Cone venom--from accidental stings to deliberate injection.
Cone snails have long been of note due to their colorful shells and deadly venom. Over the years, a number of people who have encountered these molluscs have been injured or killed by their sting. Biochemical analysis of the venom components has revealed a plethora of peptides and proteins that target a variety of receptors and ion channels. Pharmaceutical companies are now utilizing the selectivity and potency of Conus-derived peptides to develop novel medications for pain, epilepsy and other disorders.
McIntosh
J M
JM
Departments of Psychiatry and Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, 84112, USA. mcintosh@biology.utah.edu
Jones
R M
RM
D000818:Animals; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D020916:Conotoxins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000145:classification / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015195:Drug Design; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D007473:Ion Channels / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011978:Receptors, Nicotinic / Q000145:classification / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D012908:Snails / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000145:classification
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D020916:Conotoxins; D007473:Ion Channels; D011978:Receptors, Nicotinic