author(s)
Ravi Gugulothu, Balaji Guguloth, Srinu Rathlavath, Koteswar Banoth and Raveendar Banothu

abstract
The genus Conus represents the toxic gastropod animals, with venomous gland producing a cocktail of peptides referred as conotoxin. These conotoxins has immense bioactive properties. In this study, Conus betulinus (Gastropod) collected from Thoothukudi of Tamil Nadu. Protein content in the crude toxin was 1320±15 µg/ml by Lowry method. Analysis of crude venom extract on SDS page analysis indicated three prominent bands at 35 kDa, 41 kDa and 90 kDa region. Increase in Acetyl Choline Esterase activity was observed due to addition of Conus betulinus crude venom extract at all the concentrations. Analgesic activity studied through Eddy's hot plate method indicated highest analgesic effect due to i.p. injection of venom toxin at 0.25 ml. Characterisation of crude extracts indicated that marked property reduction due to addition of acid and alkali. The effect of Conus betulinus venom on isolated heart preparation was studied at three concentrations of 10µg, 20µg and 40µg. Conus betulinus venom extract at 20µg shows increase in the amplitude of contraction. Through this study we concluded that Conus betulinus has neuromodulatory property.