1. Ca and K condition the irritability of Pelagia both in regard to rhythmical contractions and general luminescence. If either ion is omitted from the solution conduction of stimuli for pulsations and luminescence does not occur, although local responses still persist. 2. When Mg is omitted from the solution, Pelagia shows hyper-irritability with respect to rhythmical contraction and general l...

Cnidarian toxins represent a rich source of biologically active compounds. Since they may act via oxidative stress events, the aim of the present study was to verify whether crude venom, extracted from the jellyfish Pelagia noctiluca, elicits inflammation and oxidative stress processes, known to be mediated by Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production, in rats. In a first set of experiments, the...

A long-term time series of plankton records collected by the continuous plankton recorder (CPR) Survey in the northeast Atlantic indicates an increased occurrence of Cnidaria since 2002. In the years 2007 and 2008, outbreaks of the warm-temperate scyphomedusa, Pelagia noctiluca, appeared in CPR samples between 45° N to 58° N and 1° W to 26° W. Knowing the biology of this species and its occurre...

1. Pelagia noctiluca responds to galvanic stimulation by a luminescent glow at the anode. If placed near the cathode a secondary glow occurs also on the cathodal side. 2. The luminescent slime of Pelagia when subjected to the galvanic current glows around the cathode. This is referred partly to the movement of hydrogen bubbles, but in the main to the alkali formed at the cathode. 3. The cause o...

The toxicity of Cnidaria is a subject of concern due to its influence on humans. In particular, jellyfish blooms can highly affect human economical activities, such as bathing, fishery, tourism, etc., as well as the public health. Stinging structures of Cnidaria (nematocysts) produce remarkable effects on human skin, such as erythema, swelling, burning and vesicles, and at times further severe ...

BACKGROUND It has been reported that biologically active compounds extracted from Cnidaria venom may induce damage by oxidative stress. Erythrocytes are constantly exposed to oxidative stresses, which can contribute to sulphydril (SH-) group oxidation and cell membrane deformability accompanied with activation of K-Cl co-transport and inhibition of anion transport. In this regard, Band 3 protei...