Taipoxin is a lethal neurotoxin protein isolated from the venom of the Australian taipan Oxyuranus s. scutellatus (LD50= 2 micro g/kg in mouse). Taipoxin is a non-covalent ternary glycoprotein which is completely dissociated at low pH or high ionic strength. One of the subunits has Phospholipase A2 activity.
Intoxicated animals die of asphyxia caused by a complete inhibition of neurotransmitter release and neuromuscular junction blockage of the respiratory muscles. In the central nervous system taipoxin blocks synaptic vesicle recycling by inhibiting the neuronal uptake pathway through the interaction with neuronal Pentraxin system components during synapse formation and remodeling.
In neuronal cultures, Taipoxin facilitates Ca2+ -dependent synaptic vesicle exocytosis and causes a complete depletion of stored neurotransmitter, resulting in synaptic transmission blockage. Taipoxin, at nanomolar range, causes swelling of nerve terminus and redistributon of synaptic vesicle proteins.
Alomone Labs is pleased to offerTaipoxin (#T-460), a natural native toxin purified to homogeneity from the Australian taipan Oxyuranus s. scutellatus.
Neurotoxins> Inhibitory Neurotoxins.