Investigation of the effect of PhTx2, from the venom of the spider Phoneutria nigriventer, on the release of [3H]-acetylcholine from rat cerebrocortical synaptosomes

Toxicon. 1998 Aug;36(8):1189-92. doi: 10.1016/s0041-0101(98)00094-4.

Abstract

Venoms from spiders are an important source of toxins that can help on the dissection of mechanisms involved in neurotransmission. Among them is the venom of the spider Phoneutria nigriventer that contains several toxic fractions with different targets in mammals and/or insects. We here report that one of these fractions (PhTx2) is able to evoke acetylcholine release from rat cortical synaptosomes and that this effect is dependent on extracellular calcium and is inhibited by the sodium channel blocker tetrodotoxin.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acetylcholine / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Cerebral Cortex / drug effects*
  • Cerebral Cortex / metabolism
  • Neuropeptides / pharmacology*
  • Neurotoxins / pharmacology*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Spider Venoms / chemistry*
  • Synaptosomes / drug effects*
  • Synaptosomes / metabolism
  • Tritium

Substances

  • Neuropeptides
  • Neurotoxins
  • Spider Venoms
  • Tritium
  • Tx2 neurotoxin
  • Acetylcholine