[Natural neurotoxins as pharmacological tools for the study of the central nervous system].
BACKGROUND
Natural venoms produced by different species of animals are very useful to distinguish between the different types and subtypes of ionic channels and neurotransmitters receptors involved in the information processing in the nervous system.


METHODS
Natural venoms permit distinction between the different types and subtypes of Na+, K+ and Ca2+ channels. These differences are based on their structure, physical and chemical characteristics and function with regard to ionic transport and the neurotransmitters release.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of different molecular biology techniques makes it possible to develop new synthetic toxins, by means of which new perspectives appear for the study and treatment of different neurological disease.
Martínez-Martos
J M
JM
Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, Universidad de Jaén, España. jmmartos@ujaen.es
Ramírez-Expósito
M J
MJ
Iribar-Ibabe
C
C
Peinado-Herreros
J M
JM
D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D015220:Calcium Channels / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D009498:Neurotoxins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015221:Potassium Channels / Q000378:metabolism; D015222:Sodium Channels / Q000378:metabolism
D015220:Calcium Channels; D009498:Neurotoxins; D015221:Potassium Channels; D015222:Sodium Channels