FUN FACTS ABOUT NEUROTOXINS
GOLDEN POISON FROG Most lethal venom of any animal; opens neuron’s Na+ (sodium) channels so cell membrane is no longer polarized and can no longer transmit action potentials, while muscles are caused to contract permanently and irreversibly
BLUE-RINGED OCTOPUS Golf-ball sized but carries enough venom to kill over 20 adults in minutes, by blocking Na+ (sodium) channels from passing sodium, causing paralysis and eventual asphyxiation
FUGU (PUFFERFISH) Blocks Na+ (sodium) channels with same toxin as blueringed octopus, causing paralysis and eventual asphyxiation; eaten as a dangerous delicacy in Japanese sashimi, resulting in occasional deaths
BLACK WIDOW Venom causes all acetylcholine (ACh) neurotransmitter to be drained out of neurons till no more is available, resulting in severe muscle spasm due to constant contraction signal; rarely fatal to adult humans due to small amount injected
CLOSTRIDIUM BOTULINUM Bacterium that produces toxin blocking release of ACh into synapse, known as “botulism”; found in poorly home-canned/jarred vegetables, also used in tiny amounts by cosmetic surgeons to temporarily paralyze frown muscles (“Botox”)
CURARE Plant extract used to poison dart tips by South American indigenous peoples; blocks ACh receptors on post-synaptic neuron or muscle, causing paralysis
March 20, 1995: Aum Shinrikyo cult releases sarin in Tokyo subway, killing 12, injuring 50, sending thousands to hospital
SARIN (NERVE GAS) Inhibits acetylcholinesterase so ACh isn’t broken down after release and continues transmitting nervous signals to muscles, causing spasms and eventual death by asphyxiation