Argiotoxin

Argiotoxins represent a class of polyamine toxins isolated from the orb-weaver spider (Araneus gemma[1] and Argiope lobata).

It is a low-molecular-weight neurotoxin which has highly functional polar groups: free phenolic OH and amine and guanidine residues.

[5] A complete synthesis strategy of argiotoxin and derivatives was developed in order to make biological tests in different living beings.

Its IUPAC name is: (2S) - N- { 5 - [ 3 - ( 3 - [ [ (2S)-2-amino-5-(diaminomethylideneamino) pentanoyl ] amino ] propylamino ) propylamino ] pentyl } -2- { [ 2 - (2,4-dihydroxyphenyl) acetyl ] amino } butanediamide[6] The effects of argiotoxin, when it enters an organism by a spider bite, are harmless to humans, although in certain cases the bite of argiotoxin spiders can produce mild swelling and itching.

Argiotoxin antagonizes the actions of the neurotransmitter glutamate, blocks the functioning of ion channel and affects the synaptic transmission of preys.

[7] This spider's venom shows varied action mechanisms that affect the different parts of the nervous impulse transmission chain.

[10] Argiotoxin could even be used as a tool for analyzing the subunit composition of AMPA receptors in native membranes.

To begin with, neurons of molluscan pedal ganglia were isolated and transferred to a special chamber with saline solution and regulated temperature.

HPLC, mass spectrometry, UV data and amino acid analysis are the elements that allow identifying diverse argiotoxins due to their spectrum.