PRESENCE OF SEROTONIN IN THE VENOM OF CONUS-IMPERIALIS

The bioactive components in the venoms of cone snails are largely smal l peptides which target to a diverse set of ion channels and neuronal receptors. We report here the presence of substantial levels of seroto nin in the venom of the imperial cone snail, Conus imperialis. This ve nom also contains many small bioactive peptides. The identification of serotonin has been confirmed by mass spectroscopy, NMR, HPLC mobility and UV spectroscopy. Although serotonin has been reported in arthropo d venoms, it was previously reported to be absent in Conus venoms. We examined a total of fourteen different Conus species, and found detect able serotonin only in the venom of C. imperialis. Conus imperialis sp ecializes in feeding upon the amphinomid polychaete Eurythoe complanat a. We speculate that serotonin may play a role in the capture of this prey.