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. 1977 Jun;60(2):233–238. doi: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.1977.tb07745.x

An electrophysiological study of the action of crude Enhydrina schistosa venom.

C B Ferry, S L Geh
PMCID: PMC1667425  PMID: 880433

Abstract

1 Electrophysiological studies on the rat diaphragm revealed that crude Enhydrina schistosa venom has a blocking action on postjunctional acetylcholine (ach) receptors. 2 This venom in concentrations of 0.125-1.0 microgram/ml abolished the extracellular endplate potential (e.e.p.p.) without altering the presynaptic spike. When the phrenic nerve was stimulated at a frequency of 1 Hz the degree of depression of successive e.e.p.ps was approximately the same in records made before and after treatment with venom. 3 In concentrations of 0.25 and 0.5 microgram/ml the venom reduced significantly the amplitude of miniature endplate potentials (m.e.p.ps). The frequency of m.e.p.ps did not increase but was decreased when the amplitue of the m.e.p.ps was much reduced. 4 The crude venom did not alter the resting membrane potential (RMP) of the muscle cell. 5 The venom inhibited the depolarization of the muscle membrane caused by carbachol. 6 It is concluded that an active component in the crude venom is responsible for a blocking action on postjunctional receptors.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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