Mode of action of cyclic imine toxins: 20-methyl spirolide-G antagonizes rat neuronal α3β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor

Cyclic imine toxins produced by marine dinoflagellate species move up fast the food chain through shellfish and constitute a potential threat for marine wildlife and public health because of their potent antagonistic activity against nicotinic acetylcholine receptors of muscle and neuronal types. Although not regulated, the lethality of 13-desmethyl spirolide-C does compare the lethality of saxitoxin in mouse bioassay. Besides, cyclic imine toxins are often found in shellfish destined for human consumption. Herein, the unveiling of the mode of action of cyclic imine toxins is reviewed. To illustrate the review, the electrophysiological characterization of the antagonistic capacity of 20-methyl spirolide-G on rat α3β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor is described.