M. H. Evans
1972
Citations
1
Influential Citations
159
Citations
Quality indicators
Journal
International review of neurobiology
Abstract
Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the applications of tetrodotoxin, saxitoxin, and related substances in neurobiology. Tetrodotoxin is not unique in its action; saxitoxin appears to possess very similar pharmacological properties; and a number of other substances are related chemically and pharmacologically. The usefulness of tetrodotoxin depends upon its ability to suppress the action potentials in skeletal muscles and in vertebrate nerves. It acts on these tissues in a highly specific manner, preventing the voltage-dependent, regenerative increase of permeability to sodium ions. The evidence that saxitoxin has very similar actions is scanty, but adequate. In general, the actions of tetrodotoxin and saxitoxin resemble each other. Most of the experimental analyses of the actions of these toxins in blocking the early transient channels in nerve and muscle cell membrane are carried out using invertebrate giant fibers.