Immunostimulation effect of jellyfish collagen.

Certain edible large jellyfishes belonging to the order Rhizostomeae are consumed in large quantities in China and Japan. The exumbrella part of the edible jellyfish Stomolophus nomurai was cut and soaked in dilute hydrochloric acid solution (pH 3.0) for 12 h, and heated at 121 degrees C for 20 min. The immunostimulation effects of the jellyfish extract were examined. The jellyfish extract enhanced IgM production of human hybridoma HB4C5 cells 34-fold. IgM and IgG production of human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) were also accelerated, 2.8- and 1.4-fold respectively. Moreover, production of interferon (IFN)-gamma and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha by human PBL was stimulated 100- and 17-fold respectively. Collagenase treatment inactivated the immunostimulation activity of the jellyfish extract. In addition, purified collagen from bovine Achilles' tendon accelerated IgM production of hybridoma cells. These facts mean that collagen has an immunostimulation effect, and that the active substance in jellyfish extract is collagen.

[Red soft coral-induced allergic symptoms observed in spiny lobster fishermen].

Among spiny lobster fishermen on the Pacific coast of Miyazaki Prefecture, the authors found two cases with bronchial asthma due to occupational sensitization with red soft corals (Dendronephthytia nipponica). In this report are presented these two cases, and the results of further investigation from allergic viewpoint on 72 subjects of the same occupation. Among these fishermen, such symptoms as sneezing, nasal discharge, cough, asthmatic attacks, conjunctival hyperamia, and dermatitis on removal of catches (red soft corals) from a dragnet were seen during spiny lobster fishing season, from September to mid-April. These symptoms did not develop on days when no soft corals (marine coelenterate) were caught in the lobster net. From a survey conducted with questionnaires all subjects of fishermen had conjunctival and skin manifestations, 9% of them had bronchial asthma and 39% of them complained of symptoms of rhinitis on exposure to red soft corals. Intracutaneous test with red soft coral extract in the asthmatic fishermen showed strongly positive for immediate and delayed type reactions, whereas in ten asthmatics engaged in other occupation negative for delayed reaction and occasionally positive for immediate reaction. And in all of five healthy subjects the cutaneous reaction of both types were quite negative. These findings suggest that red soft corals are both allergenic and irritating to humans. The allergic reactions due to red soft corals are considered to be a kind of occupational allergy that has arisen from alterations in work condition.

Delayed skin reaction caused by a coelenterate.

We report a delayed skin reaction, histologically characterized by liquefaction degeneration of the basal layer, which was observed in a 30-year-old man returning from Guadeloupe. It was most likely due to contact with a marine animal.

Erythema nodosum following a jellyfish sting.

At least 100 of the approximately 9,000 species of coelenterates are dangerous to humans. The most common syndrome following an envenomation is an immediate intense dermatitis, with characteristic skin discoloration, local pain, and systemic symptoms. In this case report, we describe a case of erythema nodosum with articular manifestations following envenomation with an unknown jellyfish. Serological testing of the victim revealed marked elevation of immunoglobulins G and M directed against Physalia physalis, the Portuguese man-of-war. The patient's condition did not respond to conventional topical therapy for coelenterate envenomation, but was successfully managed with systemic corticosteroid therapy. This case demonstrates that the emergency physician should consider a delayed reaction to a marine envenomation in any victim who presents with an acute dermatological disease following immersion in marine coastal waters.

Delayed flare-up reactions caused by jellyfish.

Four patients had a recurrence of cutaneous lesions 1 week after being stung by jellyfish. Three patients had flare-up lesions after only one exposure to jellyfish. All of the recurring lesions were vesicular erythema, and the histological findings of case 3 corresponded to that of allergic contact dermatitis.

Anaphylaxis after contact with a jellyfish.

We report a case of an anaphylactic reaction to a jellyfish sting. The episode was manifested by hypotension and bronchospasm. The patient's basophils released histamine in response to nematocyst venom from the Chesapeake Bay sea nettle; this sensitivity could be passively transferred by a heat labile serum factor. This appears to be the first case report of such a reaction.