domoic acid

Domoic acid is a naturally occurring neurotoxin produced by certain species of marine diatoms in the genus Pseudo-nitzschia. It is an analogue of kainic acid and acts as a potent excitatory amino acid, mimicking the neurotransmitter glutamate. Domoic acid exerts its toxic effects primarily by binding to and activating ionotropic glutamate receptors—especially AMPA and kainate subtypes—in the central nervous system. This leads to excessive calcium influx into neurons (excitotoxicity), resulting in neuronal damage, particularly in the hippocampus and amygdaloid nucleus. The primary human health concern associated with domoic acid is amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP), which can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, confusion, seizures, short-term memory loss, coma or death after consumption of contaminated seafood[1][5][6][7].

Other names

amnesic shellfish poisonASP toxinkainoid toxin