Open AccessAcetylcholine receptors at neuromuscular synapses: phylogenetic differences detected by snake alpha-neurotoxins.
Author(s) -
Steven J. Burden,
H. Criss Hartzell,
Doju Yoshikami
Publication year - 1975
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.72.8.3245
Subject(s) - acetylcholine receptor , biology , acetylcholine , alpha (finance) , snake venom , receptor , venom , squamata , neurotoxin , phylogenetic tree , neuroscience , zoology , endocrinology , biochemistry , medicine , construct validity , nursing , gene , patient satisfaction
Phylogenetic differences in acetylcholine receptors from skeletal neuromuscular synapses of various species of snakes and lizards have been investigated, using the snake venom alpha-neurotoxins alpha-atratoxin (cobrotoxin) and alpha-bungarotoxin. The acetylcholine receptors of the phylogenetically primitive lizards, like those from all other vertebrates previously tested, are blocked by these alpha-neurotoxins. In contrast, receptors from snakes and advanced lizards are insensitive to one or both of the toxins. It is suggested that toxin-resistant acetylcholine receptors appeared early in the evolution of Squamata and preceded the appearance of alpha-neurotoxins.