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Description

Lipid-soluble polyether neurotoxin that binds to Na+ channels on nerves and muscles causing an excessive influx of Na+ across membranes. Binds at site 5 on the voltage-sensitive Na+ channel., Lipid-soluble polyether marine toxin produced by the red tide dinoflagellate, Ptychodiscus brevis, found along the Gulf Coast of Florida. Voltage-dependent Na+ channel activator that causes contractile paralysis in animal models. The excitatory action on nerve and muscle membranes is responsible for a wide spectrum of toxic effects, including massive transmitter release from nerve endings, muscle fasiculation, and ventricular fibrillation. The excitatory action is due to opening of the Na+ channels. The toxin does not bind either to the TTX or to the aconitine/veratridine sites.