An investigation of the biological activity of bullrout (Notesthes robusta) venom

Stingrays from the Potamotrygon cf. henlei species are widely distributed in high numbers throughout the rivers of central-west Brazil, being the source of numerous envenomations occurring in the dry season, posing a serious public health problem even if not properly reported. The accidents usually involve fishermen and bathers, and to date there is no effective treatment for the injured. Considering these facts and limitations of studies aiming at understanding the effects induced by P. cf. henlei envenoming, this study aimed to describe the principal pharmacological and certain biochemical properties of the mucus and sting venom. We found that mucus and sting venom is toxic to mice having nociceptive, edematogenic and proteolysis activities. Our results also indicate that the inflammatory cellular influx observed could be triggered by the venom and mucus. Furthermore the venom and mucus were partially purified by solid-phase extraction tested for antimicrobial activity in which only the mucus presented activity. It could be inferred from the present study that P. cf. henlei venom possesses a diverse mixture of peptides, enzymes and pharmacologically active components.

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“…argus venom [14,59,60]. Mild proteolytic activity has been observed in bullrout, Notesthes robusta, venom [61].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Studies on pharmacological properties of mucus and sting venom of Potamotrygon cf. henlei

Monteiro-dos-Santos

Conceição

Seibert

et al. 2011

International Immunopharmacology

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“…Given these symptoms, it is uncertain if the vasoconstrictor peptide is responsible for the major effects of stingray envenomation. Numerous other protein toxins have also been purified from venomous fish species, including the lesser weever fish Trachinus vipera [19], Indian catfish Plotosus canius [20], scorpion fish Scorpaena guttata [21], Notesthes robusta [22], and Thalassophryne nattereri [23]. However, among the protein toxins of fish, only the three toxins from the scorpion fish (S. horrida, Kenyan S. verrucosa, Japanese S. verrucosa) described above have been formerly characterized to date.…”

Section: Protein Toxins Of Fishmentioning

confidence: 99%

Marine Protein Toxins

Nagai¹

2012

Handbook of Marine Natural Products

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“…Pain is the most distressing feature of bullrout, Notesthes robusta envenomation. (Hahn and O’Connor 2000). The clinical picture of Thalassophryne maculosa envenomation is characterized by severe pain, dizziness, fever, edema, and necrosis (Sosa‐Rosales et al., 2004).…”

Section: Venom Apparatus and Envenomationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fish venom: pharmacological features and biological significance

Sivan¹

2009

Fish and Fisheries

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Nearly 1200 species of marine fish are venomous and they account for two‐third of the population of venomous vertebrates. Fish venoms are focused as a potential source of pharmacological agents and physiological tools that have evolved to target vital processes in the human body that appear to have more electivity than many drugs. Fish venoms possess cardiovascular, neuromuscular, oedematic and cytolytic activity. Lethal toxins have been isolated and purified, with some having LD50 values comparable to that of snake venoms. Cardiovascular activity seems to be the dominant effect of fish venoms in experimental models. Piscine venom acts both pre‐ and post‐junctionally to produce depolarization of cell membranes. Studies on cytolytic activity of fish venom found that it produces lysis by forming hydrophilic pores in cell membranes which then result in cell lysis. Almost all fish venoms with neuromuscular activity also possesses cytolytic activity, and it is very likely that the two activities are related. Fish venom is known to induce intense and sustained edematogenic response. As piscine venoms have evolved for the same purpose, they show a number of similarities pharmacologically and it seems likely that most of the biological activities of any given toxin can be traced back to its cytolytic activity. A variety of toxins have been isolated from piscine venom. Although there is a complex balance between the components present in the venom of different fish, all of them seem to share similar activity – functionally and pharmacologically as well as structurally.

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An investigation of the biological activity of bullrout (Notesthes robusta) venom

Cited by 36 publications

References 15 publications

Studies on pharmacological properties of mucus and sting venom of Potamotrygon cf. henlei

Studies on pharmacological properties of mucus and sting venom of Potamotrygon cf. henlei

Marine Protein Toxins

Fish venom: pharmacological features and biological significance

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