Distribution of major toxins in Rhinella marina parotoid macroglands using Desorption-Electrospray-Ionization mass spectrometry imaging (DESI-MSI)
Pedro L. Mailho-Fontana,
Andreia M. Porcari,
Marcos N. Eberlin,
Carlos Jared,
Marta Maria Antoniazzi,
Daniel C. Pimenta,
Juliana M. Sciani
Affiliations
Pedro L. Mailho-Fontana
Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil 1500, 05503-900, São Paulo, Brazil
Andreia M. Porcari
Universidade São Francisco, Av. São Francisco de Assis 218, 12916-900, Bragança Paulista, Brazil
Marcos N. Eberlin
Escola de Engenharia, Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie, Rua da Consolação 930, 01302-907, São Paulo, Brazil
Carlos Jared
Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil 1500, 05503-900, São Paulo, Brazil
Marta Maria Antoniazzi
Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil 1500, 05503-900, São Paulo, Brazil
Daniel C. Pimenta
Laboratório de Biofísica e Bioquímica, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil 1500, 05503-900, São Paulo, Brazil
Juliana M. Sciani
Universidade São Francisco, Av. São Francisco de Assis 218, 12916-900, Bragança Paulista, Brazil; Corresponding author. Multidisciplinary Research Laboratory - São Francisco University, SP, Brazil.
Amphibian cutaneous glands secrete toxins used in different vital functions including passive defense. Through Desorption Electrospray Ionization-Imaging we analyzed the distribution of the major toxins of the toad Rhinella marina parotoid macroglands. Alkaloids and steroids showed characteristic distribution and intensity within the glands and were also present at lower levels on the skin surface. A comprehensive overview of toxins distribution in toads’ skin might help to understand their full biological role within the amphibians.
