PhTx4, a new class of toxins from Phoneutria nigriventer spider venom, inhibits the glutamate uptake in rat brain synaptosomes

Brain Res. 1999 Jun 12;831(1-2):297-300. doi: 10.1016/s0006-8993(99)01472-9.

Abstract

We report the characterization of a new class of glutamate uptake inhibitors isolated from Phoneutria nigriventer venom. Glutamate transport activity was assayed in rat cerebrocortical synaptosomes by using [(3)H]-L-glutamate. PhTx4 inhibited glutamate uptake in a dose dependent manner. The IC(50) value obtained was 2.35+/-0.9 microg/ml which is in the observed range reported for glutamate uptake blockers. Tx4-7, one of PhTx4 toxins, showed the strongest inhibitory activity (50.3+/-0.69%, n=3).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cerebral Cortex / drug effects*
  • Cerebral Cortex / metabolism
  • Cerebral Cortex / ultrastructure
  • Glutamic Acid / metabolism*
  • Neuropeptides / toxicity*
  • Neurotoxins / toxicity*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Spider Venoms / chemistry*
  • Spider Venoms / classification
  • Synaptosomes / drug effects*
  • Synaptosomes / metabolism

Substances

  • Neuropeptides
  • Neurotoxins
  • Spider Venoms
  • Glutamic Acid