Sodium channels ciguatera

Ciguatera fish poisoning toxins. Potent sodium channel activators. Complex pattern of metabolites in fish, dependant on region and species... 

A. Ciguatera. The toxin is produced by dinoflagellates, which are then consumed by reef fish. The mechanism of intoxication is uncertain, but may involve increased sodium permeability in sodium channels and stimulation of central or ganglionic cholinergic receptors. 

Ciguatera fish poisoning and neurotoxic shellfish poisoning CEP and NSP define two different syndromes caused by consumption of polyether compounds able to induce persistent activation of voltage-sensitive sodium channels. Interestingly, PSP toxins and tetrodotoxin (see above) antagonize the action of CEP and NSP toxins. 

There is considerable need to find medication that could be used to treat ciguatera specifically. Potentially useful drugs might include local anesthetics (Gillespie et al. 1986). These agents block the sodium channels by binding. 

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