Domoic Acid Neurotax

A recent study proposed and led by researcher Dr. Peter Cook has established a connection between Domoic acid, a neurotoxin produced by Pseudonitsczhia algal blooms and spatial memory loss in Californian Sea Lions (Zalophus californianus). In one of the experiments conducted, similarities between within session errors and spatial tasking of sea lions and rodents’ were measured. Test subjects were given four locations to forage for food after initial feeding at the central location, and are later presented with buckets placed at each location subsequently. Data collected is primarily based upon the subject’s ability to locate the filled bucket by memory. Functional MRI scans were also performed on the sea lions in order to examine the impact of Domoic acid exposure on various regions of the braim.

Researchers discovered that within the spatial memory tasks given, sea lions were prone to choose buckets that have been selected before, a behavior known as within session errors. They found the right hippocampal region of the brain associated with this error. MRI brain scans of sea lions exposed to Domoic acid shows reduced communication between the hippocampus and the thalamus pathways of the brain when compared to the control group (unaffected sea lions), which leads to delay in spatial choice tasking. …show more content…
It also provides an insight into the ecological impacts of marine life on humans, since Domoic acid significantly damages the memory of such organisms, and can lead to symptoms such as seizures, starvation, and even death. It is important to recognize that this effect on marine organisms can potentially occur in humans too, as the seafood we consume can become contaminated if the algal bloom persists. Through raising awareness of this issue, more research could be performed to look for a solution to this