title: BgK anemone toxin inhibits outward K(+) currents in snail neurons.
abstract: We studied the effects of BgK toxin on outward K(+) currents in isolated neurons of the snail Helix aspersa, using the whole cell patch clamp technique. BgK partially and reversibly blocked K(+) currents in the 1 pM to 100 nM concentration range (n=53). The dose-response curve for BgK current inhibition had a maximum blocking effect at 100 nM. Our results indicate that BgK is a potent, apparently non-selective, K(+) channel blocker in molluscan neurons.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Bioactivos y Productos Naturales Marinos, Instituto de Oceanología, Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología y Medio Ambiente, La Habana, Cuba.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Garateix
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Vega
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Salceda
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cebada
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Aneiros
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Soto
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003064:Cnidarian Venoms / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006372:Helix, Snails; D008564:Membrane Potentials / Q000187:drug effects; D009474:Neurons / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000502:physiology*; D018408:Patch-Clamp Techniques; D011188:Potassium / Q000378:metabolism; D026902:Potassium Channel Blockers; D015221:Potassium Channels / Q000502:physiology; D012615:Sea Anemones
chemical_list: D003064:Cnidarian Venoms; D026902:Potassium Channel Blockers; D015221:Potassium Channels; C104455:toxin BgK; D011188:Potassium