ω‐Aga‐I: A presynaptic calcium channel antagonist from venom of the funnel web spider, Agelenopsis aperta
- 1 June 1989
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Wiley in Journal of Neurobiology
- Vol. 20 (4), 171-188
- https://doi.org/10.1002/neu.480200402
Abstract
Spider venoms are proving to be important sources of specific ion channel toxins. Venom of Agelenopsis aperta, a funnel web spider, contains a class of polypeptide toxins which blocks neuromuscular synapses at nanomolar concentrations. Detailed physiological analyses of block caused by one of these toxins, ω-Aga-I show that it suppresses transmitter release at insect and frog neuromuscular junctions and blocks calcium spikes in insect neuronal cell bodies. ω-Aga-I may define a binding site on neuronal calcium channels which is common to both vertebrates and invertebrates.Keywords
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