Bistramide A, a new toxin from the urochordata Lissoclinum bistratum Sluiter: isolation and preliminary characterization.

Abstract

Two cases of human intoxication caused by the lyophilized powder of Lissoclinum bistratum Sluiter, a New Caledonian ascidian, are reported. The symptoms observed were caused by a substance designated bistramide A (C40H68N2O8) of hitherto unknown chemical structure. Preliminary toxicological investigations indicate that bistramide A may effect the central nervous system, leading to paresthesia and loss of muscle tone. A progressive decrease in cardiac rhythm was also observed in animals. Bistramide A (1.4 x 10(-6) M) did not alter the resting potential of frog heart and skeletal muscle but reduced the amplitude and duration of cardiac action potential and prolonged the interval between action potentials. Bistramide A also has a marked cytotoxic effect on cancer cells KB (IC50 = 4.5 x 10(-8) M) and P 388 (IC50 = 2.0 x 10(-8) M) and on normal endothelial cells (IC50 = 2.2 x 10(-8) M). However, it has not been possible to relate the cytotoxic property to the symptoms of intoxication. Bistramide A may originate from the urochordate itself or from symbiotic algae.

• Authors: D Gouiffes, M Juge, N Grimaud, L Welin, M P Sauviat, Y Barbin, D Laurent, C Roussakis, J P Henichart, J F Verbist
• Journal: Toxicon : official journal of the International Society on Toxinology (Toxicon) Vol. 26 Issue 12 Pg. 1129-36 ( 1988) ISSN: 0041-0101 [Print] England
• PMID: 3238698 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Acetamides
• Ethers, Cyclic
• Pyrans
• Spiro Compounds
• Toxins, Biological
• bistratene A

Topics

• Acetamides
• Animals
• Artemia (drug effects)
• Electrophysiology
• Ethers, Cyclic (isolation & purification, toxicity)
• Lethal Dose 50
• Mice
• Pyrans
• Rats
• Spiro Compounds
• Toxins, Biological (analysis, isolation & purification, toxicity)
• Urochordata