Veratridine

A steroid-derived alkaloid toxin

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Veratridine is a steroid-derived alkaloid toxin that affects sodium channels in nerve cells. It is primarily found in the seeds of the Schoenocaulon plant, commonly known as sabadilla, and in the Liliaceae family of plants. Veratridine is known for its ability to increase the permeability of sodium channels, leading to prolonged depolarization of the nerve cell membrane.

Chemical structure

Veratridine is a complex molecule with a steroidal backbone. The structure of veratridine includes multiple hydroxyl groups and a distinctive arrangement of carbon rings. The molecular formula is C36H51NO11. The structure is depicted in the image

Structural formula of Veratridine

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Mechanism of action

Veratridine acts by binding to the voltage-gated sodium channels on the neuronal cell membrane. This binding causes the channels to remain open longer than usual, which results in a continuous influx of sodium ions into the cell. The prolonged depolarization prevents the cell from returning to its resting state, leading to increased neuronal excitability. The specific binding site of veratridine on the sodium channel is illustrated in the image

Veratridine binding site on sodium channels

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Toxicity and effects

The toxic effects of veratridine are primarily due to its action on the nervous system. Symptoms of veratridine poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle weakness, and convulsions. In severe cases, it can lead to respiratory failure and death. The compound is used in research to study the function of sodium channels and the effects of their prolonged activation.

Applications in research

Veratridine is utilized in neuroscience research to investigate the properties of sodium channels and their role in neurotransmission. It serves as a tool to understand the mechanisms of nerve impulse propagation and the effects of channelopathies, which are disorders caused by dysfunctional ion channels.

Related compounds

Veratridine is structurally related to other steroidal alkaloids, such as veratrine and cevadine. These compounds share similar mechanisms of action and are also found in plants of the Liliaceae family. The comparison of steroid and veratridine ring backbones is shown in the image

Comparison of steroid and veratridine ring backbones

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Related pages

• Sodium channel
• Alkaloid
• Neurotoxin
• Schoenocaulon

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  Veratridine structure

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  Steroid and Veratridine ring backbones

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  Veratridine binding site