Tetrodotoxin and Its Analogues (TTXs) in the Food-Capture and Defense Organs of the Palaeonemertean Cephalothrix cf. simula.

ABSTRACT: Tetrodotoxin (TTX), an extremely potent low-molecular-weight neurotoxin, is widespread among marine animals including ribbon worms (Nemertea). Previously, studies on the highly toxic palaeonemertean Cephalothrix cf. simula showed that toxin-positive structures are present all over its body and are mainly associated with glandular cells and epithelial tissues. The highest TTXs concentrations were detected in a total extract from the intestine of the anterior part of the body and also in a total extract from the proboscis. However, many questions as to the TTXs distribution in the organs of the anterior part of the worm's body and the functions of the toxins in these organs are still unanswered. In the present report, we provide additional results of a detailed and comprehensiv

SUBMITTER: Malykin GV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10818845 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature