Anatoxin A:
essential data
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| Symptoms, Treatment, Decontamination |
| Syndrome Name |
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| Symptoms |
- Limp paralysis leading to dyspnea, cyanosis, cardiac arrhythmia
leading to death.
- Symptoms may resemble those of organophosphate nerve agent poisoning.
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| Onset of Symptoms |
Within minutes (<5 min.). |
| Rapid diagnostic assay |
None available. Rapid and sensitive assays are availabe for use in water
monitoring. |
| Antidote |
None available. Pretreatment with 2-PAM and physostigmine have been
effective in prophylaxis in animals. |
| Supportive Care |
Artificial respiration to support breathing, treatment of symptoms in
survivors. |
| Inactivation |
Anatoxin a is inactivated by strong sunlight. |
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Toxicity in Mice
| Route | LD50(micrograms/kg) |
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| Intravenous |
386 |
| Intraperitoneal |
200-250 |
| Subcutaneous |
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Chemical Properties
| Structure |
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| CA Name |
Ethanone, 1-(1R,6R)-9-
azabicyclo[4.2.1]non-2-en-2-yl-
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| Trivial Names |
- (+)-Anatoxin alpha
- (+)-Anatoxin a
- Anatoxin a
- Anatoxin I
- Very Fast Death Factor
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| Registry Number |
64285-06-9 |
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| RTECS Number |
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Molecular
Formula |
C10H15NO |
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Molecular
weight |
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| Solubility |
Soluble in water. |
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| pKa in water |
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| Complete synthesis |
Yes, but technically challenging. |
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Site of Action
Anatoxin A has two modes of action. It binds to the acetylcholine receptor that
receives the acetylcholine impulse from the nerve ending and acts as an agonist.
That is, its action parallels that of acetylcholine and it stimulates the nerve.
However, it is not ejected by the receptor after binding, so the nerve impulse
does not fade. In addition, it inhibits the acetylcholinesterase that inactivates
the acetylcholine released by normal impulses. The result is an overstimulation
of the muscle that leads to limp paralysis and death when the muscles of the chest
responsible for breathing are affected.
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Source
Anatoxin a is synthesized by the blue-green alga (also known as a cyanobacterium)
Anabena flos-aquae that is a common component of pond scum throughout the
world that is commonly found as a bright green layer on stagnant water. Animals
drinking water contaminated by these organisms have died in their thousands making
a risk to wildlife and free-range livestock. It is possible that it could be manufactured
in quantity by fermentation if suitable productive strains and culture condition
could be found. It is suspected that the enzymes responsible for the biosynthesis
of anatoxin a are carried on a plasmid, making real the possibilty of the genetic
engineering of producer strains of more amenable organisms.
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Agent Properties
Relatively is little is known about Anatoxin a as a possible toxin weapon.
It is included on the Australia Group lists by reason of its toxicity. It is
not known to be made in large quantities that could be used in weapons and little
or nothing is known about its inhalation toxicity. It is unstable in strong
sunlight with a half-life 1-2 hours. Its mode of action makes it an attractive
agent for the study of nerve impulse transmission and as a starting point for
the development of drugs for use in the treatment of a number of neurological
diseases, including Alzheimer's disease.
There is another anatoxin, confusingly called anatoxin A(S) that is also a
cholinesterase inhibitor that may be confused with Anatoxin A.
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Terrorist Acquisition and Attempted Use.
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International Disease Classification Codes for Anatoxin a Poisoning
| Disease |
ICD-9-CM |
ICD-10 |
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