A novel depolarizing activity of scorpion venom fraction M1 due to activation of skeletal muscle nicotinic receptors

Toxicon. 2007 Jan;49(1):117-22. doi: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2006.09.011. Epub 2006 Sep 22.

Abstract

A depolarizing activity following interaction with nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAchRs) in skeletal muscle cells, was observed for the first time in the non-toxic venom fraction (M1) of the yellow scorpion Buthus occitanus tunetanus (Bot). The effects of M1 fraction were tested on cultured rat myotubes by recording changes in [Ca2+]i. When applied, M1 (10 microg/mL) induced a transient increase of [Ca2+]i which could be blocked by a prior application of alpha-Bungarotoxin (alpha-Bg-Tx).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcium Channels / drug effects*
  • Calcium Channels / metabolism
  • Muscle Fibers, Skeletal / drug effects*
  • Muscle Fibers, Skeletal / metabolism
  • Muscle, Skeletal / cytology*
  • Rats
  • Receptors, Nicotinic / drug effects*
  • Receptors, Nicotinic / metabolism
  • Scorpion Venoms / pharmacology*
  • Scorpions*

Substances

  • Calcium Channels
  • Receptors, Nicotinic
  • Scorpion Venoms