title: In vitro effects on human heart and skeletal cells of the venom from two cubozoans, Chironex fleckeri and Carukia barnesi.
abstract: Although Chironex fleckeri and Carukia barnesi cause significant human envenomation, research into their effects in human models or human cells has been limited. In this in vitro study we have presented data that shows that although C. fleckeri is highly cytotoxic to human cardiac and skeletal muscle cells, C. barnesi is not cytotoxic at all concentrations tested to both cardiac and skeletal muscles cells. We also demonstrate that in vitro C. fleckeri venom cardiocytotoxic activity is significantly attenuated when heated to 44 °C for 20 min. There is a similar attenuation with skeletal cells at 46 °C.
authors.affiliation: Emergency Department, Cairns Base Hospital, Cairns 4870, Australia; Queensland Tropical Health Alliance (QTHA), James Cook University, McGregor Road, Cairns 4878, Australia; School of Public Health, Tropical Medicine and Rehabilitation Sciences, James Cook University, McGregor Road, Cairns 4878, Australia. Electronic address: Peter.Pereira@health.qld.gov.au.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pereira
authors.forename: Jamie E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Seymour
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003064:Cnidarian Venoms / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000633:toxicity*; D037462:Cubozoa / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D018485:Muscle Fibers, Skeletal / Q000187:drug effects*; D032383:Myocytes, Cardiac / Q000187:drug effects*; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D003064:Cnidarian Venoms
keywords: Carukia barnesi; Chironex fleckeri; Heat lability; Stingers; Venom