Neurotoxin resistance

The vesicular monoamine transporters (VMATs) were identified in a screen for genes that confer resistance to the parkinsonian neurotoxin MPP+ [2]. The resistance apparently results from sequestration of the toxin inside vesicles, away from its primary site of action in mitochondria. In addition to recognizing MPP+, the transporter s mediate the uptake of dopamine, ser otonin, epinephrine, and norepinephrine by neurons and endocrine cells. Structurally, the VMATs show no relationship to plasma membrane monoamine transporters. 

The ditetrazolium salts (309) have been patented for use in electrochromic electrodes which are used in display devices <89JAP01230026) and tetrazolium salts have also been developed for cell bioassays for neurotoxins active on voltage-sensitive sodium channels <93MI 417-03). Tests for inhibition of corrosion of zinc and brass carried out on 5-aminotetrazole showed it to be ineffective relative to other azoles <86MI 417-01). A number of tetrazoles including the 5-amino, 5-methyl, and 5-phenyl derivatives have been separately incorporated into surfactants used for corrosion inhibition with copper in water <9lMl4l7-07). Photopolymerizable resin compositions which are highly resistant... 

Renaud J-F, Fosset M, Schweitz H, Lazdunski M. The interaction of polypeptide neurotoxins with tetrodotoxin-resistant Na+ channels in mammalian cardiac cells. 

Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number CAS 14277-97-5. Domoic acid, a glutamic acid analog that is resistant to temperature extremes, is an excitatory neurotoxin produced by a diatom and concentrated in shellfish. Ingestion leads to amnesic shellfish poisoning, which can also include seizures. Its relevance to use in warfare and terrorism, apart from its being unfamiliar to most disaster-response personnel, is that it is also easily absorbed by inhalation and across mucous membranes. No specific antitoxin is available, and treatment is supportive. 

Functionally, pyrethroids are a group of insect growth regulators that act as neurotoxins resisting the development of insect larvae. They are especially effective against insects that are destructive in the adult stage. They are considered non-toxic to animals and humans. Pyrethrum consists of dried flower heads of chrysanthemum. The plant is a native of Dalmatia (Yugoslavia-Balkans) and is now widely cultivated in Kenya, East Central Africa, Japan, Brazil, Ecuador, and India. 

Cl. botulinum is a rod-shaped and strictly anaerobic bacterium. It is of great concern for low-acid canned foods as it can produce neurotoxin. The organism is ubiquitous in nature. It can change from vegetative cell to endospore to survive under adverse conditions. The endospore possesses very high heat resistance, but the toxin is not heat stable. The D value at 121°C, to inactivate spores of Cl. botulinum., is... 

MacKenzie, 1., Bumstock, G., and Dolly, J.O., The effects of purified botulinum neurotoxin type A on cholinergic, adrenergic and non-adrenergic, atropine-resistant autonomic neuromuscular transmission. Neuroscience, 7, 997, 1982. 

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