Some Neuropharmacological Effects of the Crude Venom Extract of Conus musicus in Mice

Abstract

This study reports some neuropharmacological effects of the crude venom extract of Conus musicus (family Conidae) in mice using various experimental models. The crude venom was found to significantly increase tail flick reaction time in mice. The effects of the venom on the central nervous system were studied by observing spontaneous motor activity, gross behaviour, rota-rod performance and potentiation of pentobarbitone sleeping time in mice. Preliminary acute toxicity evaluation was also carried out and the LD50 was found to be 460.23 μg/kg following intraperitoneal administration. At a dose of 200 μg/kg i.p., the extract produced a reduction in spontaneous motor activity, altered gross behavior and motor coordination and prolonged pentobarbitone-sleeping time. A liquid chromatography mass spectroscopic study has indicated the presence of ω-conotoxin in the crude venom extract.

Keywords: Conus musicus, sedation, spontaneous motor activity, gross behavior, motor coordination

East and Central African Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Vol. 10 (2) 2007: pp. 27-33