Tetrodotoxin (TTX), a naturally occurring toxin, specifically blocks the function of sodium channels by underlying the electrical excitability in nerve and muscle. Animals poisoned by this paralytic poison lose the ability to control skeletal and visceral muscles and eventually die. The investigation is designed to characterize the sodium channel receptor which binds to tetrodotoxin. Sodium channels in different species differ in their ability to bind TTX. Comparisons of the molecular structure of the binding sites in different species will be made to determine the specific component responsible for the intensive binding properties of the receptor. Biochemical and electrophysiological techniques will be used to determine the structure of the receptor. Once the receptor has been identified, it will be possible to develop pharmacological agents targeted specifically for TTX, leading to the development of a new class of anesthetics.
