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Abstract: Envenomation syndromes induced by Atlantic cnidaria have been tabulated and their therapy discussed. The pharmacokinetics of the venom has been emphasized. Pain occurs instantly and reaches a zenith rapidly in the surf. The nematocysts have already penetrated the dermis and disease proceeds before help can arrive. This fact plus the relative impermeability of human epidermis hampers the efficacy of topical agents. Oral analgesics, the agents of choice, are seldom offered and systemic administration of these drugs is usually not necessary. The use of hot or cold applications has not been settled. Measures to inactivate nematocysts within tentacles adherent to skin post-sting have been demonstrated in vitro, but the clinical significance of these actions has not been shown. Using an abrader (sand, crystalline papain) to counter-irritate nearby skin might provide relief. Antivenoms for Atlantic cnidaria are not available. The instances when verapamil might be employed are very rare. The reasons for the increasing case load of these injuries are discussed and the need to discover more effective therapeutic agents is emphasized. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Sea nettle toxin was found to increase the short-circuit current across isolated frog skin. This effect was blocked by hyperimmune serum but not by calcium chloride. In vitro guinea pig kidney (Na + K) ATPase was unaffected by the toxin. The rise in short-circuit current was mimicked by vasopressin but tissue level of 3'5' cyclic AMP were not found to be elevated over controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chrysaora quinquecirrha (sea nettle) nematocyst venom is lethal to rainbow killifish (Adina xenica) when injected intraperitoneally or topically applied to the exposed brain or denuded epithelium. The lethal activity is thermostable requiring 100°C heat for inactivation. This paper reports here for the first time that the venom also activates the complement system with the subsequent formation of the C5b-9 terminal complement complex. The events are associated with both a strong chemoattractant release and the tissue damage. These are also, at least in part, responsible for the pathogenesis of some clinical signs and symptoms associated to the jellyfish stings. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]