Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a potent neurotoxin found in many marine and terrestrial animals, but only a few species, such as the ribbon worms of the genus , accumulate it in extremely high concentrations. The intrabody distribution of TTX in highly toxic organisms is of great interest because it helps researchers to understand the pathways by which the toxin migrates, accumulates, and functions in tissues. Using immunohistochemistry with anti-TTX antibodies, the authors of this study investigated the toxin's distribution inside the organs, tissues, and cells of cf. . The cell types of TTX-positive tissues were identified by light microscopy. The main sites of TTX accumulation occurred in the secretory cells of the integuments, the microvilli of the epidermal ciliary cells, cephalic glands, the glandular epithelia of the proboscises, the enterocytes of the digestive systems, and nephridia. Obtained data suggest the toxin migrates from the digestive system through blood vessels to target organs. TTX is excreted from the body through the nephridia and mucus of epidermal cells.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/md19090494 | DOI Listing |
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Article Synopsis
- Nemerteans, also known as ribbon worms, contain tetrodotoxin (TTXs) and its analogues, which are neurotoxins likely used for hunting and protection.
- The study analyzed two closely related nemertean species to investigate the distribution and concentration of TTXs in different body parts using advanced techniques like HPLC-MS/MS and fluorescence microscopy.
- Six types of TTXs-positive cells were identified across both species, with differing concentrations of toxins in various body regions, highlighting unique physiological functions of newly discovered glandular cell types in the intestine.
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