Dictionary of Biological Psychology
Conotoxins are the NEUROTOXINS possessed by CONE SNAILS. These are peptide toxins and are found in different classes: omega (ω) alpha (α) and mu (μ) conotoxins act at serial stages of neural activation at the NEUROMUSCULAR JUNCTION to produce exceptionally rapid paralysis and death.
Omega conotoxins act at presynaptic sites to prevent calcium entry into neurons and inhibit release of ACETYLCHOLINE; alpha conotoxins act at postsynaptic sites to block acetylcholine RECEPTORS and affect SODIUM CHANNELS in MUSCLE; and mu conotoxins prevent ACTION POTENTIAL formation in muscles.
Reference
Olivera B.M., Grey W.R., Zeikus R., McIntosh J.M., Varga J., Rivier J., de Santos V. & Cruz L.J. (1985) Peptide neurotoxins from fish-hunting cone snails. Science 230:1338–1343.
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