Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

D Mebs

Publications and source records attributed to D Mebs.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed1982

Preliminary studies on the chemical properties of the toxic principle from Diamphidia nigroornata larvae, a source of Bushman arrow poison.

The Bushmen of southern Africa use the expressed contents of beetle larvae (Diamphidia, Lebistina and Polyclada species) as arrow poison. an aqueous extract of Diamphidia nigroornata larvae was fractionated by gel filtration on Sephadex G-50. Two fractions were obtained: one (I) of high molecular weight which contains a protein of 60 000 daltons, and a low molecular weight fraction (II) of non-protein nature. Both fractions proved to be lethal to mice: an LD50 of 0.5 - 0.95 (I) and 3.2 - 3.5 (II) mg/kg (intraperitoneal injection), respectively, was determined. The toxic principle of fraction I could be partly separated from the protein by ammonium sulfate precipitation followed by gel filtration. That of fraction II was further resolved into several subfractions by gel filtration of Sephadex G-10; however, the lethal activity was completely lost during purification. In thin-layer chromatography the low molecular weight toxin(s) did not react with reagents for steroids, alkaloids, sugars or terpenes, but showed a positive ninhydrin reaction. It is concluded that the toxic principle of the Bushman arrow poison is a highly labile, low molecular weight compound which is closely attached or bound to a protein protecting it from inactivation.

Animals↗
PubMed1980

[Ciguatera (author's transl)].

Ciguatera poisoning may occur after eating fish, mainly in the Caribbean, Pacific and Indian Ocean regions. It is caused by a toxin from a marine protozoon accumulating in fish via the food intake. The symptoms, consisting of severe gastrointestinal and neurologic manifestations, develop within a few hours; fatalities are rare. There is no specific therapy, symptomatic treatment is indicated. The disease is widely unknown in temperate climates but due to the increasing international travel the physician may be confronted with this kind of fish poisoning.

Animals↗
PubMed1980

[Sting-ray injuries (author's transl)].

String-rays are found in the coastal regions of the oceans and in some rivers especially of South America. Their poisonous sting may cause very painful injuries in divers and fishermen which may sometimes lead to shock-like states. Death is not rare, usually the result of secondary infection. The treatment of such poisoning is symptomatic, concentrated primarily on pain elimination.

Adult↗
PubMed1977

[Poisoning after ingestion of mussels (mytilus edulis) (author's transl)].

Symptoms of poisoning occurred in 19 persons in the Rhein-Main region in October 1976, after they had eaten mussels (Mytilus edulis) imported from Vigo, Spain. Mild oral paraesthesias, tingling in the fingertips and feet were followed by generalised numbness and dizziness. All symptoms disappeared within 48 hours. They had been caused by saxitoxin which is produced by a dinoflagellate and accumulated in the mussels, as confirmed by testing confiscated samples of mussels. Toxin concentration ranged from 6000 to 20 000 MU (mice units) per 100 g mussel meat.

Adolescent↗