Latrotoxin
Latrotoxin
Latrotoxin (pronounced: la-tro-tox-in) is a type of venomous toxin that is produced by certain species of spiders, most notably the black widow spider and the redback spider.
Etymology
The term "Latrotoxin" is derived from the Greek words "latreia" meaning service or worship, and "toxikon" meaning poison. This is in reference to the potent nature of the toxin and the reverence with which it is regarded in certain cultures.
Description
Latrotoxin is a high molecular weight neurotoxin that specifically affects the nervous system. It is composed of a complex mixture of proteins and peptides, which can cause severe pain, muscle rigidity, and in some cases, death. The toxin works by binding to specific receptors on the nerve cells, causing an influx of calcium ions and leading to the release of neurotransmitters.
Related Terms
- Neurotoxin: A type of poison that affects the nervous system.
- Black Widow Spider: A species of spider known for its potent venom, which contains latrotoxin.
- Redback Spider: Another species of spider that produces latrotoxin.
- Neurotransmitter: Chemicals that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron (nerve cell) to another 'target' neuron, muscle cell, or gland cell.
- Calcium Ions: An ion of calcium, a chemical element with the symbol Ca and atomic number 20.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Latrotoxin
- Wikipedia's article - Latrotoxin
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