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Effects of Batrachotoxin on Nerve Membrane Potential and Conductances

Nature New Biology volume 229, pages 221–222 (1971)Cite this article

Abstract

BATRACHOTOXIN (BTX) is an alkaloid (C31H42N2O6, molecular weight 538) obtained from the skin secretion of the frog, Phyllobates aurotaenia. The toxin blocks neuromuscular transmission in the rat and toad1 by a selective increase in sodium permeability of pre-synaptic and post-synaptic membranes2. We have found that the squid axon membrane is effectively depolarized by BTX as a result of an increase in resting membrane permeability to sodium ions.

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Author notes

  1. TAKEHIKO DEGUCHI

    Present address: Central Research Laboratories, Sankyo Company, Ltd, Tokyo

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, 27706

    TOSHIO NARAHASHI & TAKEHIKO DEGUCHI

  2. Department of Pharmacology, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, 14214

    EDSON X. ALBUQUERQUE

Authors
  1. TOSHIO NARAHASHI
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  2. TAKEHIKO DEGUCHI
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  3. EDSON X. ALBUQUERQUE
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NARAHASHI, T., DEGUCHI, T. & ALBUQUERQUE, E. Effects of Batrachotoxin on Nerve Membrane Potential and Conductances. Nature New Biology 229, 221–222 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1038/newbio229221b0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/newbio229221b0

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