Enzymatic transformation of PSP toxins in the littleneck clam (Protothaca staminea).

Stemming from investigations into the relationship between toxins produced by Gonyaulax sp. and accumulated in shellfish, we wish to report enzymatic transformations of the PSP toxins to decarbamoyl derivatives in the littleneck clam (Protothaca staminea). No toxin transformations were observed in either mussels (Mytilus edulis) or in butter clams (Saxidomus giganteus). In addition, littleneck clam samples from the natural environment contained predominantly the decarbamoyl derivatives, while other shellfish species collected from the same vicinity contained the previously reported PSP toxins.