Spider toxin (JSTX-3) inhibits the convulsions induced by glutamate agonists.

Abstract

The effect of a spider toxin (JSTX-3)--a specific blocker of glutamate receptors--on the behavior of mice was studied using an intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection technique. At higher doses (more than 12 nmol/brain), JSTX-3 increased motor activities and induced characteristic symptoms. JSTX-3 at a dose of 4.7 nmol/brain which per se did not produce any abnormal behavior, specifically antagonized quisqualate-induced convulsions but not NMDA- or kainate-induced convulsions. These results indicate that JSTX-3 is a selective antagonist of the quisqualate receptors in the mammalian central nervous system.

• Authors: T Himi, H Saito, N Kawai, T Nakajima
• Journal: Journal of neural transmission. General section (J Neural Transm Gen Sect) Vol. 80 Issue 2 Pg. 95-104 ( 1990) Austria
• PMID: 2156531 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Arthropod Venoms
• JSTX spider toxin
• Oxadiazoles
• Receptors, Glutamate
• Receptors, Neurotransmitter
• Spider Venoms
• Quisqualic Acid
• Kainic Acid

Topics

• Animals
• Arthropod Venoms (pharmacology)
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Injections, Intraventricular
• Kainic Acid (toxicity)
• Mice
• Motor Activity (drug effects)
• Oxadiazoles (toxicity)
• Quisqualic Acid
• Receptors, Glutamate
• Receptors, Neurotransmitter (drug effects)
• Seizures (chemically induced, drug therapy)
• Spider Venoms (pharmacology)