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Neuro Science |
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Neurotoxin
Neurotoxin refers to types of chemicals that damage, destroy or the functioning of central or peripheral nervous system. These chemicals actions in various different ways as listed below :
I am personally interested in neurotoxins mainly for the personal reasons.
List of Neuro toxins
Naturally existing Atoms/Molecues
Arsenic (As) occurs in many minerals, usually in combination with sulfur and metals, but also as a pure elemental crystal. Due to its toxicity, it often contains in various insecticides and pesticides It functions as a neurotoxing as follows :
Chromium (Cr) can be both benificial and toxic depending on its chemical status. Cr(III) is necessary for body but Cr(VI) is toxic in following way
Lead used to be quite widely used decades ago, but highly restricted recently. It would lead to followings :
Cadmium can reaches in various different ways through soil, water and air. It can cause toxicity in almost all organs. It would cause neurotoxicity as in following ways :
Mercury can impare brain functions in many different ways as follows :
Animal/Bacterium Toxins
It is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum and is one of the most poisonous substances known. It is a potent neurotoxin that can cause botulism which is a serious and potentially life-threatening illness. It blocks the release of acetylcholine
This attacks cholinergic neurson (the nuerons using Acetylcholine as a transmitter) by destroying acetylcholinesterase (AChE). As a result, Achetylecholine is not broken down and stay attached to the receptor and remain in synatic cleft causing sever and long-lasting muscle contraction.
This inhibits neurotransmission of the signal by blocking various ion channels on cell membrane. As a result, it cause paralysis.
This also attacks cholinergic neuron by mimicking Achetylcholine and sticking to Acetylcholine recetor preveting the Acetylecholine from attaching to its receptor and performing as neurotransmitter. As a result, it would lead to a feeling of numbness and paralysis.
It blocks the generation of action potention by blocking voltage-gated sodium channel in nerve cells.
It's molecular size is comparable to the size of hydrated potassium. It appears to inhibit K flow through channel by competing again K when it present in high concenturation.
It is a peptide consisting of 36 amino acids, with 8 cysteines forming 4 disulfide bonds. It act as a ligand closing Cloride channels on cell membrane It is found in the venom of some species of scorpions and is a neurotoxin that can cause symptoms such as muscle weakness and paralysis. It has ability to selectively target and enter glioma cells which makes it a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of brain tumors
These are peptides consisting of 10 to 30 amino acid residues. There several different types and how it affects the nerve cell are different depending on the types as listed below (from wikipedia).
These are a group of toxins produced by various species of spiders, including the black widow spider. These toxins work by causing the release of large amounts of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine from nerve cells, leading to overstimulation of the muscles and other organs. They bind to receptors on presynaptic membranes and cause the neurons to release acetylcholine, which in turn activates receptors on muscle cells called postsynaptic membranes. This leads to overstimulation of the muscles and can cause symptoms such as muscle spasms, cramping, and rigidity
It is found in the venom of some species of snakes and is a neurotoxin that can cause convulsions and death.
It is found in some species of algae and shellfish and is a potent neurotoxin that can cause paralysis and death.
It is produced by the bacterium Clostridium tetani and is a neurotoxin that can cause symptoms such as muscle spasms and death
It is found in bee venom and is a neurotoxin that can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, and difficulty breathing.
It is found in bee venom and is a neurotoxin that can cause symptoms such as muscle spasms and respiratory failure.
It is found in some species of fish such as barracuda, grouper, red snapper, and sea bass. It is a neurotoxin that can cause symptoms such as muscle weakness, numbness, and difficulty breathing. It is produced by certain species of algae and is accumulated by these fish through their diet. It affects the function of sodium channels and cause changes in the electrical activity of nerve cells, leading to abnormal signaling and further disruption of nerve function
It is found in some species of coral and shellfish, is a neurotoxin that can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and muscle weakness.
Plant Toxins
It is found in the plant Aconitum and is a potent neurotoxin that can cause symptoms such as tremors, seizures, and death.
It is found in the plant Strychnos nux-vomica and is a neurotoxin that can cause symptoms such as convulsions, respiratory failure, and death.
If it's a toxic alkaloid found in the poison hemlock plant (Conium maculatum) and is a neurotoxin that can cause symptoms such as tremors, paralysis, and death. It blocks the action of an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase, which is responsible for breaking down acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays a vital role in muscle contraction and various other functions in the body. When acetylcholine levels build up in the body due to coniine's interference, it can lead to symptoms such as muscle weakness, tremors, and eventually paralysis.
Reference
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