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P-type calcium channels blocked by the spider toxin ω-Aga-IVA

Abstract

VOLTAGE-DEPENDENT calcium channels mediate calcium entry into neurons, which is crucial for many processes in the brain including synaptic transmission, dendritic spiking, gene expression and cell death1–5. Many types of calcium channels exist in mam-malian brains6–19, but high-affinity blockers are available for only two types, L-type channels (targeted by nimodipine and other dihydropyridine channel blockers20–22) and N-type channels (targeted by ω-conotoxin22–26). In a search for new channel blockers, we have identified a peptide toxin from funnel web spider venom, ω-Aga-IVA, which is a potent inhibitor of both calcium entry into rat brain synaptosomes and of 'P-type' calcium channels8 in rat Purkinje neurons. ω-Aga-IVA will facilitate characterization of brain calcium channels resistant to existing channel blockers and may assist in the design of neuroprotective drugs.

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Mintz, I., Venema, V., Swiderek, K. et al. P-type calcium channels blocked by the spider toxin ω-Aga-IVA. Nature 355, 827–829 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1038/355827a0

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