Selective neuromuscular blocking properties of α-conotoxins In vivo

I. G. Marshall, A. L. Harvey

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

30 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Synthetic α-conotoxins GI and MI (based on the natural polypeptides isolated from Conus geographus and C. magus, respectively) were tested for effects on neuromuscular transmission and on the cardiovascular system in anaesthetised cats. Both produced neuromuscular blockade at doses of 20-80 μg/kg. Conotoxin GI was about 2.5 times more potent than MI. Both were rapidly reversed by the anticholinesterase neostigmine. At doses that abolished neuromuscular transmission, the α-conotoxins had no effects on arterial blood pressure, heart rate, or responses to vagal and preganglionic stimulation, indicating their specificity for nicotinic receptors at the neuromuscular junction.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)231-234
Number of pages4
JournalToxicon
Volume28
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 1990

Keywords

  • alpha conotoxin
  • neostigmine
  • nicotinic receptor
  • unclassified drug
  • vecuronium
  • animal experiment
  • cardiovascular system
  • neuromuscular blocking
  • mollusk venoms

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