Hi Ron and Conchlers, I didn’t know about the H2SO4 in the saliva of Tonna
galea but I will add something about other snail salivary gland chemicals.
The deep water Neptunea spp. as well as Fusitriton oregonensis (Redfield,
1848) both have a potent poison very similar to the pesticide carbamate in
their salivary excretions (which acts as a cholinesterase inhibitor and
paralyzes the muscles of its prey).  There have been several human
poisonings resulting from eating these large snails both here in Washington
State and in Japan.
Removing the salivary glands prevents poisoning. Bert (also in rainy Olympia
-- 2 1/2 inches of rain today!)
________________________________________
From: Conchologists List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
[log in to unmask]
Sent: Saturday, March 26, 2005 10:58 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Shell trivia

Hello Listers,

While thumbing through "Shells of Britain and Europe" I came across these
two entries: Tonna galea and Galeodea echinphora both contain sulfuric acid
in their saliva. The note goes on to say that the acid helps in dissolving
the shell of what ever they are eating. My question is, Does anyone out
there in CONCH-L land know of any other critters with sulfuric acid or other
corrosive acids in their saliva. Seems odd to me that their tissues aren't
affected by this acid. The concentration is said to be about 3 or 4 percent.
I certainly wouldn't want that in my saliva! Ron in Olympia, WA where it is
raining.

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