ISOLATION AND ASSAY OF THE NEMATOCYST TOXIN OF METRIDIUM SENILE FIMBRIATUM

Abstract

A method of obtaining purified suspensions of nematocysts was developed, and a method of obtaining the toxin they contain was described. A method of assay, using inhibition of the righting response of Littorina planaxis, was shown to be applicable for toxicity titrations. Further work on the chemical and immunochemical characterization of the toxin is planned, as well as the use of the toxin for studies of antitoxin immunity in marine invertebrates.