Confirmation and distribution of tetrodotoxin for the first time in terrestrial invertebrates: two terrestrial flatworm species (Bipalium adventitium and Bipalium kewense)

PLoS One. 2014 Jun 25;9(6):e100718. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0100718. eCollection 2014.

Abstract

The potent neurotoxin tetrodotoxin (TTX) is known from a diverse array of taxa, but is unknown in terrestrial invertebrates. Tetrodotoxin is a low molecular weight compound that acts by blocking voltage-gated sodium channels, inducing paralysis. However, the origins and ecological functions of TTX in most taxa remain mysterious. Here, we show that TTX is present in two species of terrestrial flatworm (Bipalium adventitium and Bipalium kewense) using a competitive inhibition enzymatic immunoassay to quantify the toxin and high phase liquid chromatography to confirm the presence. We also investigated the distribution of TTX throughout the bodies of the flatworms and provide evidence suggesting that TTX is used during predation to subdue large prey items. We also show that the egg capsules of B. adventitium have TTX, indicating a further role in defense. These data suggest a potential route for TTX bioaccumulation in terrestrial systems.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Immunoenzyme Techniques
  • Organ Size
  • Organ Specificity
  • Tetrodotoxin / metabolism*
  • Turbellaria / metabolism*

Substances

  • Tetrodotoxin

Grants and funding

Utah State University, SUNY Cortland, NSF: DEB-0922251 to ME Pfrender, ED Brodie, Jr, and ED Brodie III. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.