Diamphotoxin is a single-stranded polypeptide isolated from the larvae and pupae of leaf beetles of several species of the genus Diamphidium found in South Africa. The strongest animal poison .
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Content
Mechanism of Action
The toxin stimulates the release of potassium ions from the cells, the entry of sodium and calcium ions into it, as a result of which the cell dies, in particular, due to a violation of the intracellular electrolyte balance. At the same time, the toxin does not affect the ion channels of the cell [1] , but increases the permeability of the membrane for all small ions, probably acting as an ionophore .
According to early studies, it has neurotoxic and cardiotoxic effects; in later works, neurotoxic properties were not found. Hemolytic effects are especially pronounced, the toxin is capable of reducing the hemoglobin content in the blood by 75% in a short period of time due to the massive destruction of red blood cells. As a result, massive hemoglobinuria occurs and the kidney function is impaired.
Application
Bushmen and now use the crushed diamphidium larvae for the preparation of poison for arrows: a boom smeared with this slush can knock down a 500-kilogram giraffe.
Chemical and physical properties
Molecular weight: 60 kDa .
Toxicity
The LD 50 of diamphotoxin is 0.000025 mg / kg, as a result of which it is considered the strongest of the known poisons of animal origin [2] [3] .
Antidote
There is no specific antidote . Conduct detoxification and symptomatic therapy.
Links
- β Tove Flem Jacobsenβ 444
- β Poisons of animals. "Chemical Encyclopedia", V. 5. M .: BDT, 1999
- Poisonous rating: 10 of the most powerful animal toxins