Development and Testing of an In Vitro Assay for Screening of Potential Therapeutic Agents Active against Na Channel Neurotoxins

Abstract

Based upon experimental observations of extensive conformational allosterism associated with ligand binding at the voltage-sensitive sodium channel, a rapid screening procedure has been developed to probe the interaction of new ligands/agents with a spectrum of binding domains on this vital mediator of electrical signalling in nerve and muscle. Under screening assay conditions, allosteric up-or down-modulation of specific batrachotoxinin-A benzoate binding is exploited as a sensitive indicator of the interaction of test substances with any of at least five different sodium channel domains. Interaction with the sodium channel protecin or with sodium channel neurotoxins is a mechanistic prerequisite for any compound if it is to provide effective pharmacologic antagonism of sodium channel poisoning.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 12, 1991
Accession Number
ADA237159

Entities

People

  • George B. Brown

Organizations

  • University of Alabama at Birmingham

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Animals
  • Antitoxins
  • Biological Products
  • Cells
  • Chemistry
  • Complex Mixtures
  • Filtration
  • Materials
  • Measurement
  • Medical Personnel
  • Membrane Potentials
  • Molecular Weight
  • Peripheral Nervous System
  • Poisoning
  • Proteins
  • Scorpions

Fields of Study

  • Biology
  • Chemistry

Readers

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