Comparative biochemical and pharmacological properties of epidermal secretions from Ariid catfish of the Arabian Gulf

1. Comparative biochemical and pharmacological studies on epidermal secretions from three species of Ariid catfish were carried out to determine whether they share common properties. 2. Protein compositions are generally similar, but show some differences in size and numbers of proteins. 3. Lipids also differ. However, seasonal and dietary changes in lipid compositions exceed the differences among species. 4. Enzymes in the secretions appear common to each fish species, though some differences are noted in relative activities. 5. Toxicity responses of rabbits to injections with secretions from each of the catfish species indicated that two were lethal, with similar lethal dose levels when injected intravenously. 6. Secretions from all three catfish induced changes in plasma enzyme levels indicative of heart and liver damage, and also induced changes in blood glucose and cholesterol levels.