Toads phenotypically adjust their chemical defences to anthropogenic habitat change Scientific Reports

It is not recommended to handle or interact with these toads without proper knowledge and precautions. The venom contains various chemical compounds that can lead to severe health complications if used or handled improperly. Most exposures to fire-bellied toads occur in people’s homes from their “pet” fire-bellied toads; typically, the secretions get into the eyes or on the skin. Contact with the eyes can result in intense pain, swelling of the eyelids, short-term visual changes, and infection.

• However, pollution and physiological stress are not the only features of anthropogenic habitats that may contribute to the higher levels of toad toxins.
• The toxicity of the poison can also vary based on the size and age of the toad.
• In contrast, California toads have a lower toxicity profile, resulting in a lower risk to humans.
• Similar to the toad and frog comparison, all newts are a type of salamander, but not all salamanders are newts.

Treatment and First Aid for Colorado Desert Toad Poisoning

We investigated the amount and composition of defensive toxins in adult common toads (Bufo bufo) captured in natural, agricultural and urban habitats, and in their offspring raised in a common-garden experiment. Furthermore, urban toads had lower concentrations of bufotoxins, the compounds with lower toxicity. None of these differences were present in the captive-raised juveniles; instead, toadlets originating from agricultural habitats had smaller parotoids and lower bufotoxin concentrations. These results suggest that toads’ chemical defences respond to the challenges of anthropogenic environments via phenotypic plasticity. These responses may constitute non-adaptive consequences of pollution by endocrine-disrupting chemicals as well as adaptive adjustments to the altered predator assemblages of urban and agricultural habitats. Our common garden experiment showed that the differences found in adult toads were not retained in their offspring when the latter were raised in the lab under identical environmental conditions.

How dangerous are cane toads to humans?

Bufotenine binds to the 5-HT2A receptor in vitro, with a similar affinity to that of 4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxy-phenylisopropylamine (DOB) 65,66. For many years, the activity of bufotenine remained a controversy, as to whether it was a hallucinogen or psychotomimetic. Bufotenine was also reported to be used as a biomarker in the diagnosis of various psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and autism 69. Recently, bufotenine isolated from the parotoid gland secretions of Bufo bufo was also reported to have cholinergic properties in α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors 70. The therapeutic potential of gamabufotalin in human multiple myeloma (MM) cells has also been studied. Results have shown that gamabufotalin inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis via the activation of the ubiquitination process of c-Myc.

What is the toxicity level of the poison in California toads?

In more severe cases, people may experience nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, and even seizures. The severity of symptoms can vary depending on the individual’s sensitivity to the toxins, the amount of exposure, and the size of the toad. Past significant studies have primarily focused on Chansu and Huachansu, due to their likely effect on cancer treatment. Recent studies have increasingly examined the therapeutic potential of other species of toads. An example of this is the studies of Australian cane toads (B. marinus), which originated from North American, but were introduced into Australia in 1935 to control cane beetles.

The Development of Toad Toxins as Potential Therapeutic Agents

It is also crucial to teach children about the dangers of handling toads and to supervise them closely when they are in areas where toads are present. However, if a person accidentally ingests common toad poison, either by touching their mouth after handling a toad or eating something that has come into contact with the toxin, more severe symptoms may occur. In some cases, individuals may also experience a rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, or even seizures. In conclusion, while cane toads are not known for directly posing a significant danger to humans, they can still be dangerous if proper precautions are not taken.

It is also important to keep pets on a leash and supervise them to prevent them from coming into contact with these toads. To prevent encounters with Gulf Coast bufotoxin effects on humans toads and their venom, it is important to be aware of their habitats and behaviors. These toads are often found near bodies of water, such as ponds, lakes, and swamps. They are most active during the warmer months and tend to come out at night. If you come across a Gulf Coast toad, it is best to observe it from a safe distance and avoid touching it.

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• If any symptoms persist or worsen after exposure to the toad’s poison, seeking medical advice is recommended.
• Bufothionine was also reported to have cytotoxic activity against the murine leukemia cell line P388, and human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines SMMC-7721 and BEL-7402 79.
• The toxicity of California toads also has cascading effects on other species within their ecosystem, indirectly benefiting the abundance of smaller prey species.
• In a study using an animal model, bufalin has been shown to suppress the growth of BEL-7402 cells, human hepatocellular carcinoma (HHC) cells, in an orthotopic transplantation tumor model in nude mice 49.
• There have been several documented cases of human deaths and severe health complications caused by the poison of common toads.
• Cane toads (Rhinella marina), also known as bufo toads, are highly poisonous amphibians native to Central and South America.

It is essential to prioritize safety when it comes to interacting with the Colorado Desert Toad or its venom. If you encounter this toad in the wild, it is advisable to observe from a distance and avoid contact. Collecting or handling these toads without proper knowledge and precautions can be extremely risky.

They can often be found in crop fields, ditches, and along the edges of ponds and lakes. Another region in California where Pacific Tree Frogs are commonly found is the coastal areas, particularly in the northern part of the state. The combination of mild temperatures and abundant moisture in these coastal regions create ideal conditions for these toads to thrive.

What precautions should individuals take to avoid the potential dangers of cane toads?

This toad, known for its distinctive appearance and unique behaviors, secretes a potent venom that can have a significant impact on human health. In this article, we will explore the effects of Colorado Desert Toad poison on human health and what you need to know to stay safe. People in certain parts of the world—China and Southeast Asia in particular—where toad secretions have been used as folk medicine and as an aphrodisiac are also at high risk. Severe poisoning has also occurred in rural populations where toads and toad eggs were eaten due to food scarcity.

These fascinating animals are equipped with defense mechanisms deserving of much caution and fear. It breeds prolifically throughout the year, eating a wide range of native animals, including reptiles, small mammals, and even frogs. Bufotoxins are a family of toxic steroid lactones or substituted Tryptamines of which some may or may not be toxic. They occur in the parotoid glands, skin and venom of many toads ( genus Bufo) and other amphibians, and in some plants and mushrooms. These substances are secreted in higher amounts when the toad feels threatened.

It is always important to exercise caution when handling or ingesting substances from toads or any other potentially toxic organism. If you suspect an exposure or are experiencing adverse effects, seek medical attention immediately. Cane toads possess toxic glands on their skin that secrete a milky substance known as bufotoxin. This toxin acts as a defense mechanism against predators but can have adverse effects on humans if ingested or exposed to the skin or eyes. Bufotoxin contains various compounds, including bufotenine and bufagins, which can cause a range of symptoms depending on the level of exposure. In conclusion, the venom secreted by Gulf Coast toads can be highly toxic to both humans and animals.