Yasanga Thippawan, Wunnapuk Klintean, Phuackchantuck Rochana, Thaikruea Lakkana, Achalawitkun Thunyaporn, Rungraung Purinat, Santidherakul Sineenart
Medical Science Research Equipment Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
Research Administration Section, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
Toxins (Basel). 2025 Jan 17;17(1):44. doi: 10.3390/toxins17010044.
The multiple-tentacle box jellyfish, (Sucharitakul, 2017) and (Horst, 1907), are venomous species found in Thai waters. They are responsible for numerous envenomations through their stinging organelles, nematocysts. These specialized microscopic structures discharge venom, yet detailed knowledge of their types and morphology in these species remains limited. This study updates the characterization of nematocyst types and features in and using light and scanning electron microscopy for detailed examination. Four distinct nematocyst types were identified: banana-shaped microbasic p-mastigophores, oval-shaped microbasic p-rhopaloids, sub-spherical microbasic p-rhopaloids, and rod-shaped isorhizas. In , banana-shaped microbasic p-mastigophores exhibited significant intraspecific variability, ranging from 30.26 µm to 102.56 µm in length and 6.42 µm to 17.01 µm in width. Conversely, showed a narrower size range, 72.17 µm to 98.37 µm in length and 10.73 µm to 16.48 µm in width, based on multiple individuals. The size ranges for the other nematocyst types were consistent across both species. This study enhances the understanding of nematocyst morphology in these box jellyfish, providing a foundation for further research on venom delivery mechanisms and improved management of jellyfish envenomations in Thai waters.
多触手箱形水母（Sucharitakul，2017年）和（Horst，1907年）是在泰国海域发现的有毒物种。它们通过其刺细胞（刺丝囊）导致大量中毒事件。这些特殊的微观结构会释放毒液，但对这些物种中刺细胞的类型和形态的详细了解仍然有限。本研究使用光学显微镜和扫描电子显微镜进行详细检查，更新了对多触手箱形水母和（此处原文可能有误，推测应为同一物种的另一名称相关内容）刺细胞类型和特征的描述。鉴定出四种不同类型的刺细胞：香蕉形微基p型鞭毛细胞、椭圆形微基p型杆状刺细胞、亚球形微基p型杆状刺细胞和棒状等刺细胞。在多触手箱形水母中，香蕉形微基p型鞭毛细胞表现出显著的种内变异性，长度范围为30.26微米至102.56微米，宽度范围为6.42微米至17.01微米。相反，基于多个个体，（此处原文可能有误，推测应为同一物种的另一名称相关内容）显示出较窄的尺寸范围，长度为72.17微米至98.37微米，宽度为10.73微米至16.48微米。其他刺细胞类型的尺寸范围在两个物种中是一致的。本研究增进了对这些箱形水母刺细胞形态的理解，为进一步研究毒液传递机制和改善泰国海域水母中毒的管理提供了基础。
