Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP)

In this manual a review is provided of the chemical and toxicological aspects of Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP). The document contains information on chemical structure, chemical data, where to obtain standards and reference materials, the origin and occurrence, chemical analysis, mouse bioassay, epidemiology, mechanisms of action, symptoms and therapeutics. The practical use of this document has been highlighted in agreement with the Members of the Task Team on Aquatic Biotoxins. This document is prepared by Dr. H. Ravn, IOC together with Prof. T. Yasumoto, Tohoku University, Japan, Chairman of the Task Team on Aquatic Biotoxins. Dr. J. Ramsdell, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Charleston Laboratory, USA has supplied parts of the toxicological information, and the document has been kindly reviewed by Dr. M.A. Quilliam, National Research Council Canada, Institute for Marine Biosciences, Canada.