Effects of Chrysaora quinquecirrha(Sea Nettle) Toxin on the Rat Cardiovascular System

Sea nettle (Chrysaora quinquecirrha) tentacles inflict cutaneous damage on many animals, including man. The cardiovascular action of the nettle toxin was investigated to determine whether this agent was capable of injuring tissues other than skin. Cardiac conduction abnormalities and ischemic electrocardiographic changes occurred in rats shortly after intravenous injections of the nettle toxin. Large doses of toxin produced a prompt increase in arterial blood pressure. These results support the premise that the nettle's sting, which clinically injures human skin, might affect other tissues if an adequate dosage were administered.This study was supported in part by grants-in-aid from the U. S. Bureau of Commercial Fisheries and Maryland Department of Chesapeake Bay Affairs, Grant 14-17-007-959 and the U. S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Grant 1 R01 UI 00642-01. The authors gratefully acknowledge the assistance of Mrs. Patricia Fannin, Mr. Michael P. Zimring, Mr. John C. Lee, Dr. John H. Stone, Dr. Leo M. Karpeles, Dr. F. H. J. Figge, and Dr. Y. C. Lee of the University of Maryland School of Medicine.