An extract from Hydra vulgaris (Cnidaria) nematocysts increases cytoplasmic Ca2+ levels in fibroblasts.
It was previously shown that a toxic protein present in an extract prepared from nematocysts of Hydra vulgaris (Cnidaria) is highly hemolytic and induces spasms in test animals (Klug et al., 1989, Toxicon 27, 325). We now demonstrate that this nematocyst extract affects cell viability and induces an increase of cytosolic Ca2+ concentration as measured in fura-2 loaded single fibroblasts. This increase is caused by Ca2+ entering from the external medium and the effect appears to be due to the hemolytic component of the venom.
Klug
M
M
Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley 94720.
Weber
J
J
D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism*; D002460:Cell Line; D002463:Cell Membrane Permeability; D002470:Cell Survival; D003593:Cytoplasm / Q000378:metabolism; D003603:Cytotoxins / Q000633:toxicity*; D005347:Fibroblasts; D006460:Hemolysin Proteins / Q000633:toxicity; D006829:Hydra; D014688:Venoms
D003603:Cytotoxins; D006460:Hemolysin Proteins; D014688:Venoms; D002118:Calcium