Based on what the physician stated, how do you think this toxin would impact the action potentials and function of autorhythmic cells and the activity of the heart?
After Julien was stabilized and had been given antivenom, the attending physician came to talk to the Brahims. She explained that the mechanism of action for Chironex fleckeri, commonly known as the box jellyfish, is not well understood. However, based on what is known, it seems the toxin has multiple effects. One component of the toxin is thought to function as a calcium pore-forming protein that is inserted into the membrane of autorhythmic cells (and possibly other cells). Tanya thought back to her physiology course and remembered that intracellular calcium concentrations are much lower than extracellular concentrations. She knew that this ion plays a large role in cardiac cells and in muscles. When stung, Julien had felt lethargic and was having trouble breathing, and noticed something off with his heart rate. Tanya started to wonder about the pathophysiology of this venom. While she sat next to Julien she began running through various physiological scenarios in her head.
Question
11. Based on what the physician stated, how do you think this toxin would impact the action potentials and function of autorhythmic cells and the activity of the heart? State your hypothesis, and then draw a graph to accompany your predicted outcome.
