Compostos biologicamente ativos em invertebrados marinhos

Abstract

The author has reviewed the classification, rhe nomenclature and the ecological aspects of biologically active compounds, emphasizing lhe Freyvogel & Perret 's (1973) concepts of venomous and poisonous organisms. The literature involvinx the phyla Annelida, Mollusca and Arthropoda was also reviewed. The author's pharmacological studies performed with the polychaete Ewy1Jloe camplanata, _which reveaJed a ,dializable principie, active in the guinea pig's ileum and dorsal muscle ot polycluJete itsel! ore also commented. This-principle differs !rom A cetylcholine and Serotonin. Pharmacologically studies in the sea-hares (genus AplysiaJ were also focused, induding the author's contribution. In the g~Aplysia brasiliana, namely the mid-gut-gland, the opaline gland and the purple gland, the author confirmed presence of cholinesters, which are discussed in the review. Toxicity of Arthropods are also discussed, mainly in decapod crustaceans. In some Brazilian crabs studies revealed a pharmacological activity of the gastric secretion expelled with an apparently defensive purpose and its ecological importance is focused in terms of the community. The relatively scarce studies of chemical ecology of marine organisms in Latin America and the imporlance of these studies were finally emphasized.