Journal article

Publication year: 2014

Pages: 97-101

Journal: Toxicon: An Interdisciplinary Journal on the Toxins Derived from Animals, Plants and Microorganisms

Volume number: 92

ISSN: 0041-0101

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2014.10.011

Publisher: Elsevier

Abstract: 
Aquatic venomous animals such as stingrays represent a largely untapped source for venom-based drug development. However, the major challenge for a potential drug development pipeline is the high inter- and intraspecific variability in toxicity and venom composition. As of today, little is known about maturity-driven changes in these traits in stingrays. The present study investigates the differences in toxicity and venom composition in different maturity stages of the freshwater stingray Potamotrygon leopoldi. This species can be found in the Xingu River basin (Brazil), where it mainly feeds on invertebrates, while being predated by other stingrays or large catfishes. P. leopoldi, as commonly known for stingrays, can cause severe injuries with the venomous dentine spine located at its tails. The toxicity of tissue extracts of juvenile and mature specimens was recorded on a myoblast cell culture bioassay. Venom composition and bioactivity of compounds were analyzed with planar chromatography linked to an Aliivibrio fischeri bioassay. Results revealed a decrease in venom toxicity during maturation, but no changes in venom composition. These findings may indicate that toxicity in mature specimens becomes evolutionary less important, probably due to a decrease in predation pressure. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Harvard Citation style: Kirchhoff, K., Klingelhöfer, I., Dahse, H., Morlock, G. and Wilke, T. (2014) Maturity-related changes in venom toxicity of the freshwater stingray Potamotrygon leopoldi, Toxicon: An Interdisciplinary Journal on the Toxins Derived from Animals, Plants and Microorganisms, 92, pp. 97-101. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2014.10.011

APA Citation style: Kirchhoff, K., Klingelhöfer, I., Dahse, H., Morlock, G., & Wilke, T. (2014). Maturity-related changes in venom toxicity of the freshwater stingray Potamotrygon leopoldi. Toxicon: An Interdisciplinary Journal on the Toxins Derived from Animals, Plants and Microorganisms. 92, 97-101. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2014.10.011