Platelet aggregation caused by a partially purified jellyfish toxin from Carybdea rastonii

Novel Proteinaceous Toxins from the Box Jellyfish (Sea Wasp) Carybdea rastoni

“…Azuma et al found that a partially purified C. rastoni toxin (pCrTX) induced hemolysis, dermatonecrosis, and platelet aggregation (20). pCrTX has also been reported to cause contractions in rabbit aorta by releasing norepinephrine from adrenergic nerve terminals and by increasing the transmembrane Ca 2ϩ influx (21).…”

Contractile Effects of Jellyfish Toxin Extracted from Carybdea rastonii on Isolated Rabbit Aorta

“…The contraction, the amplitude of which had been reduced by the removal of adventitia and endothelium, was also partially inhibited by nicardipine, a Cal' channel inhibitor, and was markedly augmen ted by Bay k8644 (10), a Call channel activator, and it was significantly reduced by lowering external Na+. pCrTX has been reported to increase the inward movement of 22Na+ and cause membrane depolarization in platelets (1). Based on these results, it seems likely that pCrTX increases Call influx, possibly through voltage-dependent Ca 21 channels.…”

“…Ca2+-free solution was made by omitting CaC12 from PSS and adding ethylene glycol bis(Q-aminoethyl ether) N, N,N',N' tetra acetic acid (EGTA). pCrTX was prepared as described by Azuma et al (1). Tentacles obtained from jellyfish (Carybdea restonii) were lyophilized and stored at -80°C.…”

“…A toxic component extracted from the tentacles of the jellyfish (pCrTX) has been shown to induce platelet aggregation (1 ). pCrTX has also been reported to cause a contraction in rabbit aorta by releasing noradrenaline from adrenergic nerve terminals and by increasing transmembrane Ca 21 influx (2) and to inhibit the contraction in rat aorta by releasing a relaxant substance from the endothelium (3).…”

Digital ischaemia: a rare but severe complication of jellyfish sting

“…2 There has also been a report on toxins causing platelet aggregation. 3 Hence, the physiological response of jellyfish sting depends on the species of jellyfish and the toxins they release.…”