Pectenotoxin-2 in single-cell isolates of Dinophysis caudata and Dinophysis acuta from the Galician Rías (NW Spain)

Dinophysis acuta and Dinophysis caudata are seasonal components of the dinoflagellate community in the Galician Rías Bajas (NW Spain). These species can be the main contributors to the occurrence of Lipophilic Shellfish Toxins (LST) in September–October, leading to prohibition of harvesting in an area of intensive mariculture (250×103 t of cultured mussels, 60×103 t of other shellfish in natural banks, per year). Previous analyses of okadaic acid (OA) and related toxins in these two species by HPLC revealed significant amounts of OA and DTX2 in D. acuta, but only trace amounts of OA in D. caudata cells, and led to the erroneous conclusion that the contribution of the latter species to autumn LST events was negligible. Recent analyses by LC–MS/MS of individually picked cells of D. acuta and D. caudata have shown that both species may have high levels of PTX2 (up to 30 pg and 130 pg cell−1, respectively) and that this toxin can be the dominant toxin during toxic outbreaks associated with Dinophysis spp. Although the quick conversion of PTX2 to PTX-2SA in mussels may reduce the risks for human health, these results have important implications for monitoring programmes. The complex toxin profile of shellfish exposed to Dinophysis spp. populations should be taken into account when making decisions on the toxin control methods to be used as the basis of the programme. Conclusive toxicological studies are required to elucidate the public health relevance of the different PTXs derivatives and to provide the scientific basis for regulations.