To date, the mechanism by which tetrodotoxin (TTX) accumulates in the food chain is controversial. What are the most popular theories?
The most popular theories suggest that TTXs are either produced by symbiotic bacteria (endogenous route), or that they are exogenously accumulated through the diet. An intermediate explanation entailing the involvement of dinoflagellates, bearing the symbiotic TTX-produced bacteria has also been suggested.
Katikou P, Gokbulut C, Kosker AR, Campàs M, Ozogul F. An Updated Review of Tetrodotoxin and Its Peculiarities. Mar Drugs. 2022;20(1):47. Published 2022 Jan 3. doi:10.3390/md20010047
Posted in Question Of The Day