PAPER CHROMATOGRAPHY AND BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF EXTRACTS OF THE SALIVARY GLAND OF NEPTUNEA ANTIQUA (GASTROPODA).

It was reported that the so-called salivary or pharyngeal gland of the marine snail Neptunea antiqua contains a toxic substance. Food poisoning is caused by the salivary gland of Neptunea arthritica. Extracts of the salivary gland of Neptunea antiqua produce acetylcholine-like effects on certain isolated organs. Extracts of the salivary glands of Neptunca antiqua contain a toxic substance. The results from paper chromatography and from studies of the biological effects of the extracts make it likely that the active substance is a quaternary ammonium base, possibly neurine or a compound related to neurine.