The in vivo cardiovascular effects of box jellyfish Chironex fleckeri venom in rats: efficacy of pre-treatment with antivenom, verapamil and magnesium sulphate

Encounters with Venomous Sea-Life

“…One-third of the patients required parenteral narcotics despite the induction of vinegar and cold ice-packs, and 8% of stung patients required hospitalization. There have been reports of Ͼ65 deaths that occurred over this last century as a result of jellyfish stings (17,18). In the aforementioned study, a 3-year-old child died as a result of a box jellyfish sting.…”

Jellyfish Envenomation with Skin and Cardiovascular Manifestations and Treatments

“…There are significant concerns, although, regarding the adequacy of the antivenom in reversing the neurotoxic and myotoxic effects of the venom [120]. Magnesium sulfate, which has been noted to improve the potency of the antivenom, may be added for victims of C. fleckeri with severe cardiovascular effects who did not respond to advanced life support [14,121]. Magnesium has traditionally been used for the treatment of Irukandji syndrome; although, according to a recent randomized trial, its use needs to be reconsidered until there is good evidence to support it, as it did not demonstrate benefit [122].…”

“…Most studies suggest that regardless of the stinging species, fresh water should not be applied as first aid as it can induce nematocyst discharge by osmosis [26,121,122]. Seawater can be used to wash tentacles off affected areas.…”

Pharmacological Evidence of α2-Adrenergic Receptors in the Hypotensive Effect ofPlatonia insignisMart.

“…[18][19][20] The endovenous administration of verapamil reaches maximum effect in 15 min and after its application has a half-life from 90 min to 5 h. 21 The administration of Pi-EtOAc after verapamil showed that there was no significant alteration of the MAP and HR, thus suggesting that the Pi-EtOAc promotes hypotension without the participation of the blockade of Ca 2 + channels. We targeted the assessment of the Pi-EtOAc influence over the b 1 -adrenergic receptors, which are located in a higher concentration in the heart, whereas the b 2 -adrenergic receptors are primarily in the smooth muscle (vascular and bronchi).…”