Conotoxins: Potential Weapons from the Sea
January 2012Journal of Bioterrorism & Biodefense 03(03)
DOI:10.4172/2157-2526.1000120
Authors:
Peter D Anderson
Independent Researcher
Gyula Bokor
Cone snails are predatory marine animals that kill their prey with powerful venom. Conotoxins are a pharmacologically and chemically diverse group of toxins found in the venom. A number of species of cone snails, such as Conus geographus, are deadly to humans. Conotoxins affect numerous neurotransmitter receptors and ion channels in the body. The receptors impacted include nicotinic, adrenergic, NMDA, and serotonergic. Ion channels altered include sodium, potassium and calcium. The most lethal effect of conotoxins to humans is muscle paralysis of the diaphragm causing respiratory arrest.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/277485676_Conotoxins_Potential_Weapons_from_the_Sea
