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Description
Rapid and simple test for the analysis of microcystins, based on the phosphatase activity inhibition of enzyme PP2A by microcystins. Microcystins (MCs) are considered the most harmful cyanotoxins due to their natural abundance and potent toxicity. The toxicity of MCs is associated with the inhibition of protein phosphatases 1 and 2A present in liver cells, which can lead to hepatocyte disfunction or even tumor promotion. Different methodologies have been described for the analysis of microcystins. Methods such as HPLC or ELISA identify MCs but are unable to detect toxicity. Mouse bioassay or enzymatic inhibition tests (such as MicroCystest) can however identify the potential toxicity of the sample caused by MCs. MicroCystest is based on the inhibition of the PP2A activity by MCs (An and Carmichael 1994, Toxicon), which makes it able to detect all potential toxic MCs present in the sample. Thus, MicroCystest can be considered a unique in vitro bioassay for the detection and quantification of MCs.