Meeting Abstract
In the tropical fish pet trade, transportation and movement can subject fishes to prolonged stress. In response to these stressors, some species of catfishes are known to release defensive secretions which cause self-poisoning and death. The chemistry of these toxic secretions are unknown. We are interested in identifying and studying the venoms of Corydoras catfishes, a genus that is also a common household pet. Venom secretion was induced by stressful handling of the fish. Within minutes, the water turned cloudy, indicative of venom secretion. Signs of self-poisoning were evident when fish showed reduced vitality. Analysis of Corydoras venom through SDS-PAGE, Bradford Standard Assay (BSA), and Mass Spectrometry confirmed that the venom secretions consist of multiple protein compounds. Through Mass Spectrometry, a homology of certain polypeptides found in venom secretions of multiple Corydoras was found. The chemical diversity of the venom compounds is being explored in multiple Corydoras species. In conjunction with the chemical analysis, we are studying the anatomical structure of the venom glands through gross anatomy and histology analysis. Through gross anatomy, a gland was found proximal to an opening where secreted venom may empty through. Through histology analysis, we have been able to locate where ducts could potentially be at as well as nerve endings and vesicles possibly containing venom granules allowing us to elucidate the mechanism of venom secretion. While ongoing studies are still occurring, we have taken many steps that has allowed us to understand the unknown properties of Corydoras venom as well as the the general physiology and anatomy of Corydoras venom gland. With these studies taken together, our hope is to elucidate the functions of the venom and the degree of evolutionary homology within Corydoras genus.
