Tx2-6
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Tx2-6 is a toxin found in the venom of the Brazilian wandering spider, Phoneutria nigriventer (Keys). It is a peptide of 48 residues, molecular weight 5291.3.[1] This peptide is cleaved from a longer precursor with a signal peptide and a glutamine-rich propeptide. It can cause priapism. Tests on rats indicate that the toxin causes nitric oxide release, and its effect on erection is blocked by the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NAME. However, it fully restored erectile function in rats developing hypertension due to injection of deoxycorticosterone acetate.[2] A study is underway at the Medical College of Georgia looking at possible uses for the chemical in erectile dysfunction medication.[3]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Cordeiro Mdo N, Diniz CR, Valentim Ado C, von Eickstedt VR, Gilroy J, Richardson M (September 1992). "The purification and amino acid sequences of four Tx2 neurotoxins from the venom of the Brazilian 'armed' spider Phoneutria nigriventer (Keys)". FEBS Lett. 310 (2): 153–6. PMID 1397265.
- ^ Nunes, Kenia P. et al. (2008). "Tx2-6 toxin of the Phoneutria nigriventer spider potentiates rat erectile function". Toxicon 51 (7): 1197–1206. doi:10.1016/j.toxicon.2008.02.010. PMID 18397797.
- ^ Hernandez, Vladimir (4 May 2007). "Spider venom could boost sex life". BBC News. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/6625397.stm.
[edit] External links
- Spider venom for Erectile Dysfunction (27 September 2009)
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