Tetrodotoxin does not protect red-spotted newts, Notophthalmus viridescens, from intestinal parasites

Dietrich Mebs, Mari Yotsu-Yamashita, Hanns Martin Seitz, Osamu Arakawa

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Tetrodotoxin (TTX) and its analogue 6-. epiTTX had been detected in the red-spotted newt, . Notophthalmus viridescens. Thirty specimens of a population from Pennsylvania, USA were histologically examined for the presence of intestinal parasites. More than 50% were found to be infected with nematodes (Trichocephalidae), trematodes or cestodes (Pseudophyllidae). The mean values of TTX and 6-. epiTTX in parasitized and in non-parasitized newts were not significantly different. Using a monoclonal antibody-based immunoenzymatic technique, TTX was localized in the intestinal tissue as well as in the parasites indicating that they accumulate the toxin and suggesting that TTX and 6-. epiTTX are not providing protection from parasites to the newts.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)66-69
Number of pages4
JournalToxicon
Volume60
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2012 Jul

Keywords

  • 6-Epitetrodotoxin
  • Intestinal parasites
  • Newt
  • Notophthalmus viridescens
  • Tetrodotoxin

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Tetrodotoxin does not protect red-spotted newts, Notophthalmus viridescens, from intestinal parasites'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this