Information AboutSaxitoxin |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT SAXITOXIN | |
| alkaloids | |
| chemical weapons | |
| neurotoxins | |
| nitrogen heterocycles | |
| SHOPPER'S DELIGHT | |
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Saxitoxin (STX) is a Neurotoxin found in marine Dinoflagellate s (algae). It is a selective Sodium Channel blocker. The United States Military isolated saxitoxin and assigned it the Chemical Weapon Designation '''TZ'''. It is unique among Toxin s in that it acts in a matter of minutes. The LCt 50 of TZ is 5 Mg · Min / M³ . The Medical importance of saxitoxin is in relation to Red Tide in Shellfish and causes the Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) Food Poisoning . The blocking of the sodium channel produces a flaccid paralysis that leaves its victim calm and conscious through the progression of Symptom s. Death is from Respiratory Failure . It is listed in Schedule 1 of the Chemical Weapons Convention . Though its early isolation and characterization were related to military efforts, saxitoxin has been more important to cellular research in describing the function of the sodium channel. SEE ALSO WEBLINKS
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