B16004: Investigation of the putative neurotoxic effect of cockle extracts using extracellular field potential recordings in hippocampal slices
Wednesday 13 October 2004
This in vitro research project will examine the ability of atypical cockle extract to disrupt transmission of electrochemical signals in the central nervous system. The responses will be compared with responses from known neurotoxic shellfish toxins.
Background
Since June 2001, atypical responses have been observed during the Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP) assay used within the UK statutory biotoxin monitoring programme. These have occurred primarily from cockles from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, but also from small numbers of mussels from England and Wales. Neither the causative agent of this atypical response, nor the nature of its toxic effect, are currently known. This project examines the possibility that the toxicity of atypical cockle extracts may be due to their toxic effect on the central nervous system.
Research Approach
The project examines the ability of atypical cockle extracts to disrupt the transmission of electrochemical signals in rodent tissue slices of the hippocampus region of the brain. The responses caused by atypical cockle extracts will be compared with responses from known neurotoxic shellfish toxins.
Results and findings
This study found no difference between the results for cockle extracts and those for the Tween-60 vehicle. The study showed positive responses for the known neurotoxic shellfish toxins brevetoxin, domoic acid and saxitoxin, but showed no responses for the diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP) toxin okadaic acid. Thus, the assay showed that brevetoxin, domoic acid and saxitoxin were not present in the cockle extracts, whether positive or negative for the atypical responses in the DSP assay. However, it is possible that the agent causing the atypical responses in the cockle extract could have been diluted out to a point of non-response in this study.
Dissemination information
The final report is available from the FSA Library and Information centre.
To obtain a copy, please contact the Enquiry Desk, Dr Elsie Widdowson Library and Information Services, Food Standards Agency (tel: 020 7276 8181/8182 or email: library&info@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk)
Contact: For any enquiries concerning this research project, please contact the relevant Programme contact or email science@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk