title: Distribution and chemical composition of the toxic skin secretions from trunkfish (family Ostraciidae).
abstract: The components of the mucus skin secretions from eight species of trunkfish found in the coastal waters of Australia were analyzed by combined chemical ionization-gas chromatography mass spectrometry. The species investigated were Anoplacapros lenticularis, Aracana aurita, Aracana ornata, Lactoria fornasini, Ostracion cubicus, Rhinesomas reipublicae, Strophiurichthys inermis and Strophiurichthys robustus. The beta-substituted choline chloride esters (mainly acetoxy, but with some species having butyryloxy, valeryloxy and one species with caproyloxy) of palmitic acid were the predominant components in almost all cases. High concentrations of monounsaturated palmitic acid were present in S. inermis and S. robustus. Trace quantities of C14, C17 and C18 choline chloride esters were also detected as were compounds where the choline moiety was modified by addition of one extra carbon.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Long Island University, Southampton, New York 11968.
authors.forename: A S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Goldberg
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Duffield
authors.forename: K D
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Barrow
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002794:Choline / Q000032:analysis; D002855:Chromatography, Thin Layer; D005399:Fishes / Q000378:metabolism*; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; D008387:Marine Toxins / Q000032:analysis* / Q000633:toxicity; D009093:Mucus / Q000378:metabolism*; D012867:Skin / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D008387:Marine Toxins; D002794:Choline