A functional comparison of the venom of three Australian jellyfish—Chironex fleckeri, Chiropsalmus sp., and Carybdea xaymacana—on cytosolic Ca2+, haemolysis and Artemia sp. lethality

Jellyfish Envenomation with Skin and Cardiovascular Manifestations and Treatments

“…Moreover, since Ca 2+ channel blockers cause hypotension and are not used for this reason in treatment of cardiac dysrhythmias in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, their use is likely to ensure death of a stung victim in the circumstance of acute cardiovascular collapse. If pore formation is indeed the action of toxins in this species as has been observed [80], Ca 2+ channel blockade would not only be harmful but also futile.…”

“…In other studies, although Ca 2+ entry into cardiac myocytes cells has been observed after experimental application of C. fleckeri venom, the use of Ca 2+ channel blockade does not prevent Ca 2+ influx [80] and did not prevent acute cardiovascular collapse. Moreover, since Ca 2+ channel blockers cause hypotension and are not used for this reason in treatment of cardiac dysrhythmias in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, their use is likely to ensure death of a stung victim in the circumstance of acute cardiovascular collapse.…”

“…Some identified protein toxins are antigenic [105]. The venom may act by creating pores in myocytic membranes [80] as has been shown for toxins of Physalia [106,107]. …”

“…A second putative mechanism of cardiac failure is 'membrane poration' [80,81], which may disrupt cell function and allow ingress of lethal toxins and egress of markers of cardiomyocyte damage. In some jellyfish species, e.g.…”

“…This may also be the mode of action of C. fleckeri venom. Indeed, Bailey et al [80] observed by electron microscopy, the formation of large numbers of circular lesions in the membranes of rat myocytes after exposure to C. fleckeri venom.…”