Secretion of a Highly Sulphated Acid Mucopolysaccharide by the Brittle-star, Ophiocomina nigra
THE secretion of a mucus from the tube-feet of ophiuroids is well known1, although the chemical nature of this substance has not been investigated. In a study of the feeding mechanisms of ophiuroids, I find that Ophiocomina nigra (Abildgaard), a common littoral species widespread in the north-east Atlantic and Mediterranean, in addition to the mucin of the tube-feet, secretes all over the body surface an abundant mucus used in conjunction with a detritus-feeding mechanism. Attempts to find the source of this secretion have revealed two types of mucus glands previously undescribed for the species.
Anticoagulant properties of a red tide toxin.
Abstract The effect of toxins from the Florida red tide organism Gymnodinium breve Davis (gymnodin) and from the chrysomonad Prymnesium parvum Carter (prymnesim) on the coagulation time of human blood plasma is described. Prymnesim was inactive at a concentration of 4 mg per 0·05 ml aliquot, though the toxin is known to be a potent hemolysin. Gymnodin inhibited the clotting process at a concentration of 0·05 mg per 0·05 ml aliquot. Other anticoagulating agents were studied. Activities were compared in terms of the amounts of anticoagulant required to double the prothrombin time. On this basis, gymnodin had 1 6 the activity of carrageenan and 1 70 the activity of heparin. The anticoagulant activity of gymnodin appears to be the first such activity reported for a toxin from a red tide organism. Available evidence indicated the anticoagulant properties of gymnodin were not responsible for the ichthyotoxicity.
Mangone's concise marine almanac
Measurements of marine forms physical-political marine features naval forces merchant marines and ports fisheries marine and seabed minerals pollution of the marine environment.