In vivo effects of head-to-tail 3-alkylpiridinium polymers isolated from the marine sponge Raniera sarai

Water soluble polymeric 3-alkylpyridinium salts (poly APS; MW 18900 and 552 0 Da) were isolated from the marine sponge Raniera sarai. In vitro it stron gly inhibited acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) from different species (electric eel, horse serum, human erythrocytes). In our experiments the importance o f anti AChE activity in the toxin lethality was evaluated. In vivo experime nts were performed on male Wistar rats and EGG, blood pressure and breathin g pattern were monitored. After iv. application of lethal doses of the toxi n ECG showed signs of hypo perfusion. Arterial blood pressure fell to mid-c irculatory pressure, and breathing stopped after a few breaths At sublethal doses the toxin caused an increase of residual volume, prolongation of exp iration, and bradycardia. Patho-anatomical examination revealed that the pl ugs in lung circulation may cause the death of experimental animals due to cardiorespiratory failure.