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Scorpion toxins are proteins found in the venom of scorpions.Their toxic effect may be mammal- or insect-specific and acts by binding with varying degrees of specificity to members of the Voltage-gated ion channel superfamily; specifically, voltage-gated sodium channels, voltage-gated potassium channels, [3] and Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channels.
DKK-SP1 is part of the alpha-like toxin family of scorpion toxins, which typically consist of 60 to 76 amino acid residues. [1] DKK-SP1 specifically is composed of 66 amino acid residues folded into beta sheets with an alpha helix atop. The structures of these alpha-like toxins are linked together by four disulfide bonds. [2]
Based on its homology to other members of the α-scorpion toxin family, bukatoxin most likely blocks the inactivation of neuronal sodium channels by binding to the neurotoxin receptor site 3 of sodium channels, thereby prolonging the action potential. [1] [2]
Cm28, a scorpion toxin from Centruroides margaritatus, selectively blocks voltage-gated potassium channels K V 1.2 and K V 1.3 with high affinity. [1] It also suppresses the activation of human CD4 + effector memory T cells, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for autoimmune diseases.
The crude venom of T. serrulatus contains different toxins. Some of the strongest derivates are the neurotoxins tityustoxin and toxin Ts-g. [3] Two types of toxins are considered to be responsible for the main toxic effect: toxin gamma (a β-type toxin) and tityustoxin (TsTX, an α-type toxin), both with a specific affinity to the sodium channel. [4]
In addition to the BBB, the choroid plexus provides a layer of protection against toxin absorption in the brain. The choroid plexuses are vascularized layers of tissue found in the third, fourth, and lateral ventricles of the brain, which through the function of their ependymal cells, are responsible for the synthesis of cerebrospinal fluid ...
Makatoxin-3 (a.k.a. MkTx-3, MKTX III or Makatx III) is an α-like scorpion neurotoxin found in the venom of Olivierus martensii.Makatoxin-3 both enhances the activation and slows down the inactivation of voltage-gated Na V 1.7 channels, resulting in hyperexcitability of the neurons involved in pain perception.
Charybdotoxin (ChTX) is a 37 amino acid neurotoxin from the venom of the scorpion Leiurus quinquestriatus hebraeus (deathstalker) that blocks calcium-activated potassium channels. [2] This blockade causes hyperexcitability of the nervous system. It is a close homologue of agitoxin and both toxins come from Leiurus quinquestriatus hebraeus.