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Complanine
Complanine is a quaternary ammonium compound isolated from the marine fireworm '' Eurythoe complanata''. It causes an inflammatory effect upon contact with the skin or mucous membranes. Occurrence It was previously known that handling the fireworm caused it to release a chemical that induces inflammation Inflammation (from ) is part of the biological response of body tissues to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants. The five cardinal signs are heat, pain, redness, swelling, and loss of function (Latin ''calor'', '' ... of the skin of marine predators and mammals (including humans). Complanine was the first compound isolated from the fireworm which causes these effects. The chemical structure of Complanine was determined by spectroscopical methods and the absolute configuration was confirmed with a total synthesis. It is presumed that this compound's function is to deter predators of the fireworm. References {{reflist Invertebrate toxin ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Fireworm
Amphinomidae, also known as the fireworms, bristle worms or sea mice, are a family of marine polychaetes, many species of which bear chaetae mineralized with carbonate. The best-known amphinomids are the fireworms, which can cause great pain if their toxin-coated chaetae are touched or trodden on. Their relationship to other polychaete groups is somewhat poorly resolved. Complanine Complanine is a quaternary ammonium salt that has been isolated from the marine fireworm '' Eurythoe complanata''. It causes an inflammatory effect upon contact with the skin or mucous membranes. It was previously known that handling the fireworm caused it to release a chemical that induces inflammation of the skin of marine predators and mammals (including humans). Complanine was the first compound isolated from the fireworm which causes these effects. It is presumed that this compound's function is to deter predators of the fireworm. Species Most genera in ''Amphinomidae '' are divided ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Eurythoe Complanata
''Eurythoe complanata'', the iridescent fireworm, is a species of polychaetes belonging to the family Amphinomidae. It inhabits coral reefs, such as ''Heliopora'' reefs, in the Marshall Islands. It is typically found in shallow, warm tropical waters near rocks and coral. Description The iridescent fireworm can be found in colors that vary from gray to green to pink. This species can grow to be up to long. It has tufted branchiae, used for respiration, starting on the second segment of its body and is located along the rest of the body. This species also has bristles along its body that produce a toxin that “stings”. It uses this as a defense mechanism against different predators and can also use into stun prey. It is a carnivorous species feeding on sponges, coral, mollusks, and even other worms. It can ingest its food all at once by expanding its lip by 4-5 times longer. It reproduces both sexually and asexually, by regeneration. Distribution and habitat ''Eurythoe c ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
