Saxitoxin (STX) is a potent marine biotoxin
• STX and its analogs are synthesized in both marine and
freshwater environments by dinoflagellates of the genus
Alexandrium
• Saxitoxin enters the water column as a by-product of
massive dinoflagellate proliferation and aggregation
• Saxitoxin is an inhibitory neurotoxin that induces flaccid
paralysis by actively suppressing excitation of neuronal
impulses