ABSTRACT
Objective:To explore the possibility of immune prevention and cure for tetrodotoxin (TTX) intoxication and develop an antitoxin vaccine against TTX.Methods:TTX was conjugated to Tachypleus tridentatus hemocyanin(TTH) in presence of formaldehyde and this conjugate(TTX-TTH) was used as an immunogen to immunize Balb/C mice.The quality of antisera in animal was detected on schedule by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) and competition-inhibited enzyme immunoassay(CIEIA).Mice immunized with TTX-TTH were challenged intraperitoneally with lethal doses of TTX(1LD=13.5 ?g/kg).Results:The high titer and affinity of antisera could last for a time as long as more than one year.The immunized mice were ip challenged with 1?LD of TTX once and again at a fixed period,there was a affirmative antitoxic effect in about 12 months(total 15?LD),and a partial effect in following time;about one fourth of animal survived till 24 months post initial immunization(total 26?LD),and which was at a stage of senescence in mice.The anti-TTX poisoning effect of animal was approximately consistent with the antisera quality tested.Conclusion:The experimental vaccine of TTX could effectively protect animal from TTX intoxication and its effect was of longer duration of validity.Immunoprophylaxis would be the hopeful means for detoxification of TTX. [