Identification of Candidate Protein Biomarkers Associated with Domoic Acid Toxicosis in Cerebrospinal Fluid of California Sea Lions (Zalophus californianus).

Since 1998, California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) stranding events associated with domoic acid toxicosis (DAT) have consistently increased. Outside of direct measurement of domoic acid in bodily fluids at the time of stranding, there are no practical nonlethal clinical tests for the diagnosis of DAT that can be utilized in a rehabilitation facility. Proteomics analysis was conducted to discover candidate protein markers of DAT using cerebrospinal fluid from stranded California sea lions with acute DAT (n = 8), chronic DAT (n = 19), or without DAT (n = 13). A total of 2005 protein families were identified experiment-wide. A total of 83 proteins were significantly different in abundance across the three groups (adj. p < 0.05). MDH1, PLD3, ADAM22, YWHAG, VGF, and CLSTN1 could discriminate California sea lions with or without DAT (AuROC > 0.75). IGKV2D-28, PTRPF, KNG1, F2, and SNCB were able to discriminate acute DAT from chronic DAT (AuROC > 0.75). Proteins involved in alpha synuclein deposition were over-represented as classifiers of DAT, and many of these proteins have been implicated in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases. These proteins should be considered potential markers for DAT in California sea lions and should be prioritized for future validation studies as biomarkers.

Understanding the risks of co-exposures in a changing world: a case study of dual monitoring of the biotoxin domoic acid and Vibrio spp. in Pacific oyster.

Assessing the co-occurrence of multiple health risk factors in coastal ecosystems is challenging due to the complexity of multi-factor interactions and limited availability of simultaneously collected data. Understanding co-occurrence is particularly important for risk factors that may be associated with, or occur in similar environmental conditions. In marine ecosystems, the co-occurrence of harmful algal bloom toxins and bacterial pathogens within the genus Vibrio may impact both ecosystem and human health. This study examined the co-occurrence of Vibrio spp. and domoic acid (DA) produced by the harmful algae Pseudo-nitzschia by (1) analyzing existing California Department of Public Health monitoring data for V. parahaemolyticus and DA in oysters; and (2) conducting a 1-year seasonal monitoring of these risk factors across two Southern California embayments. Existing public health monitoring efforts in the state were robust for individual risk factors; however, it was difficult to evaluate the co-occurrence of these risk factors in oysters due to low number of co-monitoring instances between 2015 and 2020. Seasonal co-monitoring of DA and Vibrio spp. (V. vulnificus or V. parahaemolyticus) at two embayments revealed the co-occurrence of these health risk factors in 35% of sampled oysters in most seasons. Interestingly, both the overall detection frequency and co-occurrence of these risk factors were considerably less frequent in water samples. These findings may in part suggest the slow depuration of Vibrio spp. and DA in oysters as residual levels may be retained. This study expanded our understanding of the simultaneous presence of DA and Vibrio spp. in bivalves and demonstrates the feasibility of co-monitoring different risk factors from the same sample. Individual programs monitoring for different risk factors from the same sample matrix may consider combining efforts to reduce cost, streamline the process, and better understand the prevalence of co-occurring health risk factors.

Algal neurotoxin biosynthesis repurposes the terpene cyclase structural fold into an N-prenyltransferase.

Prenylation is a common biological reaction in all domains of life wherein prenyl diphosphate donors transfer prenyl groups onto small molecules as well as large proteins. The enzymes that catalyze these reactions are structurally distinct from ubiquitous terpene cyclases that, instead, assemble terpenes via intramolecular rearrangements of a single substrate. Herein, we report the structure and molecular details of a new family of prenyltransferases from marine algae that repurposes the terpene cyclase structural fold for the N-prenylation of glutamic acid during the biosynthesis of the potent neurochemicals domoic acid and kainic acid. We solved the X-ray crystal structure of the prenyltransferase found in domoic acid biosynthesis, DabA, and show distinct active site binding modifications that remodel the canonical magnesium (Mg2+)-binding motif found in terpene cyclases. We then applied our structural knowledge of DabA and a homologous enzyme from the kainic acid biosynthetic pathway, KabA, to reengineer their isoprene donor specificities (geranyl diphosphate [GPP] versus dimethylallyl diphosphate [DMAPP]) with a single amino acid change. While diatom DabA and seaweed KabA enzymes share a common evolutionary lineage, they are distinct from all other terpene cyclases, suggesting a very distant ancestor to the larger terpene synthase family.

A New Bioassay for the Detection of Paralytic and Amnesic Biotoxins Based on Motor Behavior Impairments of Zebrafish Larvae.

The global concern about the increase of harmful algal bloom events and the possible impacts on food safety and aquatic ecosystems presents the necessity for the development of more accessible techniques for biotoxin detection for screening purposes. Considering the numerous advantages that zebrafish present as a biological model and particularly as a toxicants sentinel, we designed a sensitive and accessible test to determine the activity of paralytic and amnesic biotoxins using zebrafish larvae immersion. The ZebraBioTox bioassay is based on the automated recording of larval locomotor activity using an IR microbeam locomotion detector, and manual assessment of four complementary responses under a simple stereoscope: survival, periocular edema, body balance, and touch response. This 24 h acute static bioassay was set up in 96-well microplates using 5 dpf zebrafish larvae. For paralytic toxins, a significant decrease in locomotor activity and touch response of the larvae was detected, allowing a detection threshold of 0.1-0.2 µg/mL STXeq. In the case of the amnesic toxin the effect was reversed, detecting hyperactivity with a detection threshold of 10 µg/mL domoic acid. We propose that this assay might be used as a complementary tool for environmental safety monitoring.

Multiplex Lateral Flow Assay and the Sample Preparation Method for the Simultaneous Detection of Three Marine Toxins.

A multiplex lateral flow immunoassay (LFA) has been developed to detect the primary marine biotoxin groups: amnesic shellfish poisoning toxins, paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins, and diarrhetic shellfish poisoning toxins. The performance characteristics of the multiplex LFA were evaluated for its suitability as a screening method for the detection of toxins in shellfish. The marine toxin-specific antibodies were class-specific, and there was no cross-reactivity between the three toxin groups. The test is capable of detecting all three marine toxin groups, with working ranges of 0.2-1.5, 2.5-65.0, and 8.2-140.3 ng/mL for okadaic acid, saxitoxin, and domoic acid, respectively. This allows the multiplex LFA to detect all three toxin groups at the EU regulatory limits, with a single sample extraction method and dilution volume. No matrix effects were observed on the performance of the LFA with mussel samples spiked with toxins. The developed LFA uses a simple and pocket-sized, portable Cube Reader to provide an accurate result. We also evaluated the use of this Cube Reader with commercially available monoplex lateral flow assays for marine toxins.

Characterisation and toxicological activity of three different Pseudo-nitzschia species from the northern Adriatic Sea (Croatia).

Diatoms of the genus Pseudo-nitzschia are cosmopolitans spread in seas and oceans worldwide, with more than 50 described species, dozens of which have been confirmed to produce domoic acid (DA). Here, we characterized and investigated the toxicological activity of secondary metabolites excreted into the growth media of different Pseudo-nitzschia species sampled at various locations in the northern Adriatic Sea (Croatia) using human blood cells under in vitro conditions. The results revealed that three investigated species of the genus Pseudo-nitzschia were capable of producing DA indicating their toxic potential. Moreover, toxicological data suggested all three Pseudo-nitzschia species can excrete toxic secondary metabolites into the surrounding media in addition to the intracellular pools of DA, raising concerns regarding their toxicity and environmental impact. In addition, all three Pseudo-nitzchia species triggered oxidative stress, one of the mechanisms of action likely responsible for the DNA damage observed in human blood cells. In line with the above stated, our results are of great interest to environmental toxicologists, the public and policy makers, especially in light of today's climate change, which favours harmful algal blooms and the growth of DA producers with a presumed negative impact on the public health of coastal residents.

Response mechanism of microbial community during anaerobic biotransformation of marine toxin domoic acid.

Domoic acid (DA) is a potent neurotoxin produced by toxigenic Pseudo-nitzschia blooms and quickly transfers to the benthic anaerobic environment by marine snow particles. DA anaerobic biotransformation is driven by microbial interactions, in which trace amounts of DA can cause physiological stress in marine microorganisms. However, the underlying response mechanisms of microbial community to DA stress remain unclear. In this study, we utilized an anaerobic marine DA-degrading consortium GLY (using glycine as co-substrate) to systematically investigate the global response mechanisms of microbial community during DA anaerobic biotransformation.16S rRNA gene sequencing and metatranscriptomic analyses were applied to measure microbial community structure, function and metabolic responses. Results showed that DA stress markedly changed the composition of main species, with increased levels of Firmicutes and decreased levels of Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria. Several genera of tolerated bacteria (Bacillus and Solibacillus) were increased, while, Stenotrophomonas, Sphingomonas and Acinetobacter were decreased. Metatranscriptomic analyses indicated that DA stimulated the expression of quorum sensing, extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) production, sporulation, membrane transporters, bacterial chemotaxis, flagellar assembly and ribosome protection in community, promoting bacterial adaptation ability under DA stress. Moreover, amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism and lipid metabolism were modulated during DA anaerobic biotransformation to reduce metabolic burden, increase metabolic demands for EPS production and DA degradation. This study provides the new insights into response of microbial community to DA stress and its potential impact on benthic microorganisms in marine environments.

Marine Biotoxins in Whole and Processed Scallops from the Argentine Sea.

Harmful algal blooms are an increasing worldwide threat to the seafood industry and human health as a consequence of the natural production of biotoxins that can accumulate in shellfish. In the Argentine Sea, this has been identified as an issue for the offshore fisheries of Patagonian scallops (Zygochlamys patagonica), leading to potentially harmful effects on consumers. Here we assess spatial and temporal patterns in marine biotoxin concentrations in Patagonian scallops harvested in Argentinian waters between 2012-2017, based on analyses for paralytic shellfish toxins, lipophilic toxins, and amnesic shellfish toxins. There was no evidence for concentrations of lipophilic or amnesic toxins above regulatory acceptance thresholds, with trace concentrations of pectenotoxin 2, azaspiracid 2 and okadaic acid group toxins confirmed. Conversely, paralytic shellfish toxins were quantified in some scallops. Gonyautoxins 1 and 2 dominated the unusual toxin profiles (91%) in terms of saxitoxin equivalents with maximum concentrations reaching 3985 µg STX eq/kg and with changes in profiles linked in part to seasonal changes. Total toxin concentrations were compared between samples of the adductor muscle and whole tissue, with results showing the absence of toxins in the adductor muscle confirming toxin accumulation in the digestive tracts of the scallops and the absence of a human health threat following the processing of scallop adductor meat. These findings highlight that paralytic shellfish toxins with an unusual toxin profile can occur in relatively high concentrations in whole Patagonian scallops in specific regions and during particular time periods, also showing that the processing of scallops on board factory ships to obtain frozen adductor muscle is an effective management process that minimizes the risk of poisonings from final products destined for human consumption.

Behavioural effects in mice orally exposed to domoic acid or ibotenic acid are influenced by developmental stages and sex differences.

The structure of the brain is dramatically altered during the critical period. Physiological substances (neurotransmitters, hormones, etc.) in the body fluctuate significantly before and after sexual maturation. Therefore, the effect of chemical exposure on the central nervous system often differs depending on the developmental stage and sex. We aimed to compare the behavioural effects that emerged from the administration of chemicals to mice of different life stages (immature or mature) and different sex (male or female). We administered mice with domoic acid (DA), a marine poison, and ibotenic acid (IA), found in poisonous mushrooms. These excitatory amino acids act as agonists for glutamate and are potent neurotoxins. Interestingly, the behavioural effects of these chemicals were completely different. Following DA administration, we observed memory deficits only in groups of male mice treated at maturity. Following IA administration, we observed deviations in emotional behaviour in groups of male mice treated at both immaturity and maturity. In contrast, few characteristic changes were detected in all groups of females. Our results support the theory that the behavioural effects of chemical administration vary considerably with developmental stages and sex. In conclusion, our findings promote better understanding of individual differences in excitatory chemical-induced neurotoxicity and provide evidence for future risk strategies and treatments.

A human stem cell-derived test system for agents modifying neuronal N-methyl-D-aspartate-type glutamate receptor Ca2+-signalling.

Methods to assess neuronal receptor functions are needed in toxicology and for drug development. Human-based test systems that allow studies on glutamate signalling are still scarce. To address this issue, we developed and characterized pluripotent stem cell (PSC)-based neural cultures capable of forming a functional network. Starting from a stably proliferating neuroepithelial stem cell (NESC) population, we generate "mixed cortical cultures" (MCC) within 24 days. Characterization by immunocytochemistry, gene expression profiling and functional tests (multi-electrode arrays) showed that MCC contain various functional neurotransmitter receptors, and in particular, the N-methyl-D-aspartate subtype of ionotropic glutamate receptors (NMDA-R). As this important receptor is found neither on conventional neural cell lines nor on most stem cell-derived neurons, we focused here on the characterization of rapid glutamate-triggered Ca2+ signalling. Changes of the intracellular free calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+]i) were measured by fluorescent imaging as the main endpoint, and a method to evaluate and quantify signals in hundreds of cells at the same time was developed. We observed responses to glutamate in the low µM range. MCC responded to kainate and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA), and a subpopulation of 50% had functional NMDA-R. The receptor was modulated by Mg2+, Zn2+ and Pb2+ in the expected ways, and various toxicologically relevant agonists (quinolinic acid, ibotenic acid, domoic acid) triggered [Ca2+]i responses in MCC. Antagonists, such as phencyclidine, ketamine and dextromethorphan, were also readily identified. Thus, the MCC developed here may fill an important gap in the panel of test systems available to characterize the effects of chemicals on neurotransmitter receptors.

Stability of Domoic Acid in 50% Methanol Extracts and Raw Fecal Material from Bowhead Whales (Balaena mysticetus).

Domoic acid (DA), the toxin causing amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP), is produced globally by some diatoms in the genus Pseudo-nitzschia. DA has been detected in several marine mammal species in the Alaskan Arctic, raising health concerns for marine mammals and subsistence communities dependent upon them. Gastrointestinal matrices are routinely used to detect Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) toxin presence in marine mammals, yet DA stability has only been studied extensively in shellfish-related matrices. To address this knowledge gap, we quantified DA in bowhead whale fecal samples at multiple time points for two groups: (1) 50% methanol extracts from feces, and (2) raw feces stored in several conditions. DA concentrations decreased to 70 ± 7.1% of time zero (T0) in the 50% methanol extracts after 2 weeks, but remained steady until the final time point at 5 weeks (66 ± 5.7% T0). In contrast, DA concentrations were stable or increased in raw fecal material after 8 weeks of freezer storage (-20 °C), at room temperature (RT) in the dark, or refrigerated at 1 °C. DA concentrations in raw feces stored in an incubator (37 °C) or at RT in the light decreased to 77 ± 2.8% and 90 ± 15.0% T0 at 8 weeks, respectively. Evaporation during storage of raw fecal material is a likely cause of the increased DA concentrations observed over time with the highest increase to 126 ± 7.6% T0 after 3.2 years of frozen storage. These results provide valuable information for developing appropriate sample storage procedures for marine mammal fecal samples.

Ice seals as sentinels for algal toxin presence in the Pacific Arctic and subarctic marine ecosystems.

Domoic acid (DA) and saxitoxin (STX)-producing algae are present in Alaskan seas, presenting exposure risks to marine mammals that may be increasing due to climate change. To investigate potential increases in exposure risks to four pagophilic ice seal species (Erignathus barbatus, bearded seals; Pusa hispida, ringed seals; Phoca largha, spotted seals; and Histriophoca fasciata, ribbon seals), this study analyzed samples from 998 seals harvested for subsistence purposes in western and northern Alaska during 2005-2019 for DA and STX. Both toxins were detected in bearded, ringed, and spotted seals, though no clinical signs of acute neurotoxicity were reported in harvested seals. Bearded seals had the highest prevalence of each toxin, followed by ringed seals. Bearded seal stomach content samples from the Bering Sea showed a significant increase in DA prevalence with time (logistic regression, p = .004). These findings are consistent with predicted northward expansion of DA-producing algae. A comparison of paired samples taken from the stomachs and colons of 15 seals found that colon content consistently had higher concentrations of both toxins. Collectively, these results suggest that ice seals, particularly bearded seals (benthic foraging specialists), are suitable sentinels for monitoring HAB prevalence in the Pacific Arctic and subarctic.

[Determination of domoic acid in shellfish by liquid chromatography- tandem mass spectrometry coupled with dispersive solid phase extraction].

OBJECTIVE: A method utilizing liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS) coupled with dispersive solid phase extraction for quantitative analysis of domoic acid in four kinds of shellfish was established. METHODS: The sample of 0. 1 g was extracted with 25% methanol aqueous solution, the extract was purified by dispersive solid phase extraction with 50 mg HLB and 5 mg GCB, and then filtered through a PTFE membrane. The analytes were separated on a C_(18) column(100 mm×2. 1 mm, 1. 9 µm), and detected in selected reaction monitoring(SRM) mode via positive electrospray ionization. The matrix matching and external standard method was used for quantitation. RESULTS: Domoic acid showed good linearity in the concentration range between 1. 0 ng/mL and 50. 0 ng/mL with correlation coefficients higher than 0. 9994. The detection limits of domoic acid in shellfish was 5 µg/kg. The inter-and intra-day recoveries were 91. 6%-109. 2% and 90. 9%-109. 3%, respectively. The inter-and intra-day ralitive standard deviations(RSDs) were lower than 8. 2% at spiked concentrations of 20, 50 and 100 µg/kg. CONCLUSION: The method is accurate, fast, easy to operate, which can satisfy the requirements of public health emergency testing or routine testing.

Acclimation of the Marine Diatom Pseudo-nitzschia australis to Different Salinity Conditions: Effects on Growth, Photosynthetic Activity, and Domoic Acid Content1.

Toxic Pseudo-nitzschia australis strains isolated from French coastal waters were studied to investigate their capacity to adapt to different salinities. Their acclimation to different salinity conditions (10, 20, 30, 35, and 40) was studied on growth, photosynthetic capacity, cell biovolume, and domoic acid (DA) content. The strains showed an ability to acclimate to a salinity range from 20 to 40, with optimal growth rates between salinities 30 and 40. The highest cell biovolume was observed at the lowest salinity 20 and was associated with the lowest growth rate. Salinity did not affect the photosynthetic activity; Fv /Fm values and the pigment contents remained high with no significant difference among salinities. An enhanced production of zeaxanthin was, however, observed in the late stationary and decline phases in all cultures except for those acclimated to salinity 20. In terms of cellular toxin content, DA concentrations were 2 to 3-fold higher at the lowest salinity (20) than at the other salinities and were combined with a low amount of dissolved DA. The fact that P. australis accumulate more DA per cell in less saline waters, illustrates that climate-related changes in salinity may affect Pseudo-nitzschia physiology through direct effects on growth, physiology, and toxin content.

Dose-response assessment for impaired memory from chronic exposure to domoic acid among native American consumers of razor clams.

Domoic acid (DA) is a marine neurotoxin that accumulates in filtering shellfish during harmful algal blooms. A health protection limit of 20 ppm DA in razor clams (RC) has been set based principally upon an episode of acute DA toxicity in humans that included Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning among survivors. The objective of this study was to determine the dose-response relationship between estimated DA exposure through RC consumption and memory loss in Washington state Native Americans from 2005 to 2015. Results from total learning recall (TLR) memory scores were compared before and after the highest DA exposures. A decrease in TLR was related to DA dose (p < 0.01) regardless whether the effect was assumed to be transient or lasting, and whether the dose was expressed as an average daily dose or an average dose per meal. Benchmark dose modeling identified BMDL10 values of 167 ng/kg-day and 2740 ng/kg-meal assuming a transient effect, and 196 ng/kg-day and 2980 ng/kg-meal assuming no recovery of function occurs. These DA dose thresholds for a measurable memory function reduction observed in this study of clam consumers are well below the safe acute dose underpinning the current regulatory DA limit of 20 ppm (ca. 60 µg/kg).

Climatic regulation of the neurotoxin domoic acid.

Domoic acid is a potent neurotoxin produced by certain marine microalgae that can accumulate in the foodweb, posing a health threat to human seafood consumers and wildlife in coastal regions worldwide. Evidence of climatic regulation of domoic acid in shellfish over the past 20 y in the Northern California Current regime is shown. The timing of elevated domoic acid is strongly related to warm phases of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation and the Oceanic Niño Index, an indicator of El Niño events. Ocean conditions in the northeast Pacific that are associated with warm phases of these indices, including changes in prevailing currents and advection of anomalously warm water masses onto the continental shelf, are hypothesized to contribute to increases in this toxin. We present an applied domoic acid risk assessment model for the US West Coast based on combined climatic and local variables. Evidence of regional- to basin-scale controls on domoic acid has not previously been presented. Our findings have implications in coastal zones worldwide that are affected by this toxin and are particularly relevant given the increased frequency of anomalously warm ocean conditions.

Marine Excitatory Amino Acids: Structure, Properties, Biosynthesis and Recent Approaches to Their Syntheses.

This review considers the results of recent studies on marine excitatory amino acids, including kainic acid, domoic acid, dysiherbaine, and neodysiherbaine A, known as potent agonists of one of subtypes of glutamate receptors, the so-called kainate receptors. Novel information, particularly concerning biosynthesis, environmental roles, biological action, and syntheses of these marine metabolites, obtained mainly in last 10-15 years, is summarized. The goal of the review was not only to discuss recently obtained data, but also to provide a brief introduction to the field of marine excitatory amino acid research.

Transcriptomic responses to grazing reveal the metabolic pathway leading to the biosynthesis of domoic acid and highlight different defense strategies in diatoms.

BACKGROUND: A major cause of phytoplankton mortality is predation by zooplankton. Strategies to avoid grazers have probably played a major role in the evolution of phytoplankton and impacted bloom dynamics and trophic energy transport. Certain species of the genus Pseudo-nitzschia produce the neurotoxin, domoic acid (DA), as a response to the presence of copepod grazers, suggesting that DA is a defense compound. The biosynthesis of DA comprises fusion of two precursors, a C10 isoprenoid geranyl pyrophosphate and L-glutamate. Geranyl pyrophosphate (GPP) may derive from the mevalonate isoprenoid (MEV) pathway in the cytosol or from the methyl-erythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway in the plastid. L-glutamate is suggested to derive from the citric acid cycle. Fragilariopsis, a phylogenetically related but nontoxic genus of diatoms, does not appear to possess a similar defense mechanism. We acquired information on genes involved in biosynthesis, precursor pathways and regulatory functions for DA production in the toxigenic Pseudo-nitzschia seriata, as well as genes involved in responses to grazers to resolve common responses for defense strategies in diatoms. RESULTS: Several genes are expressed in cells of Pseudo-nitzschia when these are exposed to predator cues. No genes are expressed in Fragilariopsis when treated similarly, indicating that the two taxa have evolved different strategies to avoid predation. Genes involved in signal transduction indicate that Pseudo-nitzschia cells receive signals from copepods that transduce cascading molecular precursors leading to the formation of DA. Five out of seven genes in the MEP pathway for synthesis of GPP are upregulated, but none in the conventional MEV pathway. Five genes with known or suggested functions in later steps of DA formation are upregulated. We conclude that no gene regulation supports that L-glutamate derives from the citric acid cycle, and we suggest the proline metabolism to be a downstream precursor. CONCLUSIONS: Pseudo-nitzschia cells, but not Fragilariopsis, receive and respond to copepod cues. The cellular route for the C10 isoprenoid product for biosynthesis of DA arises from the MEP metabolic pathway and we suggest proline metabolism to be a downstream precursor for L-glutamate. We suggest 13 genes with unknown function to be involved in diatom responses to grazers.

Domoic acid suppresses hyperexcitation in the network due to activation of kainate receptors of GABAergic neurons.

Kainate receptors play an important role in the brain. They contribute to postsynaptic depolarization, modulate the release of neurotransmitters such as GABA and glutamate, affect the development of the neuronal network. At the same time, their functions depend not only on the type of neuron expressing them but also on their localization (pre- or postsynaptic). It has been shown in present work that activation of kainate receptors by domoic acid stimulates the secretion of both glutamate and GABA. This effect is observed at a concentration of 100 nM. At higher levels (200-500 nM), domoic acid selectively activates a specific population of GABAergic neurons. The peculiarity of these neurons is increased excitability in the network. This phenomenon can be explained by the weak GABA(A)R-mediated inhibition, as well as by the lower activation threshold of voltage-gated channels. Moreover, activation of these GABAergic neurons by domoic acid leads to the suppression of activity in the network under ammonium-induced hyperexcitation. As shown by inhibitory analysis, this effect is mediated by GABA(A) receptors. The obtained data may be of interest since the suppression of hyperexcitation via the selective activation of GABAergic neurons can be considered as a new potential approach to the treatment of diseases accompanied by increased neuronal activity such as epilepsy, ischemia and hepatic encephalopathy.

Differential Influence of Life Cycle on Growth and Toxin Production of three Pseudo-nitzschia Species (Bacillariophyceae).

We used a multistrain approach to study the intra- and interspecific variability of the growth rates of three Pseudo-nitzschia species - P. australis, P. fraudulenta, and P. pungens - and of their domoic acid (DA) production. We carried out mating and batch experiments to investigate the respective effects of strain age and cell size, and thus the influence of their life cycle on the physiology of these species. The cell size - life cycle relationship was characteristic of each species. The influence of age and cell size on the intraspecific variability of growth rates suggests that these characteristics should be considered cautiously for the strains used in physiological studies on Pseudo-nitzschia species. The results from all three species do not support the hypothesis of a decrease in DA production with time since isolation from natural populations. In P. australis, the cellular DA content was rather a function of cell size. More particularly, cells at the gametangia stage of their life cycle contained up to six times more DA than smaller or larger cells incapable of sexual reproduction. These findings reveal a link between P. australis life cycle and cell toxicity. This suggest that life cycle dynamics in Pseudo-nitzschia natural populations may influence bloom toxicity.