Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

JASPLAKINOLIDE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Toxin produced by the bright orange sponge, Jaspis johnstoni Inhibits the growth of a wide
variety of cancer cells, including breast and prostate. Acts by binding to actin, a
component of the cells cytoskeleton (" backbone" ). The cystoskeleton gives cells their
shape and mobility and, as well plays an important function in cell division. The toxin
binds to actin forcing it to link into increasingly longer filaments which prevent cell
division. The actin cytoskeleton and its associated proteins represent the organisers and
motors for the dynamic shape changes observed in cell- crawling, polarisation, and
cytokinesis. The importance of controlling the cell shape is best illustrated by the
dramatic cytoskeletal changes observed upon malignant cell growth as well as programmed
cell death. Actin- binding proteins comprise a family known to regulate the properties and
dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton. The biochemical mechanisms involved in binding include
cross- linking, severing, capping or nucleation of actin filaments.

SYNONYMS

C36-H45-Br-N4-O6, "beta-alanine, N-[2-bromo-N-(N-(8-hydroxy-2, 4, 6-trimethyl-1-oxo-4-
nonenyl)-L-alanyl)-N-methyl-D-tryptophyl]-L-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-, beta-lactone, [2s-(2R*,
4E, 6S*, 8R*)]-", "beta-alanine, N-[2-bromo-N-(N-(8-hydroxy-2, 4, 6-trimethyl-1-oxo-4-
nonenyl)-L-alanyl)-N-methyl-D-tryptophyl]-L-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-, beta-lactone, [2s-(2R*,
4E, 6S*, 8R*)]-", jaspamide, (+)-jasplakinolide, "Jaspis johnstoni toxin", "actin/ micro-
tubulin disrupter/ antimitotic tripeptide/ peptide", "antineoplastic/ cytotoxic"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Although ingestion is not thought to produce harmful effects, the material may still be damaging to the health of the individual following ingestion, especially where pre-  existing organ (e.g. liver, kidney) damage is evident. Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally based on doses producing mortality (death) rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-health). Gastrointestinal tract discomfort may produce nausea and vomiting. In an occupational setting however, ingestion of insignificant quantities is not thought to be cause for concern.  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  The killing action of antineoplastic drugs used for cancer chemotherapy is not selective for cancerous cells alone but affect all dividing cells. Acute side effects include loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, allergic reaction (skin rash, itch, redness, low blood pressure, unwellness and anaphylactic shock) and local irritation. Gout and renal failure can occur.  

EYE

  Although the material is not thought to be an irritant, direct contact with the eye may produce transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn).  

SKIN

  Skin contact with the material may damage the health of the individual; systemic effects may result following absorption.  The material is not thought to be a skin irritant (as classified using animal models). Temporary discomfort, however, may result from prolonged dermal exposures. Good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  Toxic effects may result from skin absorption.  

INHALED

  Inhalation may produce health damage*.  The material is not thought to produce respiratory irritation (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless inhalation of the material, especially for prolonged periods, may produce respiratory discomfort and occasionally, distress.  Persons with impaired respiratory function, airway diseases and conditions such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, may incur further disability if excessive concentrations of particulate are inhaled.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are usually by skin contact/absorption and inhalation of generated dust.  Anti-cancer drugs used for chemotherapy can depress the bone marrow with reduction in the number of white blood cells and platelets and bleeding. Susceptibility to infections and bleeding is increased, which can be life- threatening. Digestive system effects may include inflammation of the mouth cavity, mouth ulcers, esophagus inflammation, abdominal pain and bleeds, diarrhea, bowel ulcers and perforation. Reversible hair loss can result and wound healing may be delayed. Long-term effects on the gonads may cause periods to stop and inhibit sperm production. Most anti-cancer drugs can potentially cause mutations and birth defects, and coupled with the effects of the suppression of the immune system, may also cause cancer.  Chronic intoxication with ionic bromides, historically, has resulted from medical use of bromides but not from environmental or occupational exposure; depression, hallucinosis, and schizophreniform psychosis can be seen in the absence of other signs of intoxication. Bromides may also induce sedation, irritability, agitation, delirium, memory loss, confusion, disorientation, forgetfulness (aphasias), dysarthria, weakness, fatigue, vertigo, stupor, coma, decreased appetite, nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea, hallucinations,  an acne like rash on the face, legs and trunk, known as bronchoderma (seen in 25-30% of case involving bromide ion), and a profuse discharge from the nostrils (coryza). Ataxia and generalised hyperreflexia have also been observed. Correlation of neurologic symptoms with blood levels of bromide is inexact. The use of substances such as brompheniramine, as antihistamines, largely reflect current day usage of bromides; ionic bromides have been largely withdrawn from therapeutic use due to their toxicity. Several cases of foetal abnormalities have been described in mothers who took large doses of bromides during pregnancy.