Pumiliotoxin

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Pumiliotoxins (PTXs), are one of several toxins found in the skin of poison frogs. Closely related, though more toxic, are allopumiliotoxins, (aPTXs). Other toxins found in the skin of poison frogs include decahydroquinolines (DHQs), izidines, coccinellines, and spiropyrrolizidines. Pumiliotoxins are very poisonous in high concentration. Pumiliotoxins are much weaker than that of the batrachotoxins, they can be between 100-1000 times weaker. There are three different types of this toxin A, B and C. Toxins A and B are a lot more toxic than C. Pumiliotoxins effect the body because they are a cardiac stimulant. The toxin works by effecting the calcium channels. Some of the symptoms of pumiliotoxins are partial paralysis, having difficulty moving, being hyperactive and in some cases it can result in death.

references -http://jrscience.wcp.muohio.edu/fieldcourses06/PapersCostaRicaArticles/PoisonDartFrogs.html -http://www.bio.davidson.edu/Courses/anphys/2000/Todd/toxintype.htm