Tetrodotoxin does not protect red-spotted newts, Notophthalmus viridescens, from intestinal parasites.

Authors :: Mebs D
Yotsu-Yamashita M
Seitz HM
Arakawa O
Source :: Toxicon : official journal of the International Society on Toxinology [Toxicon] 2012 Jul; Vol. 60 (1), pp. 66-9. Date of Electronic Publication: 2012 Mar 28.
Publication Year :: 2012
Abstract: Tetrodotoxin (TTX) and its analogue 6-epiTTX had been detected in the red-spotted newt, Notophthalmus viridescens. Thirty specimens of a population from Pennsylvania, USA were histologically examined for the presence of intestinal parasites. More than 50% were found to be infected with nematodes (Trichocephalidae), trematodes or cestodes (Pseudophyllidae). The mean values of TTX and 6-epiTTX in parasitized and in non-parasitized newts were not significantly different. Using a monoclonal antibody-based immunoenzymatic technique, TTX was localized in the intestinal tissue as well as in the parasites indicating that they accumulate the toxin and suggesting that TTX and 6-epiTTX are not providing protection from parasites to the newts.<br /> (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Subjects :: Animals
Intestines parasitology
Salamandridae parasitology
Tetrodotoxin administration & dosage

Language :: English
ISSN :: 1879-3150
Volume :: 60
Issue :: 1
Database :: MEDLINE
Journal :: Toxicon : official journal of the International Society on Toxinology
Publication Type :: Academic Journal
Accession number :: 22480787
Full Text :: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2012.03.017

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