Saxitoxin-KLH Antigen

Saxitoxin (STX) is a potent, naturally occurring alkaloid neurotoxin produced primarily by marine dinoflagellates during harmful algal blooms, as well as by certain freshwater cyanobacteria. Filter-feeding marine animals-including bivalve mollusks like clams, mussels, oysters, and scallops, as well as certain pufferfish and crabs-consume these microorganisms and bioaccumulate the toxin in their tissues.Saxitoxin acts as a highly selective voltage-gated sodium channel blocker. When humans ingest contaminated seafood, it interrupts nerve impulse transmission, leading to Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP). Symptoms range from numbness of the lips and extremities to muscular paralysis and, in severe cases, fatal respiratory failure. Because saxitoxin is exceptionally heat-stable and cannot be destroyed by cooking, steaming, or freezing, it represents a critical monitoring priority for marine food safety authorities worldwide.