Posted on 3/30/2017, 10:12:34 PM by jerod
Substance makes predators dizzy and unco-ordinated by acting on their opioid receptors
Researchers have discovered a fish venom that contains opioid properties, which could help in the development of new pain-killing drugs.
The fierce-looking fang blenny, also known as the poison-fang blenny or the sabre-tooth blenny, fends off predators and competitors by injecting them with a heroin-like substance that impairs them rather than kills them.
"The venom causes the bitten fish to become slower in movement and dizzy by acting on their opioid receptors," said Bryan Fry, who led the study published Tuesday in the science journal Current Biology. Although used for defence, the venom "inhibits pain rather than causing it."
It's not the first time animal poison has been found to have analgesic properties: Ziconotide which was derived from cone snails, is used to treat chronic pain. But it's the first time scientists have identified opioid peptides in fish venom, Fry said.
The venom is "chemically unique," which drives home the importance of biodiversity, said Fry of the University of Queensland.
"This discovery is an excellent example as to why we must urgently protect all of nature," Fry told CBC News. "It is impossible to predict where the next wonder drug will come from."
Just what this world needs... Another opioid... Like there aren't enough of them out there already?
Horrid looking fish.
The name sounds like it should belong to an Irish Wrestler who wears a mask and a cape;
Fang Blenny!
The blenny just got banned
I’m thinking pretty soon we should start seeing black market Blennys for sale on some websites
Sounds like this fish is destined to be a big blennyfit to mankind.
Do other fish go get bit on purpose?
Blenny and the Jets
Oh, but they’re weird and they’re wonderful
Oh, Blenny, she’s really keen
She’s got electric boots, a mohair suit
You know I read it in a magazine, oh, yeah
Bennie and the Jets
It’s a good thing it’s not an edible species
other wise they would change the name to
“Orange Roughy” or something snappy.
Orange Roughy = Pacific Slimehead.
I like it. It should have been on the album, “Goodbye Venom-Brick Road!”.
Then where did that skeleton fish come from?
Chronic pain is debilitating. I’m all for improved pain relief.
Must have pissed off the cartel.
Nah! Fang Blenny is a tasty scotch whiskey that interferes with your common sense receptors.
Sweet! Now I can give up my toad licking and pursue a new hobby of blenny consumption. A little sushi style blenny, maybe some blenny filets on a roll, deep fried and breaded blenny sticks...
Legalize Blenny venom!
LOL!
EXCELLENT!
LOL!
EXCELLENT!
There are now new, effective, non-opioid pain medications on the market. They cost a MINIMUM of $700/month. And that’s probably 30 pills, for a drug that needs to be given three times a day. So, that’s $2100 a month. Of course, insurance doesn’t cover it. THANKS, big pharma!
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