Inhibition of 5-hydroxytryptamine contraction of guinea-pig smooth muscle treated with black widow spider venom

Eur J Pharmacol. 1980 Dec 19;68(4):497-500. doi: 10.1016/0014-2999(80)90426-4.

Abstract

Black widow spider venom (BWSV) elicited a prolonged tonic contraction of guinea-pig ileum which abolished the nicotine-induced contraction; however, the subsequent acetylcholine stimulation was found to be unchanged. These findings indicate a depletion of nerve terminal transmitters caused by BWSV without a disruption of the muscle contractile mechanism. Following the BWSV-induced contraction, the stimulation to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) was found to be abolished. This abolishment indicates a mediation of 5-HT-induced smooth muscle contraction in the nerve rather than the muscle.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arthropod Venoms / pharmacology*
  • Black Widow Spider / physiology*
  • Guinea Pigs
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Male
  • Muscle Contraction / drug effects*
  • Muscle, Smooth / drug effects*
  • Serotonin Antagonists*
  • Spider Venoms / pharmacology*
  • Spiders / physiology*

Substances

  • Arthropod Venoms
  • Serotonin Antagonists
  • Spider Venoms