Toxinological studies on the nematocyst venom of Chrysaora achlyos

Nematocyst venoms from both oral arms and lappets of Chrysaora achlyos were prepared and found to have factors producing mouse lethality, hemolysis an d hepatocyte toxicity. These venoms had less potency than those of Chrysaor a quinquecirrha a phylogenetic, congeneric cousin. Envenomated bathers had significant species-specific anti venom Ige and also cross-reacting antibod y to Chrysaora quinquecirrha nematocyst venoms. There were similarities and contrasts in the capillary electropherograms and sodium dodecyl sulfate (S DS) gels between C. achlyos nematocyst venoms and those of their C. quinque cirrha counterparts. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.