Trace analysis of microcystins in environmental samples
Harada, K.; Kondo, F.; Tsuji, K.
Journal - Association of Official Analytical Chemists 84(5): 1636-1642
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 0004-5756 PMID: 11601486 Document Number: 534301
Microcystins, the cyclic heptapeptide toxins produced by cyanobacteria such as Microcystis sp., show potent hepatotoxicity and tumor-promoting activity through inhibition of protein phosphatases 1 and 2A. A toxic incident resulting in the death of 50 people in Brazil in 1996 was due to microcystins in water used for hemodialysis. Microcystins are now threatening human health and life, but many problems associated with microcystins remain unsolved. This report describes how to analyze trace amounts of microcystins in complicated matrixes such as liver tissue, lake water, and sediments.