ABSTRACT
The microcystin family of peptides has received more research attention than have any other cyanobacterial toxins. This is a consequence of the many livestock deaths caused by consumption of toxic Microcystis aeruginosa (earlier known as Anacystis cyanea and Microcystis toxica) and the potential risk to human health from microcystin-contaminated drinking water. The recent inclusion of microcystin-LR as a toxic chemical in the World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water guidelines has further accelerated investigation of the adverse effects of these peptides on mammals.
