Strychnine
Strychnine is a highly toxic, colorless, bitter crystalline alkaloid used as a pesticide, particularly for killing small vertebrates such as birds and rodents.[1]
Origin
Strychnine is derived primarily from the seeds of the Strychnos nux-vomica tree, native to India and Southeast Asia.[2]
Pharmacology
Strychnine acts as a blocker or antagonist at the inhibitory or strychnine-sensitive glycine receptor, a ligand-gated chloride channel in the spinal cord and the brain.[3]
Historical Uses
Historically, strychnine was used in low doses as a performance enhancing drug and a stimulant, due to its convulsive effects. It was also used in rat poison.[4] However, because of its high toxicity, these uses have been discontinued.
Toxicity and Treatment
Strychnine poisoning can be fatal to humans and other animals and can occur by inhalation, swallowing or absorption through eyes or mouth.[5] Symptoms of poisoning include painful convulsions and asphyxia.
Treatment of strychnine poisoning involves immediate gastric lavage, administration of activated charcoal and a short-acting barbiturate, and artificial respiration.[6]
Epidemiology
While acute strychnine poisoning is relatively rare, it can occur globally, often as a result of accidental or intentional ingestion. The high toxicity and wide availability of strychnine make it a potential agent for intentional poisoning or suicide.
Toxicology
Strychnine's primary mechanism of action is as a competitive antagonist of the neurotransmitter glycine, resulting in an over-excitation of neurons. This can lead to severe convulsions and eventually death through asphyxiation or exhaustion. Due to its extreme toxicity, even small doses can be lethal.
Treatment
Immediate medical attention is required in the case of strychnine poisoning. Treatment typically involves decontamination (inducing vomiting, stomach pumping, activated charcoal) to remove the poison, followed by supportive measures such as intravenous fluids and medications to control convulsions.[7] There is no specific antidote for strychnine.
See Also
References
- ↑ , Strychnine: Historical and modern uses, Toxicon,
- ↑ , Poisonous Plants: A Handbook for Doctors, Pharmacists, Toxicologists, Biologists and Veterinarians,
- ↑ , Strychnine: Mechanism of action, Neuropharmacology,
- ↑ , Poisons: Their Effects and Detection,
- ↑ , Strychnine Poisoning, Toxicology Reviews,
- ↑ , Handbook of Clinical Toxicology of Animal Venoms and Poisons,
- ↑ , Treatment of Strychnine Poisoning, Clinical Toxicology,
Further reading
External links
Poison Control Center - Strychnine
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