picrotoxin (Meaning)
picrotoxin (n.)
A bitter white crystalline substance found in the cocculus indicus. It is a peculiar poisonous neurotic and intoxicant, and consists of a mixture of several neutral substances.
Synonyms & Antonyms of picrotoxin
No Synonyms and anytonyms found
picrotoxin Sentence Examples
- Picrotoxin is a potent neurotoxin derived from the seeds of the Anamirta cocculus plant.
- Picrotoxin directly blocks GABAA receptors, leading to convulsive activity and increased neuronal firing.
- The mechanism of action of picrotoxin involves competitive binding to the picrotoxin site of GABAA receptors.
- Picrotoxin-induced convulsions are characterized by tonic-clonic seizures and can be fatal if not treated promptly.
- High doses of picrotoxin may cause respiratory depression, coma, and death.
- Picrotoxin has been historically used as a fish poison and as a medication for treating epilepsy, although its use has been largely abandoned due to its severe side effects.
- Research has demonstrated picrotoxin's potential for use as a tool to study the molecular mechanisms of GABAA receptor function.
- Picrotoxin is commonly used in electrophysiology experiments to block GABAergic neurotransmission.
- The effects of picrotoxin are reversible with the administration of benzodiazepines, which enhance GABAA receptor activity.
- Picrotoxin remains a valuable tool for elucidating the role of GABAA receptors in neurological function and for identifying novel therapeutic targets for convulsive disorders.
FAQs About the word picrotoxin
A bitter white crystalline substance found in the cocculus indicus. It is a peculiar poisonous neurotic and intoxicant, and consists of a mixture of several neu
No synonyms found.
No antonyms found.
Picrotoxin is a potent neurotoxin derived from the seeds of the Anamirta cocculus plant.
Picrotoxin directly blocks GABAA receptors, leading to convulsive activity and increased neuronal firing.
The mechanism of action of picrotoxin involves competitive binding to the picrotoxin site of GABAA receptors.
Picrotoxin-induced convulsions are characterized by tonic-clonic seizures and can be fatal if not treated promptly.
