In vitro effects on human heart and skeletal cells of the venom from two cubozoans, Chironex fleckeri and Carukia barnesi

Abstract

Although Chironex fleckeri and Carukia barnesi cause significant human envenomation, research into their effects in human models or human cells has been limited. In this in vitro study we have presented data that shows that although C. fleckeri is highly cytotoxic to human cardiac and skeletal muscle cells, C. barnesi is not cytotoxic at all concentrations tested to both cardiac and skeletal muscles cells. We also demonstrate that in vitro C. fleckeri venom cardiocytotoxic activity is significantly attenuated when heated to 44 °C for 20 min. There is a similar attenuation with skeletal cells at 46 °C.

Keywords: Carukia barnesi; Chironex fleckeri; Heat lability; Stingers; Venom.