Isolation and pharmacological characterisation of papuantoxin-1, a postsynaptic neurotoxin from the venom of the Papuan black snake (Pseudechis papuanus)

摘要: Abstract The Papuan black snake (Pseudechis papuanus) is found throughout the southern coastal regions of Papua New Guinea and thought to occur in adjacent region Iriyan Jaya. Neurotoxicity a major symptom envenomation by this species. This study describes isolation first neurotoxin papuantoxin-1 from venom P. papuanus. Papuantoxin-1 (6738 Da), which accounts for approximately 5% whole venom, was purified homogeneity using successive steps RP-HPLC. toxin (0.3–1.0 μM) caused concentration dependent inhibition indirect twitches (0.1 Hz, 0.2 ms supramaximal V) inhibited responses nicotinic agonists chick biventer cervicis nerve-muscle preparation, indicating postsynaptic mode action. However, displayed no signs myotoxicity. pseudo-irreversible antagonism cumulative concentration-response curves carbachol at skeletal muscle receptors with an estimated pA2 value 6.9 ± 0.3. CSL antivenom, raised against Australian Pseudechis australis, appears be effective reversing effects papuantoxin-1. Thus, antivenom should considered treatment neurotoxic following Papaun snake.