ABSTRACT
Maitotoxin (MTX) is considered as a potent toxin caused by dinoflagellates of the family Fukuyoa and Gambierdiscus that may play a significant role in developing symptoms related to ciguatera fish poisoning. Maitotoxin is principally located in the tissues linked to the fish’s alimentary tract and is believed to take part in the poisoning of ciguatera fish, when liver tissues and gut are ingested. Maitotoxin developed the calcium-dependent contraction in skeleton muscle and smooth muscle. The calcium ions influx increased by maitotoxins by excitable membranes, and therefore caused neurotransmitter and harmone secretion, cell depolarization and disintegration of phosphoinositides. The maitotoxin has a lethal dose of (LD50) about 0.13 μg/kg in mice. MTX is one of the largest non-polymeric marine toxins and contains a ladder-shaped cyclic polyether that comprises 28 hydroxyl groups, 32 fused cyclic ether, 2 sulfates, 21 methyl groups, and 98 chiral centers. The most poisonous marine compounds found to date are maitotoxins, and up to now four toxins and their analogues are found such as MTX-1, MTX-2, MTX-3, and MTX-4 from variant dinoflagellate strains. The significance for acquiring the organic synthesis of maitotoxin may be attributed to good knowledge of the molecular mechanisms that take part in the action of maitotoxins. This may also assist in required medication or an antidote of ciguatera.
