Sea wasp (Chironex fleckeri) venom: Lethal, haemolytic and dermonecrotic properties

Abstract

The lethal, haemolytic and dermonecrotic properties of the venom of the sea wasp, Chironex fleckeri, were investigated. Variable species susceptibility was evident in the lethal and haemolytic properties. No histamine-releasing action is involved in the dermonecrotic action, which is not reduced by adsorption of the haemolysin on to rbc. Optimum conditions for the haemolytic action were studied and a unit of activity established. The haemolysin is not a phospholipase. The stability of the venom properties to various physical and chemical treatments was studied. Heat, formalin and EDTA reduce all activities. Peptone is useful as a stabilizing additive. Fractionation of the venoms by the use of Sephadex chromatography and adsorption and neutralization studies show that the properties derive from similar, but not the same, compounds. The biologically active molecules causing these activities appear to have a molecular weight of 10,000-30,000. © 1969.