ALPHA-BUNGAROTOXIN

Chemical properties

Single polypeptide weight; molecular weight of 8000.

What are the applications of Application

α-Bungarotoxin is an α-neurotoxin which competitively and irreversibly binds and blocks nAChR

Definition

A protein that binds specifically to acetylcholine receptors.

General Description

Blocks neuromuscular transmission by irreversible binding to motor end-plate acetylcholine receptor (K_d = 1 pM to 1 nM) but does not depress acetylcholine release from motor nerve endings. Blocks nicotine-induced increase of intracellular Ca²⁺ in PC12 cells (IC₅₀ = 310 nM), and prevents opening of nicotinic receptor-associated ion channels. Reconstitution experiments in Xenopus oocytes have shown the effects of α-bungarotoxin on neuronal nAChR to be highly specific for the α₇-subtype (IC₅₀ = 1.6 nM), but not for the α₃β₄-subtype (IC₅₀ >3 μM).

Hazard

Nuerotoxic.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Product does not compete with ATP.

Storage

-20°C (desiccate)