Zetekitoxin AB explained

Zetekitoxin AB (ZTX) is a guanidine alkaloid found in the Panamanian golden frog Atelopus zeteki. It is an extremely potent neurotoxin.

Structure

ZTX is a guanidine alkaloid. It's structurally related to saxitoxin, but with some differences. ZTX contains an isoxazolidine ring, a sulfonate group and an N-hydroxycarbamate group.^[1]

Mechanism of action

ZTX is an extremely potent sodium channel blocker. It has been shown to block the voltage-gated sodium channels at picomolar concentrations. It is about 580 times more potent than saxitoxin.

Toxicity

ZTX is an extremely potent neurotoxin. The of ZTX in mice is 11 μg/kg.^[2]

See also

• Tetrodotoxin

Notes and References

1. Yotsu-Yamashita. M.. Kim. Y. H.. Dudley. S. C.. Choudhary. G.. Pfahnl. A.. Oshima. Y.. Daly. J. W.. The structure of zetekitoxin AB, a saxitoxin analog from the Panamanian golden frog Atelopus zeteki: A potent sodium-channel blocker. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 22 March 2004. 101. 13. 4346–4351. 10.1073/pnas.0400368101. 15070720. 384749. 2004PNAS..101.4346Y. free.
2. Brown. George B.. Kim. Yong H.. Küntzel. Heiner. Mosher. Harry S.. Fuhrman. Geraldine J.. Fuhrman. Frederick A.. Chemistry and pharmacology of skin toxins from the frog Atelopus Zeteki (Atelopidtoxin: Zetekitoxin). Toxicon. January 1977. 15. 2. 115–128. 10.1016/0041-0101(77)90030-7. 558664.