Pharmacological effects of various venoms on cutaneous capillary leakage

Abstract

Studies to counteract the cutaneous vasopermeability actions of a wasp ( Vespa orientalis), an anemone ( Bolocera tuediae) and three jellyfish ( Chironex fleckeri, Chrysaora quinquecirrha and Physalia physalis) venoms were conducted by using various pharmacological antagonists. Piripost (a leukotriene inhibitor) reduced vasopermeability if administered 5 min prior to challenge with the three jellyfish venoms. Methysergide counteracted the vasopermeability of three of four coelenterate venoms, whereas indomethacin was effective against capillary leakage induced by Chironex venom. These studies indicate that anti-dermonecrotic therapy against various venoms will have to be species-specific.