Toxicity studies with the blue-green alga Oscillatoria agardhii from two eutrophic Norwegian lakes

Extracts of the blue-green alga Oscillatoria agardhii were tested for acute toxicity on laboratory mice and rats. Material originating from lake Gjersjøen proved to be toxic to the animals, samples from the nearby lake Årungen did not. Clinical symptoms culminated in the development of a fatal shock due to decrease in circulating blood volume. Pathological examination revealed heavy pooling of blood in the liver and severe damage to the organ. Blood analyses also indicated liver damage. Effects were the same with extracts from a laboratory clone culture as from a natural water bloom, but the toxin content was higher in the bloom material. Toxicity was not affected by heat, acid or alkali treatment.