Effects of Oscillatoria agardhii-toxins on blood pressure and isolated organ preparations

Toxic extracts of the blue-green alga Oscillatoria agardhii were tested for their effect on various isolated laboratory animal preparations. The Oscillatoria-toxins did not show hemagglutinative or hemolytical properties. An immediate rise in blood pressure was seen after intravenous injection in rats. As regards isolated organs, effects were most marked on the liver. Addition of toxic extract to isolated liver perfusion fluid led to physiological, biochemical and pathological changes indicating severe damage to the organ. Negative chronotropic and inotropic effects were found on the isolated heart. The toxins did not influence isolated smooth muscle or nerve striated muscle preparations.