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Structure Determination of Hydroxytrypargine: A New Tetrahydro‐ β ‐Carboline Toxin from the Venom of the Spider Parawixia bistriata
Author(s) -
Cesar Lilian M. M.,
Tormena Claudio F.,
Marques Mauricio R.,
Silva Gil V. J.,
Mendes Maria A.,
Rittner Roberto,
Palma Mario S.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
helvetica chimica acta
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.74
H-Index - 82
eISSN - 1522-2675
pISSN - 0018-019X
DOI - 10.1002/hlca.200590056
Subject(s) - spider , venom , toxin , spider toxin , chemistry , toxicity , alkaloid , toxicology , pharmacology , stereochemistry , zoology , biochemistry , biology , receptor , glutamate receptor , organic chemistry
A new, highly active tetrahydro‐ β ‐carboline toxin from the spider Parawixia bistriata , the most‐common species of social spider occurring in Brazil, was isolated. The new toxin was identified as 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydro‐6‐hydroxy‐ β ‐carboline (= N ‐[3‐(2,3,4,9‐tetrahydro‐6‐hydroxy‐1 H ‐pyrido[3,4‐ b ]indol‐1‐yl)propyl]guanidine; 3 ). This type of alkaloid, not common among spider toxins, was found to be the most‐potent constituent of the spider's chemical weaponry to kill prey. When P. bistriata catch arthropods in their web, they apparently attack their prey in groups of many individuals injecting their venoms. In vivo toxicity assays with 3 demonstrated a potent lethal effect to honeybees, giving rise to clear neurotoxic effects (paralysis) before death. The compound's toxicity ( LD 50 value) was determined to be ca. 8 ng/g of honeybee. The investigation of the pharmacological properties and neurotoxic actions of 3 may be used in the future for the development of new drugs to be applied for pest control in agriculture.