Satratoxin-H

Satratoxin-H, a trichothecene mycotoxin, is a naturally occurring toxin produced by the ascomycetes Stachybotrys chartarum and Podostroma cornu-damae which is highly toxic to humans and animals. The clinical condition it causes is known as Stachybotrotoxicosis. It is related to the mycotoxin T-2, but unlike T-2 has not been reported to have been used as a chemical weapon.

Properties

Satratoxin-H is almost completely insoluble in water, but is easily soluble in lower alcohols and polar solvents such as ethanol, methanol, 2-propanol, acetone and chloroform.

Satratoxin-H is not officially classified as a chemical weapon.

Effects

Satratoxin-H is extremely versatile. Contact with the solution through ingestion, inhalation, or even prolonged physical contact produces symptoms similar to those listed below.

• a rash that becomes a moist dermatitis
• nosebleeds
• chest pain
• pulmonary hemorrhage (bleeding in the lungs)
• fever
• headache
• fatigue

However, if consumed in large quantities, it can be lethal. Satratoxin-H has little effect on bare skin, and does not blister it in the way many chemical weapons do. However, upon contact with sensitive surfaces (eyes, interior of mouth or nose), inflammation will occur.

Satratoxin-H has an LD₅₀ for mice of 1.0-1.4 mg/kg, upon injection. Otherwise it is reported to be about five times as toxic as T-2.

References

• Croft, W. A.; Jarvis, B. B.; Yatawara, C. S. (1986). "Airborne outbreak of trichothecene toxicosis". Atmospheric Environment. 20 (3): 549–552. Bibcode:1986AtmEn..20..549C. doi:10.1016/0004-6981(86)90096-X.
• Nikulin, M.; Reijula, K.; Jarvis, B. B.; Veijalainen, P.; Hintikka, E. L. (1997). "Effects of Intranasal Exposure to Spores of Stachybotrys atra in Mice". Fundamental and Applied Toxicology. 35 (2): 182–188. doi:10.1093/toxsci/35.2.182. PMID 9038239.