The effects of vesicle toxin from the sea anemone Bunodosoma cangicum on the behavior of a freshwater shrimp, Palaemon argentinus, and shore crab, Neohelice granulata

• Published in: Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Toxicology & pharmacology Vol. 242; p. 108941
• Main Authors: Bastos Junior, Claudio Luis Quaresma, Bialves, Tatiane Senna, Foguesatto, Kamila, Arantes, Estevão Melo, de Souza, Gleidson Barcelos, Garcia, Thiago Obiedo, Varela, Antonio Sergio, Boyle, Robert Tew
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.04.2021
• Subjects: Chromatography; Columnar vesicles; Neuro-inhibition; RAMP protocol; Neuro-inhibition; Columnar vesicles; Chromatography; RAMP protocol
• ISSN: 1532-0456; 1878-1659
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2020.108941

Sea anemones of the genus Bunodosoma possess along their body column, longitudinally arranged brown-colored vesicles. We have shown that in B. cangicum, these warty structures contain a mixture of potent toxins. This work highlights the neuro-inhibitory effects exhibited by two decapod crustacean species exposed to the extracts from these vesicles. For this, we use the unrefined toxin in doses, exposure times, and different exposure pathways. The findings show that at least one neuro-inhibitory compound is present and remains active regardless of the exposure method or dose tested. This toxin affects neuro-motor pathways but not neuro-sensory pathways. Shrimp exposed to toxin could continue to perceive and track food pellets but could not secure and consume their ration. Of six anatomical reflexes tested under the toxin's influence, voluntary movements of the mouthparts were impacted most commonly. Interestingly, all subject animals recovered from the toxin exposure within 2 h. Finally, we propose Reflexive Action Analysis (RAMP) as a tool to evaluate the potency of other neurotoxic or neuro-inhibitory compounds in crustacea. This work is the first to show the neuro-inhibitory activity of extracts from these sea anemone columnar vesicle structures and the first to evaluate these effects using RAMP reflex analysis. [Display omitted] •New effects of Bunodosoma cangicum vesicle toxin on crustaceans•Neuroinhibitory effects of toxin, causing paralysis of exposed shrimps and crabs•Evaluate animal reflex effects as an indirect measure of neurotoxicity