Fig. 1

Organs/organ systems affected by toxic metabolites of cyanobacteria. Organs traditionally considered targets of toxicity are on the left; organs directly subjected to oral exposure are on the right. Grey background illustrates organs with mucosal surfaces that serve as primary entry portals for environmental and dietary contaminants. The figure depicts inner organs figuratively and not anatomically correct. Data based on literature review and detailed sources are provided in Tables 2, 3, and 4. *: putative toxin, in parentheses: effect supported by in vitro data only (no in vivo data available)