Cyprinol as water-soluble poisoning component of carp

Two types of intoxication, caused by intake of carp gallbladder or mainly its muscle (Sasimi), have been reported. In order to identify the substances responsible for these carp intoxications, we initially examined the distribution of toxin in normal carp viscera and muscle by means of an acute toxicity test in ddY male mice (19-20g). It was found that the toxic substances were in gallbladder and liver-pancreas, especially bile, but not muscle. Thus, intoxication by carp gallbladder could be attributable to components normally present in carp bile. Based on the LD50 values, it was concluded that essentially all of the bile toxicity can be explained by the toxicity of cyprinol sulfate, a major component of carp bile. Furthermore, the acute toxic symptoms induced by raw bile and cyprinol sulfate were similar. On the other hand, from the result of a 50% hemolysis test, it was found that some bile acids contained in raw bile were more hemolytic than cyprinol sulfate. Taking these results into consideration, it was suggested that carp intoxication resulting from ingestion of the gallbladder could be caused by not only cyprinol sulfate but also other components, especially bile acid.