NATS 1560 Chapter Notes - Chapter 5: Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning, Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning, Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
17 Feb 2017
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Endogenous toxins: toxic chemicals that are part of the organism itself. Some foods in their natural state harbour toxins: ex: nightshade plants (ex potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants) contain solanine. It inhibits the production of acetyl choline esterase which is essential for transmitting nerve impulses. Cassava: when the tubers are being cooked or damaged while being harvested, amygdalin appears. Bacteria in the intestine converts this into cyanide. To fix this, cassava must be fermented before it is eaten. Lima beans and bamboo shoots also contain cyanide producing chemicals. Protease inhibitors: found in uncooked beans, peas, peanuts. It inhibits trypsin and chymotrypsin, which aid in digestion. Lectins: found in raw legumes and can bind red blood cells together. Mimics estrogen by binding to estrogen receptor cells. Puffer fish: (fugu) contains tetrodotoxin which leads to paralysis and death by respiratory failure. Dinoflagellates: protozoans that cause red tide , can kill many fish rapidly.
