RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Neurotoxins from Plectreurys spider venom are potent presynaptic blockers in Drosophila
JF The Journal of Neuroscience
JO J. Neurosci.
FD Society for Neuroscience
SP 4195
OP 4200
DO 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.07-12-04195.1987
VO 7
IS 12
A1 WD Branton
A1 L Kolton
A1 YN Jan
A1 LY Jan
YR 1987
UL http://www.jneurosci.org/content/7/12/4195.abstract
AB Studies of presynaptic events in synaptic transmission may be facilitated through the use of specific ligands for functional components of the transmitter release mechanism and through the use of genetics. For this purpose, neurotoxins that affect neuromuscular transmission in Drosophila have been identified and purified from Plectreurys spider venom (PLTX). One class of toxins causes irreversible presynaptic block, probably by blocking calcium entry or by acting on other closely associated processes. These toxins have been highly purified and are peptides of about 7 kDa in molecular weight. They specifically block transmitter release at nanomolar concentrations and may be useful in further biochemical studies.