Effects of conopeptide-containing venom from seven species of Conidae gastropoda on the chick biventer-cervicis nerve-muscle assessed using the ConoServer database

Abstract

Using the chick biventer-cervicis nerve-muscle preparation, which contains both twitch and slow muscle fibers, a neuromuscular blocking and muscle depolarizing action could be demonstrated in venom extracts from C. textile, a Conus species associated with fatal human stingings, and C. arenatus. The results are consistent with the known presence of specific α-conopeptides in these species targeting nAChRs. Venom from C. coronatus, C. ebraeus, C. rattus, C. lividus, and C. miles, although purported to contained numerous conopeptides belonging to a variety of pharmacological classes, were either inactive on the preparation or caused only a minor potentiation of the twitch response. Although the ConoServer database provides valuable global data on conopeptide structure, occurrence and properties, it lacks specific information on receptor targets and affinities.

The Facies dolorosa and the Conidae

“…In the case of the clinical use of conopeptides the aim of course is to produce pain relief with a therapeutic dose, in the case of conus gastropods, the “deadly harpoon” carries a conopeptide “cocktail” for a quite different purpose. The mechanisms involved in the zoological scenario are described with reference to Figure 1 containing photomicrographs obtained during the investigations of Brown et al (This issue of the journal [ 3 ]). Figure 1 shows part of the venom apparatus of Conus textile .…”