Tutin (toxin)

Tutin toxin structure

Tutin is a poisonous plant derivative found in the New Zealand tutu plant (Coriaria arborea, Coriaria genus, several different species). It acts as a potent antagonist of the glycine receptor,<ref>Fuentealba J, Guzmán L, Manríquez-Navarro P, Pérez C, Silva M, Becerra J, Aguayo LG. Inhibitory effects of tutin on glycine receptors in spinal neurons. European Journal of Pharmacology. 2007 Mar 15;559(1):61-4. PMID 17303114</ref> and has powerful convulsant effects.<ref>Zhou H, Tang YH, Zheng Y. A new rat model of acute seizures induced by tutin. Brain Research. 2006 May 30;1092(1):207-13. PMID 16674929</ref> It is used in scientific research into the glycine receptor, and is also sometimes associated with outbreaks of toxic honey poisoning when bees feed honeydew exudate from the sap-sucking insect commonly known as the passion vine hopper, when these vine hoppers (Scolypopa australis) have been feeding on the sap of tutu bushes. Toxic honey is a rare event and is more likely to occur when comb honey is eaten directly from a hive that has been harvesting honeydew from passion vine hoppers feeding on tutu plants.<ref>Background on toxic honey. New Zealand Food Safety Authority.</ref>

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