DERMATONECROTIC PROPERTIES OF EXTRACTS FROM TENTACLES OF CNIDARIAN CHIRONEX FLECKERI

Whole extracts of the tentacles of Chironex fleckeri, active fractions obtained by Sephadex chromatography, and the toxin from nematocysts were examined for dermatonecrotic activity in rats and guinea pigs. The necrosis of skin appears to be the direct effect of the active material on the cells of the epidermis and dermis. Antihistamine and anti-5-HT compounds, cortisone acetate and parenteral rabbit antisera did not influence the development of skin necrosis. The dermatonecrotic, hemolytic and lethal activities appear to be related except for one fraction separated by chromatography, which had a high lethality but in which the other activities were low. The dermatonecrotic activity is antigenic and neutralizing antibodies can be produced in rabbits. The findings are discussed in relation to the symptoms occurring in human injuries. © 1969.