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RECENT INVESTIGATIONS ON SEA‐WASP STINGINGS IN AUSTRALIA
Author(s) -
Keen T. E. B.
Publication year - 1970
Publication title -
medical journal of australia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.904
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1326-5377
pISSN - 0025-729X
DOI - 10.5694/j.1326-5377.1970.tb77849.x
Subject(s) - tentacle (botany) , biology , toxicology , medicine , anatomy
The current investigations on the pharmacology of Chironex fleckeri tentacle extracts and toxins are reviewed. In experimental animals, three main properties can be defined: dermatonecrotic, hæmolytic and lethal. The changes produced by the dermatonecrotic and lethal factors resemble those seen in human injuries. However, intravascular hæmolysis appears to be of little clinical significance. Based on the known properties of the lethal factor, several methods of treatment were investigated in animals. Only persistent artificial ventilation appeared to prolong life. It is concluded that the routine methods of first‐aid treatment are still the most important and effective.