Dec 20, 2012
A compound from from marine organisms that is toxic to humans normally could provide important medical applications.
A new study found that a toxin produced by the single-celled marine algae Karenia brevis, a dinoflagellate that produces brevitoxin during red tide bloom conditions, could aid in the recovery of brain function after a stroke.
The compound, brevetoxin-2, stimulated nerve cell growth and plasticity in cultured mouse neurons. Increased plasticity around the damaged part of the brain is what causes the nerve cells to ‘rewire’ after a stroke or severe brain damage.
Image of an algal "red tide" bloom, and algal cell of Karenia brevis (inset). From: http://microbewiki.kenyon.edu/index.php/File:Red_tide_genera.jpeg
