toxin is associated with Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP)?

Which toxin is associated with Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP)?

• A. Domoic Acid
• B. Saxitoxin
• C. Ciguatoxin
• D. Okadaic Acid

Answer: (A)

Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning is caused by a neurotoxin that damages memory-related brain areas. Domoic acid, produced by certain marine diatoms and accumulating in shellfish, acts as an excitotoxin by binding glutamate receptors in the brain (notably in the hippocampus). This overactivates neurons, allowing calcium to flood in and causing neuronal injury, which manifests as memory loss and confusion after ingestion. The usual pattern is GI symptoms first, followed by neurological signs a day or two later. Other toxins cause different syndromes: saxitoxin leads to Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning by blocking sodium channels, ciguatoxin causes ciguatera with temperature sensation changes by keeping sodium channels open, and okadaic acid causes diarrhetic shellfish poisoning with severe diarrhea. Thus, domoic acid is the hallmark cause of ASP due to its hippocampal excitotoxic effects.

Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning is caused by a neurotoxin that damages memory-related brain areas. Domoic acid, produced by certain marine diatoms and accumulating in shellfish, acts as an excitotoxin by binding glutamate receptors in the brain (notably in the hippocampus). This overactivates neurons, allowing calcium to flood in and causing neuronal injury, which manifests as memory loss and confusion after ingestion. The usual pattern is GI symptoms first, followed by neurological signs a day or two later. Other toxins cause different syndromes: saxitoxin leads to Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning by blocking sodium channels, ciguatoxin causes ciguatera with temperature sensation changes by keeping sodium channels open, and okadaic acid causes diarrhetic shellfish poisoning with severe diarrhea. Thus, domoic acid is the hallmark cause of ASP due to its hippocampal excitotoxic effects.