Domoic acid (DA) is a neuroexcitotoxic amino acid that is naturally produced by some species of marine diatoms during harmful algal blooms (HABs). The toxin is transferred through the food web from plantivorous fish and shellfish to marine mammals resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. Due to the timing and location of DA producing HABs, it is well documented that pregnant female California sea lions (CSL) are regularly exposed to DA through their diet thereby posing exposure risks to a neuroteratogen in developing fetuses. In the present study, fluids from 36 fetuses sampled from naturally exposed pregnant CSLs were examined for DA. Domoic acid was detected in 79% of amniotic fluid (n = 24), 67% of allantoic fluid (n = 9), 75% of urine (n = 4), 41% of meconium (n = 17) and 29% of stomach content (n = 21) samples opportunistically collected from CSL fetuses. The distribution of DA in fetal samples indicates an increased prenatal exposure risk due to recirculation of DA in fetal fluids and continuous exposure to the developing brain.

软骨藻酸 (DA) 是一种神经兴奋毒性氨基酸，由某些海洋硅藻在有害藻华 (HAB) 期间自然产生。该毒素通过食物网从植物食性鱼类和贝类转移到海洋哺乳动物，导致显着的发病率和死亡率。由于 DA 产生 HAB 的时间和地点，有充分证据表明怀孕的雌性加州海狮 (CSL) 经常通过饮食接触 DA，从而对发育中的胎儿造成接触神经致畸原的风险。在本研究中，对从自然暴露的怀孕 CSL 中抽取的 36 个胎儿的体液进行了 DA 检测。在 79% 的羊水 (n = 24)、67% 的尿囊液 (n = 9)、75% 的尿液 (n = 4)、41% 的胎便 (n = 17) 和 29% 的胎粪中检测到软骨藻酸。胃内容物（n = 21）是从 CSL 胎儿中机会收集的样本。胎儿样本中 DA 的分布表明，由于胎儿体液中 DA 的再循环以及持续暴露于发育中的大脑，产前暴露风险增加。