Abstract
1. We review the pharmacological actions of toxins present in the venom of the aggressive spider Phoneutria nigriventer. 2. This venom is rich in toxins that affect ion channels and neurotransmitter release. Voltage-gated sodium, calcium, and potassium channels have been described as the main targets of these toxins. 3. In addition to these classical actions Phoneutria toxins have also been shown to affect glutamate transporter. 4. It is expected that molecular genetics in addition to biochemical, biophysical and pharmacological approaches will help to further define Phoneutria toxins and their mechanisms of action in the near future.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Amino Acid Transport System X-AG / drug effects
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Amino Acid Transport System X-AG / metabolism
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Animals
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Calcium Channels / drug effects
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Calcium Channels / metabolism
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Cell Membrane / drug effects*
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Cell Membrane / metabolism
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Ion Channels / drug effects*
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Ion Channels / metabolism
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Muscle, Skeletal / drug effects*
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Muscle, Skeletal / metabolism
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Muscle, Skeletal / physiopathology
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Nervous System / drug effects*
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Nervous System / metabolism
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Nervous System / physiopathology
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Neurotoxins / chemistry
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Neurotoxins / toxicity*
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Sodium Channels / drug effects
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Sodium Channels / metabolism
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Spider Venoms / chemistry
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Spider Venoms / toxicity*
Substances
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Amino Acid Transport System X-AG
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Calcium Channels
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Ion Channels
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Neurotoxins
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Sodium Channels
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Spider Venoms