Mojave Toxin: A Selective Ca(++) Channel Antagonist

Abstract

Mojave toxin, the principal toxic component of the venom of the Mojave rattlesnake, is a protein complex of 22,000 daltons. The mechanism of this potent neurotoxin is unclear, but physiologic data suggest an action on ion channels. The specificity of Mojave toxin for receptors associated with Calcium (++), Chlorine (-1), and Sodium (+) channels was assessed using a competitive binding paradigm. Mojave toxin competitively and irreversibly inhibits binding to dihydropyridine receptors associated with neuronal Ca(++) channels but had no effect on C1(-) and na(+) channels. The pharmacologic specificity of Mojave toxin makes it a useful probe of Ca(++) channel function. Keywords: Brain, Rats, Sharks, Electric organ, Nerves, Nerve transmission, Ligands.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1988
Accession Number
ADA197970

Entities

People

  • Darrel E. Menking
  • James J. Valdes
  • James P. Chambers
  • Roy G. Thompson
  • Vicki L. Wolff

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  • Edgewood Chemical Biological Center

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  • Biomedical

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  • Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry
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