Structural and Functional Analysis of Paralytic Neurotoxins from Terrestrial Mammals

我们研究了陆生有毒哺乳动物麻痹性神经毒素的结构和功能。从短尾鼩（Blarina brevicauda）唾液腺提取物中几乎纯化出一种神经毒素（5kda）。从鸭嘴鸭嘴兽（Ornithorhynchus anatinus）的毒液液中鉴定出11种独特的神经毒素，其中包括一种七肽HDHPNPR，并对其生物活性进行了表征。我们还确定鸭嘴兽的毒液含有钾化钾素型蛋白酶，就像爬行动物和鼩鼱的毒液一样。目前的发现可能会导致开发有价值的止痛或血管活性物质。

We investigated the structure and functions of paralytic neurotoxins from terrestrial venomous mammals. A neurotoxin (5 kDa) was almost purified from the salivary gland extracts of the short-tailed shrew Blarina brevicauda. From the venom fluidof the duck-bill platypus Ornithorhynchus anatinus, 11 unique neurotoxins, including a heptapeptide HDHPNPR, were identified and their biological activities have beencharacterized. We also established that platypus venom contains kallikrein-type protease(s), as with reptilian and shrew venom. The present findings may lead to the development of valuable pain-relief or vasoactive substances.