The effects of<unk>  have been attributed to several mechanisms, but the one of concern is through glutamate receptors.<unk>  is an excitatory amino acid analogue of glutamate; a neurotransmitter in the brain that activates glutamate receptors.<unk>  has a very strong affinity for these receptors, which results in excitotoxicity initiated by an integrative action on ionotropic glutamate receptors at both sides of the synapse, coupled with the effect of blocking the channel from rapid desensitization. In addition there is a synergistic effect with endogenous glutamate and N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptor agonists that contribute to the excitotoxicity. In the brain,<unk>  especially<unk> mages the hippocampus and amygdaloid nucleus. It<unk> mages the neurons by activating AMPA and kainate receptors, causing an influx of calcium. Although calcium flowing into cells is normal, the uncontrolled increase of calcium causes the cells to degenerate. Because the hippocampus may be severely<unk> maged, short-term memory loss occurs. It may also cause kidney<unk> mage – even at levels considered safe for human consumption, a new study in mice has revealed. The kidney is affected at a hundred times lower than the concentration allowed under FDA regulations. + Symptoms of<unk>  Humans Animals vomiting head weaving nausea seizures diarrhea and abdominal crampswithin 24 hours of ingestion bulging eyes headache mucus from the mouth dizziness disorientation confusion, disorientation death loss of short-term memory motor weakness seizures profuse respiratory secretions cardiac arrhythmias coma and possible death References for all, unless otherwise noted:
Domoic acid
Delta-Palutoxin
Bempedoic acid
Ricin
Maitotoxin
Psalmotoxin
Birtoxin
Phoneutria nigriventer toxin-3