GTX₄ imposters: Characterization of fluorescent compounds synthesized by Pseudomonas stutzeri SF/PS and Pseudomonas/Alteromonas PTB-1, symbionts of saxitoxin-producing Alexandrium spp.

Authors: T.R. Baker, G.J. Doucette, C.L. Powell, G.L. Boyer, and F.G. Plumley
Pub. no.: RP-03-01
Year: 2003
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Saxitoxins, which cause paralytic shellfish poisoning, are synthesized by dinoflagellates and cyanobacteria. The authors attempted to induce saxitoxin synthesis in two Pseudomonas bacterial strains isolated from the dinoflagellate Alexandrium. The bacteria produced five fluorescent compounds that easily could be mistaken for GTX₄, which is a saxitoxin congener, but the bacteria did not produce the epimeric partner of GTX₄. Based on the results the authors suggest that fluorescence scanning and chemical/heat stability should be incorporated into HPLC-FLD protocols for identification of saxitoxins. Toxicon 41:339-347.