Lionfish venom elicits pain predominantly through the activation of nonpeptidergic nociceptors

Abstract

The lionfish (Pterois volitans) is a venomous invasive species found in the Caribbean and Northwestern Atlantic. It poses a growing health problem because of the increase in frequency of painful stings, for which no treatment or antidote exists, and the long-term disability caused by the pain. Understanding the venom's algogenic properties can help identify better treatment for these envenomations. In this study, we provide the first characterization of the pain and inflammation caused by lionfish venom and examine the mechanisms through which it causes pain using a combination of in vivo and in vitro approaches including behavioral, physiological, calcium imaging, and electrophysiological testing. Intraplantar injections of the venom produce a significant increase in pain behavior, as well as a marked increase in mechanical sensitivity for up to 24 hours after injection. The algogenic substance(s) are heat-labile peptides that cause neurogenic inflammation at the site of injection and induction of Fos and microglia activation in the superficial layers of the dorsal horn. Finally, calcium imaging and electrophysiology experiments show that the venom acts predominantly on nonpeptidergic, TRPV1-negative, nociceptors, a subset of neurons implicated in sensing mechanical pain. These data provide the first characterization of the pain and inflammation caused by lionfish venom, as well as the first insight into its possible cellular mechanism of action.

Loss of SLC9A6/NHE6 impairs nociception in a mouse model of Christianson syndrome

“…The culture of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons was performed as previously described. 22 Briefly, DRG were dissected from 3-month-old male mice, and placed in sterile HBSS at 4°C. Enzymatic dissociation was performed with 0.2% type IV collagenase and 0.2% dispase for 105 minutes, followed by a 5-minute treatment with 0.25 mg/mL trypsin.…”

Fish Cytolysins in All Their Complexity

“…It has been suggested that pore formation might be the underlying cause [43,55], but there is also evidence against this hypothesis. For instance, while investigating the pain caused by the lionfish P. volitans venom, [74] found that the heat-labile, protein components responsible for this activity appear to act specifically on neuropeptidergic nociceptors, although the identity of these components has yet to be determined.…”

Finger Flexor Tenosynovitis From Stonefish Envenomation Injury

“…Stingrays, spine fish such as the stonefish and lionfish, sea urchins, sponges, and octopuses are common culprits for envenomation injuries. 4 The stonefish, Synanceia verrucosa , is one of the more venomous fish to be found in the Pacific basin (Figure 1). The fish's vernacular name derives from its mottled brown-green pattern, giving it the ability to camouflage itself among stones and corals.…”

“…5 The dorsal spine's verrucotoxin acts on beta-adrenergic receptors and induces a cascade of histamine and catecholamines release. 4,6-8…”

“…The pain increases in the first 1 to 2 hours and can last as long as 12 hours. 4,7 More serious but less common complications include arrhythmias, peripheral neuropathy, seizures, respiratory distress, and muscle paralysis. 5,6 Rarely can the symptoms persist for months after injury secondary to retained foreign bodies or due to an indolent infection from marine pathogens such as Mycobacterium marinum .…”