Tetrodotoxin of puffer fish poisoning

Puffer fish poisoning is results from ingestion of the flesh of certain species of fish belonging to the Tetraodontidae. These fish can be found in both fresh and salt water and can inflate their bodies to a nearly spheric shape using air or seawater.

The toxin involved is called tetrodotoxin and was originally believed to be a true ichthyosarcotoxin produced by the fish itself. Puffer fish, the most common source of tetrodotoxin, is eaten as the delicacy fugu in some Southeast Asian countries.

Although tetrodotoxin is concentrated in the fish’s skin and internal organs, all parts of the fish may contain it. Most poisonings occur in Japan, where sushi chefs must be licensed in the proper technique of preparing puffer fish owing to risk of death with improper preparation.

Tetrodotoxin blocks the action potentials in nerves by binding to the pores of the voltage-gated, fast sodium channels in nerve cell membrane.

The symptoms of puffer fish poisoning are similar to those described for paralytic shellfish poisoning, including initial tingling and numbness of lips, tongue and fingers leading to paralysis of the extremities; ataxia,; difficulty on speaking; and finally death buy asphyxiation due to respiratory paralysis. Nausea and vomiting are common early symptoms.
Tetrodotoxin of puffer fish poisoning

Pufferfish

A pufferfish or puffers is a bit like an underwater balloon. When in danger the pufferfish swells up to many times its usual size. The pufferfish fool its predator into thinking it is a fish that is much too big to eat.

Pufferfish have large eyes so they can see well. They also have sharp, powerful teeth and this part of the body is often referred to as beak.

Most pufferfish swim in warm ocean waters. Many live near coral reefs. There are more than 120 different kinds of pufferfish.

 Some pufferfish are very small. Others are longer than human arm. The smallest is just 1 inch (2.5 cm) long. The biggest pufferfish are more than 3 feet (1 m) long. Some pufferfish have stripes or spots on their skin. Some are very colorful.

While pufferfish are almost never targeted, they are frequently captures by young or very inexperienced anglers, some of whom want to keep them.

All pufferfish species are highly toxic and should never be consumed, no matter how well they are cleaned. All pufferfish species are highly toxic and should never be consumed, no matter how well they are cleaned.
Pufferfish