Abstract
Portuguese Man-of-war venom markedly increases calcium ( 45Ca 2+) influx into primary, cultured, embryonic chick heart cells. This action is dose-dependent, but is unaffected by organic calcium blockers (diltiazem, verapamil, nifedipine, nimodipine and mibefradil). On the other hand, certain trivalent (La 3+, Gd 3+) and divalent (Zn 2+, Ni 2+, Cu 2+, Mn 2+) metals inhibit venom-induced calcium influx. Sodium ( 22Na +) influx into chick heart cells is also significantly increased by Man-of-war venom. Flecainide does not block venom-induced sodium influx. The efflux of the potassium analogue, 86Rb +, from heart cells is also significantly increased by the venom. The venom, however, has little or no effect on rubidium ( 86Rb +) or 2-deoxy- D-[2- 3H] glucose influx.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
