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Voltage-gated Na

Toxicity is widespread among living organisms, and evolves as a multimodal phenotype. Part of this phenotype is the ability to avoid self-intoxication (autoresistance). Evolving toxin resistance can involve fitness tradeoffs, so autoresistance is often expected to evolve gradually and in tandem with toxicity, resulting in a correlation between the degrees of toxicity and autoresistance among toxic populations. We investigate this correlation in Phyllobates poison frogs, notorious for secreting batrachotoxin (BTX), a potent neurotoxin that targets sodium channels, using ancestral sequence reconstructions of BTX-sensing areas of the muscular voltage-gated sodium channel. Reconstructions suggest that BTX resistance arose at the root of Phyllobates, coinciding with the evolution of BTX secretion. After this event, little or no further evolution of autoresistance seems to have occurred, despite large increases in toxicity throughout the history of these frogs. Our results, therefore, provide no evidence in favor of an evolutionary correlation between toxicity and autoresistance, which conflicts with previous work. Future research on the functional costs and benefits of mutations putatively involved in BTX resistance, as well as their prevalence in natural populations, should shed light on the evolutionary mechanisms driving the relationship between toxicity and autoresistance in Phyllobates frogs.

Batrachotoxin (BTX) causes paralysis and death by activating “pseudosymmetric” eukaryotic sodium (Nav) channels. Finol-Urdaneta et al. investigate its action on the prokaryotic homotetrameric homologues NaChBac and NavSp1, revealing use-dependent facilitation of activation, and inhibition of deactivation, caused by BTX binding to the symmetric pore., Batrachotoxin (BTX), an alkaloid from skin secretions of dendrobatid frogs, causes paralysis and death by facilitating activation and inhibiting deactivation of eukaryotic voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channels, which underlie action potentials in nerve, muscle, and heart. A full understanding of the mechanism by which BTX modifies eukaryotic Nav gating awaits determination of high-resolution structures of functional toxin–channel complexes. Here, we investigate the action of BTX on the homotetrameric prokaryotic Nav channels NaChBac and NavSp1. By combining mutational analysis and whole-cell patch clamp with molecular and kinetic modeling, we show that BTX hinders deactivation and facilitates activation in a use-dependent fashion. Our molecular model shows the horseshoe-shaped BTX molecule bound within the open pore, forming hydrophobic H-bonds and cation-π contacts with the pore-lining helices, leaving space for partially dehydrated sodium ions to permeate through the hydrophilic inner surface of the horseshoe. We infer that bulky BTX, bound at the level of the gating-hinge residues, prevents the S6 rearrangements that are necessary for closure of the activation gate. Our results reveal general similarities to, and differences from, BTX actions on eukaryotic Nav channels, whose major subunit is a single polypeptide formed by four concatenated, homologous, nonidentical domains that form a pseudosymmetric pore. Our determination of the mechanism by which BTX activates homotetrameric voltage-gated channels reveals further similarities between eukaryotic and prokaryotic Nav channels and emphasizes the tractability of bacterial Nav channels as models of voltage-dependent ion channel gating. The results contribute toward a deeper, atomic-level understanding of use-dependent natural and synthetic Nav channel agonists and antagonists, despite their overlapping binding motifs on the channel proteins.

Voltage-gated sodium channels (NaVs), large transmembrane protein complexes responsible for the initiation and propagation of action potentials, are targets for a number of acute poisons. Many of these agents act as allosteric modulators of channel activity and serve as powerful chemical tools for understanding channel function. Batrachotoxin (BTX) is a steroidal amine derivative most commonly associated with poison dart frogs and is unique as a NaV ligand in that it alters every property of the channel, including threshold potential of activation, inactivation, ion selectivity, and ion conduction. Structure-function studies with BTX are limited, however, by the inability to access preparative quantities of this compound from natural sources. We have addressed this problem through de novo synthesis of BTX, which gives access to modified toxin structures. In this report, we detail electrophysiology studies of three BTX C20-ester derivatives against recombinant NaV subtypes (rat NaV1.4 and human NaV1.5). Two of these compounds, BTX-B and BTX-cHx, are functionally equivalent to BTX, hyperpolarizing channel activation and blocking both fast and slow inactivation. BTX-yne—a C20-n-heptynoate ester—is a conspicuous outlier, eliminating fast but not slow inactivation. This unique property qualifies BTX-yne as the first reported NaV modulator that separates inactivation processes. These findings are supported by functional studies with bacterial NaVs (BacNaVs) that lack a fast inactivation gate. The availability of BTX-yne should advance future efforts aimed at understanding NaV gating mechanisms and designing allosteric regulators of NaV activity.

Some poisonous animals produce toxins that affect Na+ channel function yet avoid autointoxication. Abderemane-Ali et al. show that resistance by Pitohui birds and Phyllobates frogs to their own toxins may be mediated not by mutations in their channels, but by toxin-sequestering “sponge” proteins., Many poisonous organisms carry small-molecule toxins that alter voltage-gated sodium channel (NaV) function. Among these, batrachotoxin (BTX) from Pitohui poison birds and Phyllobates poison frogs stands out because of its lethality and unusual effects on NaV function. How these toxin-bearing organisms avoid autointoxication remains poorly understood. In poison frogs, a NaV DIVS6 pore-forming helix N-to-T mutation has been proposed as the BTX resistance mechanism. Here, we show that this variant is absent from Pitohui and poison frog NaVs, incurs a strong cost compromising channel function, and fails to produce BTX-resistant channels in poison frog NaVs. We also show that captivity-raised poison frogs are resistant to two NaV-directed toxins, BTX and saxitoxin (STX), even though they bear NaVs sensitive to both. Moreover, we demonstrate that the amphibian STX “toxin sponge” protein saxiphilin is able to protect and rescue NaVs from block by STX. Taken together, our data contradict the hypothesis that BTX autoresistance is rooted in the DIVS6 N→T mutation, challenge the idea that ion channel mutations are a primary driver of toxin resistance, and suggest the possibility that toxin sequestration mechanisms may be key for protecting poisonous species from the action of small-molecule toxins.

An enantioselective total synthesis of (-)-batrachotoxinin A is accomplished based on a key photoredox coupling reaction and the subsequent local-desymmetrization operation. After the expedient assembly of the highly oxidized steroid skeleton, a delicate sequence of redox manipulations was carried out to deliver a late-stage intermediate on gram scale-and ultimately (-)-batrachotoxinin A in an efficient manner.

An ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the simultaneous quantification of batrachotoxin and epibatidine in plasma. Plasma samples were pretreated by liquid-liquid extraction with acetonitrile and methanol. The toxins were separated on a reversed phase C18-column (2.1mm×50mm, 1.7μm) using a formic acid/acetonitrile gradient elution. Quantification was carried out by mass chromatography with each product ion referenced against midazolam-d4 as an internal standard (IS). The two toxins and the IS were separated within 2min. The calibration curves for the two toxins spiked into human plasma showed good linearities in the range from 2.5 to 250ng/mL. The detection limits were estimated to be 0.5ng/mL for batrachotoxin and 1ng/mL for epibatidine with a signal-to-noise ratio of 3:1. Overall recoveries ranged from 69.6% to 98.2%, and no significant matrix effects were observed. The intra- and interday accuracies were 94.7-102.3%, and the precisions were 1.0-10.3%. This method was successfully applied for the quantification of batrachotoxin and epibatidine in rat plasma samples taken after intraperitoneal administration of the toxins. This is the first report to use UPLC-MS/MS to simultaneously quantify batrachotoxin and epibatidine in plasma samples.

A novel family of small molecule inhibitors of voltage-gated sodium channels (Navs) based on the structure of batrachotoxin (BTX) – a well-known channel agonist – is described. Protein mutagenesis and electrophysiology experiments reveal the binding site as the inner pore region of the channel, analogous to BTX, alkaloid toxins, and local anesthetics. Homology modeling of the eukaryotic channel based on recent crystallographic analyses of bacterial NaVs suggests a mechanism of action for ion conduction block.

Phyllobates terribilis frog is listed as an endangered species, endemic to the Pacific coast of Colombia. Through diets, these golden poison frogs sequester lethal amounts of batrachotoxin in their skin for self-defense. Batrachotoxin activates voltage-gated Na+ channels and keeps them open persistently with deadly consequences. This study addresses how golden poison frogs may avoid poisoning themselves via a naturally occurring substitution at the batrachotoxin receptor within their muscle Na+ channel. An equivalent asparagine-to-threonine substitution not only preserved the functional integrity of rat muscle Na+ channels but also rendered them exceptionally resistant to batrachotoxin. Such a switch could evolve via a single nucleotide mutation.

Frogs of the genus Phyllobates from Colombia are known to contain the highly toxic alkaloid batrachotoxin, but species from Central America exhibit only very low levels or are entirely free of this toxin. In the present study alcohol extracts from 101 specimens of Phyllobates lugubris and Phyllobates vittatus and 21 of three sympatric species (Dendrobates pumilio, Dendrobates auratus, Dendrobates granuliferus) from Costa Rica were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Whereas the extracts of the Dendrobates species exhibited typical profiles of toxic alkaloids, those of the two Phyllobates species contained low levels of few alkaloids only, batrachotoxin was not detected. Although the feeding pattern of the Dendrobates and Phyllobates species are similar as revealed by examination of their stomach content (mainly ants and mites), the Phyllobates species are poorly sequestering alkaloids from their food source in contrast to the Dendrobates frogs.

Complex phenotypes typically have a correspondingly multifaceted genetic component. However, the genotype–phenotype association between chemical defense and resistance is often simple: genetic changes in the binding site of a toxin alter how it affects its target. Some toxic organisms, such as poison frogs (Anura: Dendrobatidae), have defensive alkaloids that disrupt the function of ion channels, proteins that are crucial for nerve and muscle activity. Using protein-docking models, we predict that three major classes of poison frog alkaloids (histrionicotoxins, pumiliotoxins, and batrachotoxins) bind to similar sites in the highly conserved inner pore of the muscle voltage-gated sodium channel, Nav1.4. We predict that poison frogs are somewhat resistant to these compounds because they have six types of amino acid replacements in the Nav1.4 inner pore that are absent in all other frogs except for a distantly related alkaloid-defended frog from Madagascar, Mantella aurantiaca. Protein-docking models and comparative phylogenetics support the role of these replacements in alkaloid resistance. Taking into account the four independent origins of chemical defense in Dendrobatidae, phylogenetic patterns of the amino acid replacements suggest that 1) alkaloid resistance in Nav1.4 evolved independently at least five times in these frogs, 2) variation in resistance-conferring replacements is likely a result of differences in alkaloid exposure across species, and 3) functional constraint shapes the evolution of the Nav1.4 inner pore. Our study is the first to demonstrate the genetic basis of autoresistance in frogs with alkaloid defenses.

Miniature persistent late Na(+) currents in cardiomyocytes have been linked to arrhythmias and sudden death. The goals of this study are to establish a stable cell line expressing robust persistent cardiac Na(+) currents and to test Class 1 antiarrhythmic drugs for selective action against resting and open states. After transient transfection of an inactivation-deficient human cardiac Na(+) channel clone (hNav1.5-CW with L409C/A410W double mutations), transfected mammalian HEK293 cells were treated with 1 mg/ml G-418. Individual G-418-resistant colonies were isolated using glass cylinders. One colony with high expression of persistent Na(+) currents was subjected to a second colony selection. Cells from this colony remained stable in expressing robust peak Na(+) currents of 996 ± 173 pA/pF at +50 mV (n = 20). Persistent late Na(+) currents in these cells were clearly visible during a 4-second depolarizing pulse albeit decayed slowly. This slow decay is likely due to slow inactivation of Na(+) channels and could be largely eliminated by 5 μM batrachotoxin. Peak cardiac hNav1.5-CW Na(+) currents were blocked by tetrodotoxin with an IC(50) value of 2.27 ± 0.08 μM (n = 6). At clinic relevant concentrations, Class 1 antiarrhythmics are much more selective in blocking persistent late Na(+) currents than their peak counterparts, with a selectivity ratio ranging from 80.6 (flecainide) to 3 (disopyramide). We conclude that (1) Class 1 antiarrhythmics differ widely in their resting- vs. open-channel selectivity, and (2) stably transfected HEK293 cells expressing large persistent hNav1.5-CW Na(+) currents are suitable for studying as well as screening potent open-channel blockers.

Voltage-gated sodium channels are targets for many toxins and medically important drugs. Despite decades of intensive studies in industry and academia, atomic mechanisms of action are still not completely understood. The major cause is a lack of high-resolution structures of eukaryotic channels and their complexes with ligands. In these circumstances a useful approach is homology modeling that employs as templates X-ray structures of potassium channels and prokaryotic sodium channels. On one hand, due to inherent limitations of this approach, results should be treated with caution. In particular, models should be tested against relevant experimental data. On the other hand, docking of drugs and toxins in homology models provides a unique possibility to integrate diverse experimental data provided by mutational analysis, electrophysiology, and studies of structure-activity relations. Here we describe how homology modeling advanced our understanding of mechanisms of several classes of ligands. These include tetrodotoxins and mu-conotoxins that block the outer pore, local anesthetics that block of the inner pore, batrachotoxin that binds in the inner pore but, paradoxically, activates the channel, pyrethroid insecticides that activate the channel by binding at lipid-exposed repeat interfaces, and scorpion alpha and beta-toxins, which bind between the pore and voltage-sensing domains and modify the channel gating. We emphasize importance of experimental data for elaborating the models.

Pluses and minuses of BTX behavior Batrachotoxin is a potent neurotoxin produced by the endangered Colombian poison dart frog and is an agonist of voltage-gated sodium ion channels (NaVs). Logan et al. developed a chemical synthesis of this molecule, denoted (−)-BTX, by taking advantage of a tin hydride–mediated radical cyclization to stitch together the polycyclic framework. Using an analogous route, they also prepared the non-natural mirror image, (+)-BTX. Conversely to the natural product, (+)-BTX antagonized NaVs. Science , this issue p. 865

Deltamethrin, a pyrethroid insecticide, and BTG 502, an alkylamide insecticide, target voltage-gated sodium channels. Deltamethrin binds to a unique receptor site and causes prolonged opening of sodium channels by inhibiting deactivation and inactivation. Previous (22)Na(+) influx and receptor binding assays using mouse brain synaptoneurosomes showed that BTG 502 antagonized the binding and action of batrachotoxin (BTX), a site 2 sodium channel neurotoxin. However, the effect of BTG 502 has not been examined directly on sodium channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes. In this study, we examined the effect of BTG 502 on wild-type and mutant cockroach sodium channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Toxin competition experiments confirmed that BTG 502 antagonizes the action of BTX and possibly shares a common receptor site with BTX. However, unlike BTX which causes persistent activation of sodium channels, BTG 502 reduces the amplitude of peak sodium current. A previous study showed that BTG 502 was more toxic to pyrethroid-resistant house flies possessing a super-kdr (knockdown resistance) mechanism than to pyrethroid-susceptible house flies. However, we found that the cockroach sodium channels carrying the equivalent super-kdr mutations (M918T and L1014F) were not more sensitive to BTG 502 than the wild-type channel. Instead, a kdr mutation, F1519I, which reduces pyrethroid binding, abolished the action of BTG 502. These results provide evidence the actions of alkylamide and pyrethroid insecticides require a common sodium channel residue.

Brevetoxins (BTXs) are a class of cyclic polyether toxins produced by the dinoflagellate Karenia brevis. These substances are subject to extensive conjugative metabolism in shellfish. BTX-B forms a conjugate with cysteine and is oxidized and reduced to yield BTX-B2, which is further modified by fatty acid addition via cysteine amide linkage to give biologically active brevetoxin metabolites. In this study, we evaluated the commonly used in vitro (ELISA, radioimmunoassay, receptor binding assay and N2A cytotoxicity assay) and in vivo mouse brevetoxin bioassays for the detection of the brevetoxin fatty acid conjugate N-palmitoylBTX-B2, and compared the results to those for dihydroBTX-B and BTX-B2. The receptor binding assay for N-palmitoylBTX-B2 showed comparable sensitivity to that for dihydroBTX-B, and an 11-fold higher sensitivity than for BTX-B2. Although the ELISA showed similarly high sensitivity to dihydroBTX-B and BTX-B2, with EC50 values of ca. 0.26 ng/ml, it was 23 times less sensitive to N-palmitoylBTX-B2. On the other hand, the N2A cytotoxicity assay was highly sensitive to N-palmitoylBTX-B2, with an EC50 of 0.15 ng/ml, but was 12- and 40-fold less sensitive to dihydroBTX-B and BTX-B2, respectively. The relative sensitivity of the N2A cytotoxicity assay for each of these metabolites paralleled that of the mouse bioassay (relative LD50 values 1:20:30 for N-palmitoylBTX-B2:dihydroBTX-B:BTX-B2). We conclude that the most sensitive bioassay for dihydroBTX-B and BTX-B2 is the ELISA, whereas the N2A cytotoxicity assay is most sensitive for N-palmitoylBTX-B2.

External mu-conotoxins and internal amine blockers inhibit each other's block of voltage-gated sodium channels. We explore the basis of this interaction by measuring the shifts in voltage-dependence of channel inhibition by internal amines induced by two mu-conotoxin derivatives with different charge distributions and net charges. Charge changes on the toxin were made at residue 13, which is thought to penetrate most deeply into the channel, making it likely to have the strongest individual interaction with an internal charged ligand. When an R13Q or R13E molecule was bound to the channel, the voltage dependence of diethylammonium (DEA)-block shifted toward more depolarized potentials (23 mV for R13Q, and 16 mV for R13E). An electrostatic model of the repulsion between DEA and the toxin simulated these data, with a distance between residue 13 of the mu-conotoxin and the DEA-binding site of approximately 15 A. Surprisingly, for tetrapropylammonium, the shifts were only 9 mV for R13Q, and 7 mV for R13E. The smaller shifts associated with R13E, the toxin with a smaller net charge, are generally consistent with an electrostatic interaction. However, the smaller shifts observed for tetrapropylammonium than for DEA suggest that other factors must be involved. Two observations indicate that the coupling of permeant ion occupancy of the channel to blocker binding may contribute to the overall amine-toxin interaction: 1), R13Q binding decreases the apparent affinity of sodium for the conducting pore by approximately 4-fold; and 2), increasing external [Na(+)] decreases block by DEA at constant voltage. Thus, even though a number of studies suggest that sodium channels are occupied by no more than one ion most of the time, measurable coupling occurs between permeant ions and toxin or amine blockers. Such interactions likely determine, in part, the strength of trans-channel, amine-conotoxin interactions.

R13X derivatives of mu-conotoxin GIIIA bind externally to single sodium channels and block current incompletely with mean "blocked" durations of several seconds. We studied interactions between two classes of blockers (mu-conotoxins and amines) by steady state, kinetic analysis of block of BTX-modified Na channels in planar bilayers. The amines cause all-or-none block at a site internal to the selectivity filter. TPrA and DEA block single Na channels with very different kinetics. TPrA induces discrete, all-or-none, blocked events (mean blocked durations, approximately 100 ms), whereas DEA produces a concentration-dependent reduction of the apparent single channel amplitude ("fast" block). These distinct modes of action allow simultaneous evaluation of block by TPrA and DEA, showing a classical, competitive interaction between them. The apparent affinity of TPrA decreases with increasing [DEA], based on a decrease in the association rate for TPrA. When an R13X mu-conotoxin derivative and one of the amines are applied simultaneously on opposite sides of the membrane, a mutually inhibitory interaction is observed. Dissociation constants, at +50 mV, for TPrA ( approximately 4 mM) and DEA ( approximately 30 mM) increase by approximately 20%-50% when R13E (nominal net charge, +4) or R13Q (+5) is bound. Analysis of the slow blocking kinetics for the two toxin derivatives showed comparable decreases in affinity of the mu-conotoxins in the presence of an amine. Although this mutual inhibition seems to be qualitatively consistent with an electrostatic interaction across the selectivity filter, quantitative considerations raise questions about the mechanistic details of the interaction.

Recently, we showed that the 20(S)-ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3), an active ingredient of Panax ginseng, inhibits rat brain NaV1.2 channel peak currents (INa). Batrachotoxin (BTX) is a steroidal alkaloid neurotoxin and activates NaV channels through interacting with transmembrane domain-I-segment 6 (IS6) of channels. Recent report shows that ginsenoside inhibits BTX binding in rat brain membrane fractions. However, it needs to be confirmed whether biochemical mechanism is relevant physiologically and which residues of the BTX binding sites are important for ginsenoside regulations. Here, we demonstrate that mutations of BTX binding sites such as N418K and L421K of rat brain NaV1.2 and L437K of mouse skeletal muscle NaV1.4 channel reduce or abolish Rg3 inhibition of INa and attenuate Rg3-mediated depolarizing shift of the activation voltage and use-dependent inhibition. These results indicate that BTX binding sites play an important role in modifying Rg3-mediated Na+ channel properties.

Batrachotoxin (BTX) not only keeps the voltage-gated Na(+) channel open persistently but also reduces its single-channel conductance. Although a BTX receptor has been delimited within the inner cavity of Na(+) channels, how Na(+) ions flow through the BTX-bound permeation pathway remains unclear. In this report we tested a hypothesis that Na(+) ions traverse a narrow gap between bound BTX and residue N927 at D2S6 of cardiac hNa(v)1.5 Na(+) channels. We found that BTX at 5 microM indeed elicited a strong block of hNa(v)1.5-N927K currents (approximately 70%) after 1000 repetitive pulses (+50 mV/20 ms at 2 Hz) without any effects on Na(+) channel gating. Once occurred, this unique use-dependent block of hNa(v)1.5-N927K Na(+) channels recovered little at holding potential (-140 mV), demonstrating that BTX block is irreversible under our experimental conditions. Such an irreversible effect likewise developed in fast inactivation-deficient hNa(v)1.5-N927K Na(+) channels albeit with a faster on-rate; approximately 90% of peak Na(+) currents were abolished by BTX after 200 repetitive pulses (+50 mV/20 ms). This use-dependent block of fast inactivation-deficient hNa(v)1.5-N927K Na(+) channels by BTX was duration dependent. The longer the pulse duration the larger the block developed. Among N927K/W/R/H/D/S/Q/G/E substitutions in fast inactivation-deficient hNa(v)1.5 Na(+) channels, only N927K/R Na(+) currents were highly sensitive to BTX block. We conclude that (a) BTX binds within the inner cavity and partly occludes the permeation pathway and (b) residue hNa(v)1.5-N927 is critical for ion permeation between bound BTX and D2S6, probably because the side-chain of N927 helps coordinate permeating Na(+) ions.

Sequence alignment of four S6 segments in the human cardiac Na+ channel suggests that serine-401 (hNav1.5-S401) at D1S6 along with asparagine-927 (N927) at D2S6, serine-1458 (S1458) at D3S6, and phenylalanine-1760 (F1760) at D4S6 may jointly form a pore-facing S(401)N(927)S(1458)F(1760) ring. Importantly, this pore-facing structure is adjacent to the putative gating-hinge (G(400)G(926)G(1457)S(1759)) and close to the selectivity filter. Within this SNSF ring, only S401 has not yet been identified as a batrachotoxin (BTX) sensing residue. We therefore created S401 mutants with 12 substitutions (S401C,W,P,A,K,F,R,E,L,N,D,G) and assayed their BTX sensitivity. All S401 mutants expressed Na+ currents but often with altered gating characteristics. Ten mutants were found sensitive to 5 muM BTX, which eliminated Na+ channel fast inactivation after repetitive pulses. However, S401K and S401R became BTX resistant. In addition, the block of open and inactivated hNav1.5-S401K Na+ channels by local anesthetic bupivacaine was reduced by approximately 8-10-fold, but not the block of resting Na+ channels. Qualitatively, these ligand-sensing phenotypes of hNav1.5-S401K channels resemble those of S1458K and F1760K channels reported earlier. Together, our results support that residue hNav1.5-S401 at D1S6 is facing the inner cavity and is in close proximity to the receptor sites for BTX and for local anesthetics.

A [(3)H]batrachotoxinin A-20alpha-benzoate ([(3)H]BTX-B) binding assay was used to investigate the interaction of two ginseng aglycones (20(S)protopanaxadiol and 20(S)protopanaxatriol) and Rh(2) (a monoglucoside of 20(S)protopanaxadiol) with voltage-gated sodium channels in mouse brain. All compounds inhibited the binding of [(3)H]BTX-B and IC(50)s were established at 42 microM (20(S)protopanaxadiol), 79 microM (20(S)protopanaxatriol) and 162 microM (Rh(2)). Scatchard analysis confirmed that 20(S)protopanaxadiol and Rh-2 reduced the B(max) of [(3)H]BTX-B binding while Rh(2) also increased the K(d). At IC(50) concentrations and above, 20(S)protopanaxadiol and Rh(2) increased the dissociation of the [(3)H]BTX-B:sodium channel complex above that produced by a saturating concentration of veratridine, but failed to reduce the rate of association of [(3)H]BTX-B with sodium channels. Reversal of the inhibition of [(3)H]BTX-B binding by 20(S)protopanaxadiol and Rh(2) occurred slowly. We conclude that the 20(S)protopanaxadiol and the less potent inhibitor Rh(2) destabilize BTX-B-activated sodium channels through non-covalent allosteric modification of neurotoxin binding site 2.

Batrachotoxins are neurotoxic steroidal alkaloids first isolated from a Colombian poison-dart frog and later found in certain passerine birds of New Guinea. Neither vertebrate group is thought to produce the toxins de novo , but instead they likely sequester them from dietary sources. Here we describe the presence of high levels of batrachotoxins in a little-studied group of beetles, genus Choresine (family Melyridae). These small beetles and their high toxin concentrations suggest that they might provide a toxin source for the New Guinea birds. Stomach content analyses of Pitohui birds revealed Choresine beetles in the diet, as well as numerous other small beetles and arthropods. The family Melyridae is cosmopolitan, and relatives in Colombian rain forests of South America could be the source of the batrachotoxins found in the highly toxic Phyllobates frogs of that region.

Batrachotoxin is a potent modulator of voltage-gated sodium channels, leading to irreversible depolarisation of nerves and muscles, fibrillation, arrhythmias and eventually cardiac failure. Since its discovery, field researchers also reported numbness after their skin came into contact with this toxin. Intrigued by this phenomenon, we determined the effect of batrachotoxin on the voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.8, which is considered to be a key player in nociception. As a result, we discovered that batrachotoxin profoundly modulates this channel: the inactivation process is severely altered, the voltage-dependence of activation is shifted towards more hyperpolarised potentials resulting in the opening of Nav1.8 at more negative membrane potentials and the ion selectivity is modified.

Voltage-gated Na+ channels are dynamic transmembrane proteins responsible for the rising phase of the action potential in excitable membranes. Local anesthetics (LAs) and structurally related antiarrhythmic and anticonvulsant compounds target specific sites in voltage-gated Na+ channels to block Na+ currents, thus reducing excitability in neuronal, cardiac, or central nervous tissue. A high-affinity LA block is produced by binding to open and inactivated states of Na+ channels rather than to resting states and suggests a binding site that converts from a low- to a high-affinity conformation during gating. Recent findings using site-directed mutagenesis suggest that multiple S6 segments together form an LA binding site within the Na+ channel. While the selectivity filter may form the more extracellular-located part of this binding site, the role of the fast inactivation gate in LA binding has not yet been resolved. The receptor of the neurotoxin batrachotoxin (BTX) is adjacent to or even overlaps with the LA binding site. The close proximity of the LA and BTX binding sites to residues critical for inactivation, together with gating transitions through S6 segments, might explain the strong impact of LAs and BTX on inactivation of voltage-gated Na+ channels and might help elucidate the mechanisms underlying voltage- and frequency-dependent LA block.

BTX-modified sodium channels from 15-day embryonic (E15) rat forebrains were studied in planar lipid bilayers. Compared to postnatal sodium channels, E15 channels had a lower maximal single channel conductance, whereas their permeation pathway sensed a comparable surface charge density and had a similar apparent binding affinity for sodium ions. The steady-state activation curve of E15 channels was significantly more hyperpolarized and had a shallower slope than postnatal channels. The apparent BTX binding affinity was significantly lower for E15 channels than for postnatal channels. Finally, E15 channel alpha-subunits displayed a lower apparent molecular weight, and a lower sialylation level than postnatal sodium channel alpha-subunits. Together with previous studies, our data suggested that the observed functional differences between E15 and postnatal voltage-dependent sodium channels cannot be explained solely by the observed differences in channel sialylation, and hence they also appeared to reflect the presence of other channel structural differences.

Batrachotoxin causes sustained opening of voltage-gated sodium channels. Toxin binds irreversibly to wild type channels; however, it dissociates rapidly from channels with mutation F1710C in transmembrane segment IVS6. This dissociation requires channel activation, suggesting that the activation gate guards the toxin-binding site. Here we show that activity-dependent toxin dissociation was not affected by external sodium, arguing against a binding site within the pore, and demonstrate that dissociation occurred only during the first few milliseconds after membrane depolarization, as if the toxin leaves its binding site during closed states that precede the final open state in the activation pathway. Toxin interaction with preopen states may facilitate subsequent channel opening, thus accounting for the batrachotoxin-induced negative shift in channel activation.

Anandamide is a prominent member of the endocannabinoids, a group of diffusible lipid molecules which influences neuronal excitability. In this context, endocannabinoids are known to modulate certain presynaptic Ca(2+) and K(+) channels, either through cannabinoid (CB1) receptor stimulation and second messenger pathway activation or by direct action. We investigated the susceptibility of voltage-sensitive sodium channels to anandamide and other cannibimimetics using both biochemical and electrophysiological approaches. Here we report that anandamide, AM 404 and WIN 55,212-2 inhibit veratridine-dependent depolarization of synaptoneurosomes (IC(50)s, respectively 21.8, 9.3 and 21.1 microM) and veratridine-dependent release of L-glutamic acid and GABA from purified synaptosomes [IC(50)s: 5.1 microM (L-glu) and 16.5 microM (GABA) for anandamide; 1.6 microM (L-glu) and 3.3 microM (GABA) for AM 404, and 12.2 (L-glu) and 14.4 microM (GABA) for WIN 55,212-2]. The binding of [3H]batrachotoxinin A 20-alpha-benzoate to voltage-sensitive sodium channels was also inhibited by low to mid micromolar concentrations of anandamide, AM 404 and WIN 55,212-2. In addition, anandamide (10 microM), AM 404 (10 microM) and WIN 55,212-2 (1 microM) were found to markedly block TTX-sensitive sustained repetitive firing in cortical neurones without altering primary spikes, consistent with a state-dependent mechanism. None of the inhibitory effects we demonstrate on voltage-sensitive sodium channels are attenuated by the potent CB1 antagonist AM 251 (1-2 microM). Anandamide's action is reversible and its effects are enhanced by fatty acid amidohydrolase inhibition. We propose that voltage-sensitive sodium channels may participate in a novel signaling pathway involving anandamide. This mechanism has potential to depress synaptic transmission in brain by damping neuronal capacity to support action potentials and reducing evoked release of both excitatory and inhibitory transmitters.

The kinetics of synaptosomal [ 3 H] glutamate release were measured on a subsecond time scale to study the relationship between the length of depolarization and the duration of the secretory event. The time course of release evoked by elevated K + was complex, proceeding for several seconds after a 200-ms depolarization. We developed a protocol for depolarizing excitable membranes on a millisecond time scale to deliver brief depolarizations, termed the synthetic action potential, by using batrachotoxin to activate Na + channels. Depolarization is achieved by superfusing with solutions containing elevated concentrations of Na + , and the duration of the depolarization is limited by including tetrodotoxin (TTX) in the superfusion solution to block Na + entry. Direct measurements of the time courses of Na + current and membrane depolarizations were made in batrachotoxin-treated sensory neurons using patch clamp recording methods. Rapid increases in Na + and TTX concentrations produced transient increases in inward Na + current that decayed with a time course proportional to TTX concentration. Current clamp measurements indicated that, with 10 μM TTX, depolarizations last ∼30 ms. Nonetheless, synaptosomal release of [ 3 H]glutamate triggered by the synthetic action potential remained prolonged. Brief neuronal action potentials at some synapses may trigger transmitter release that persists for several seconds

The delta-conotoxin-TxVIA from Conus textile (delta TxVIA) is a mollusk-specific conotoxin that slows sodium channel inactivation exclusively in mollusk neuronal membranes but reveals high-affinity binding to both mollusk (effective binding) and rat brain (silent binding) neuronal membranes, despite not having any toxic effect in vertebrates in vivo and in vitro. Using binding studies with radioactive delta TxVIA we demonstrate that a different mollusk-specific conotoxin, delta-conotoxin-GmVIA from the venom of Conus gloriamaris, possesses "silent" and effective binding properties in rat brain and mollusk sodium channels, respectively. Binding studies and electrophysiological tests with both vertebrate muscle and insect neuronal preparations have indicated that the silent binding sites of delta TxVIA are highly conserved in a wide range of distinct vertebrate and insect sodium channels. Direct probing of receptor site 2 by a tritiated derivative of batrachotoxin ([3H]BTX-B) revealed that [3H]BTX-B binding in mollusk sodium channels is of high affinity with no addition of enhancing ligands, unlike [3H]BTX-B binding in rat brain. In contrast to the negative allosteric modulation of delta TxVIA binding by veratridine, delta TxVIA is not able to affect the binding of [3H]BTX-B in mollusk neuronal membranes but reduces [3H]BTX-B binding in rat brain in the presence of alpha-scorpion toxins. The latter finding indicates the existence of a pharmacological distinction between the silent and effective binding sites of delta TxVIA and points out possible functionally important structural differences between molluscan and rat brain sodium channels.

The effects of a range of antidepressants were investigated on neuronal voltage-gated Na(+) and K(+) channels. With the exception of phenelzine, all antidepressants inhibited batrachotoxin-stimulated 22Na(+) uptake, most likely via negative allosteric inhibition of batrachotoxin binding to neurotoxin receptor site-2 on the Na(+) channel. Imipramine also produced a differential action on macroscopic Na(+) and K(+) channel currents in acutely dissociated rat dorsal root ganglion neurons. Imipramine produced a use-dependent block of Na(+) channels. In addition, there was a hyperpolarizing shift in the voltage-dependence of steady-state Na(+) channel inactivation and slowed repriming kinetics consistent with imipramine having a higher affinity for the inactivated state of the Na(+) channel. At higher concentrations, imipramine also blocked delayed-rectifier and transient outward K(+) currents in the absence of alterations to the voltage-dependence of activation or the kinetics of inactivation. These actions on voltage-gated ion channels may underlie the therapeutic and toxic effects of these drugs.

Neurotoxins such as aconitine (AC) bind to receptor site 2 on voltage-gated sodium channels and modify channel kinetics. Although AC modification typically induces hyperpolarizing shifts in sodium channel activation, the effects on channel inactivation seem to vary depending on the tissue origin of the channel. In the present study, the alpha subunits of human heart (hH1) and rat skeletal muscle (mu1) sodium channels were transiently expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK293t) cells. Whole-cell currents were examined before and after AC modification of the channels to determine whether the toxin had isoform-specific effects on channel kinetics. The magnitudes of the hyperpolarizing shifts in steady-state current activation and inactivation were similar for AC-modified hH1 and mu1 channels, and AC modification did not alter the voltage dependence of macroscopic current decay of either channel subtype. There were two notable differences between hH1 and mu1 channels after AC modification. First, the steady-state availability of AC-modified mu1 channels decreased by 5-10% after very negative conditioning pulses. Second, AC-modified mu1 channels inactivated completely at all voltages, whereas AC-modified hH1 channels exhibited sustained inward currents at voltages near the threshold of current activation. Interestingly, AC-modified hH1 channels inactivated completely if the external solution did not contain sodium ions. The data demonstrate that AC modification affects the activation of hH1 and mu1 channels similarly but affects inactivation of the two channels distinctly. The results also imply that the reduced inactivation of AC-modified hH1 channels at least partially depends on the presence of extracellular sodium.

Summary: Purpose: BIA 2-093 [(S)-(-)-10-acetoxy-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenz/b,f/azepine-5-carboxamide] is endowed with an anticonvulsant potency similar to that of carbamazepine (CBZ), but produces less cognitive and motor impairment. This study evaluated whether voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are a primary locus for the action of BIA 2-093. Methods: We used the whole-cell voltage-clamp technique in the mouse neuroblastoma cell line N1E-115 to investigate the effects of BIA 2-093 and CBZ on VGSCs, displacement of [3H]-batrachotoxinin A 20-α-benzoate ([3H]-BTX), and [3H]-saxitoxin to define their relative potency to bind to rat brain sodium channels, and inhibition of uptake of 22Na by rat brain cortical synaptosomes stimulated by veratridine as a measure of sodium entry. Results: The inhibitory potencies of BIA 2-093 and CBZ increased as the holding potential was made less negative (−100, −90, −80, and −70 mV) with median inhibitory concentration (IC50) values (in μM) of, respectively, 4,337, 618, 238, and 139 for BIA 2-093, and 1,506, 594, 194, and 101 for CBZ. BIA 2-093 displayed a similar potency in displacing [3H]-BTX (IC50 values, 222 vs. 361 μM; p > 0.05) and inhibiting the uptake of 22Na (IC50 values, 36 vs. 138 μM; p > 0.05). Both drugs failed to displace [3H]-saxitoxin in concentrations up to 300 μM. Conclusions: BIA 2-093, like CBZ, inhibits sodium currents in a voltage-dependent way by an interaction predominantly with the inactivated state of the channel and interacts with neurotoxin receptor site 2, but not with receptor site 1. BIA 2-093 displayed a potency blocking VGSCs similar to that of CBZ.

Antillatoxin (ATX) is a lipopeptide derived from the pantropical marine cyanobacterium Lyngbya majuscula . ATX is neurotoxic in primary cultures of rat cerebellar granule cells, and this neuronal death is prevented by either N- methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists or tetrodotoxin. To further explore the potential interaction of ATX with voltage-gated sodium channels, we assessed the influence of tetrodotoxin on ATX-induced Ca 2+ influx in cerebellar granule cells. The rapid increase in intracellular Ca 2+ produced by ATX (100 nM) was antagonized in a concentration-dependent manner by tetrodotoxin. Additional, more direct, evidence for an interaction with voltage-gated sodium channels was derived from the ATX-induced allosteric enhancement of [ 3 H]batrachotoxin binding to neurotoxin site 2 of the α subunit of the sodium channel. ATX, moreover, produced a strong synergistic stimulation of [ 3 H]batrachotoxin binding in combination with brevetoxin, which is a ligand for neurotoxin site 5 on the voltage-gated sodium channel. Positive allosteric interactions were not observed between ATX and either α-scorpion toxin or the pyrethroid deltamethrin. That ATX interaction with voltage-gated sodium channels produces a gain of function was demonstrated by the concentration-dependent and tetrodotoxin-sensitive stimulation of 22 Na + influx in cerebellar granule cells exposed to ATX. Together these results demonstrate that the lipopeptide ATX is an activator of voltage-gated sodium channels. The neurotoxic actions of ATX therefore resemble those of brevetoxins that produce neural insult through depolarization-evoked Na + load, glutamate release, relief of Mg 2+ block of NMDA receptors, and Ca 2 + influx.

Batrachotoxin (BTX) stabilizes the voltage-gated Na(+) channels in their open conformation, whereas local anesthetics (LAs) block Na(+) conductance. Site-directed mutagenesis has identified clusters of common residues at D1-S6, D3-S6, and D4-S6 segments within the alpha-subunit Na(+) channel that are critical for binding of these two types of ligands. In this report, we address whether segment D2-S6 is similarly involved in both BTX and LA actions. Thirteen amino acid positions from G783 to L795 of the rat skeletal muscle Na(+) channel ((mu)1/Skm1) were individually substituted with a lysine residue. Four mutants (N784K, L785K, V787K, and L788K) expressed sufficient Na(+) currents for further studies. Activation and/or inactivation gating was altered in mutant channels; in particular, mu1-V787K displays enhanced slow inactivation and exhibited use-dependent inhibition of peak Na(+) currents during repetitive pulses. Two of these four mutants, (mu)1-N784K and (mu)1-L788K, were completely resistant to 5 microM BTX. This BTX-resistant phenotype could be caused by structural perturbations induced by a lysine point mutation in the D2-S6 segment. However, these two BTX-resistant mutants remained quite sensitive to bupivacaine block with affinity for inactivated Na(+) channels (K(I)) of approximately 10 microM or less, which suggests that (mu)1-N784 and (mu)1-L788 residues are not in close proximity to the LA binding site.

Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) prevent ischemia-induced fatal cardiac arrhythmias in animals and probably in humans. This action results from inhibition of ion currents for Na+, Ca2+, and possibly other ions. To extend understanding of this protection we are seeking a possible binding site for the PUFAs on the alpha-subunit of the human cardiac Na+ channel, hH1alpha, transiently expressed in HEK293t cells. Three mutated single amino acid substitutions with lysine were made in the alpha-subunit at Domain 4-Segment 6 (D4-S6) for F1760, Y1767 and at D1-S6 for N406. These are in the putative sites of binding of local anesthetics and batrachotoxin, respectively. The mutants F1760K, Y1767K, and N406K, separately and to different extents, affected the current density, the steady-state inactivation potential, accelerated inactivation, delayed recovery from inactivation, and affected voltage-dependent block, but did not affect activation of the hH1alpha. It is essential to learn that single point mutations in D1-S6 and D4-S6 alone significantly modify the kinetics of human cardiac hH1alpha Na+ currents. The effects of PUFAs on these mutant channels will be the subject of subsequent reports.

Background cis-9,10-Octadecenoamide (cOA) accumulates in cerebrospinal fluid during sleep deprivation and induces sleep in animals, but its cellular actions are poorly characterized. In earlier studies, like a variety of anesthetics, cOA modulated gamma-aminobutyric acidA receptors and inhibited transmitter release/burst firing in cultured neurones or synaptoneurosomes. Methods Here, radioligand binding ([3H]batrachotoxinin A 20-alpha-benzoate and mouse central nervous system synaptoneurosomes) and voltage clamp (whole cell recording from cultured NIE115 murine neuroblastoma) confirmed an interaction with neuronal voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSC). Results cOA stereoselectively inhibited specific binding of toxin to VGSC (inhibitor concentration that displaces 50% of specifically bound radioligand, 39.5 microm). cOA increased (4x) the Kd of toxin binding without affecting its binding maximum. Rate of dissociation of radioligand was increased without altering association kinetics, suggesting an allosteric effect (indirect competition at site 2 on VGSC). cOA blocked tetrodotoxin-sensitive sodium currents (maximal effect and affinity were significantly greater at depolarized potentials; P < 0.01). Between 3.2 and 64 microm, the block was concentration-dependent and saturable, but cOA did not alter the V50 for activation curves or the measured reversal potential (P > 0.05). Inactivation curves were significantly shifted in the hyperpolarizing direction by cOA (maximum, -15.4 +/- 0.9 mV at 32 microm). cOA (10 microm) slowed recovery from inactivation, with tau increasing from 3.7 +/- 0.4 ms to 6.4 +/- 0.5 ms (P < 0.001). cOA did not produce frequency-dependent facilitation of block (up to 10 Hz). Conclusions These effects (and the capacity of oleamide to modulate gamma-aminobutyric acidA receptors in earlier studies) are strikingly similar to those of a variety of anesthetics. Oleamide may represent an endogenous ligand for depressant drug sites in mammalian brain.

Batrachotoxin (BTX) alters the gating of voltage-gated Na(+) channels and causes these channels to open persistently, whereas local anesthetics (LAs) block Na(+) conductance. The BTX and LA receptors have been mapped to several common residues in D1-S6 and D4-S6 segments of the Na(+) channel alpha-subunit. We substituted individual residues with lysine in homologous segment D3-S6 of the rat muscle mu1 Na(+) channel from F1274 to N1281 to determine whether additional residues are involved in BTX and LA binding. Two mutant channels, mu1-S1276K and mu1-L1280K, when expressed in mammalian cells, become completely resistant to 5 microM BTX during repetitive pulses. The activation and/or fast inactivation gating of these mutants is substantially different from that of wild type. These mutants also display approximately 10-20-fold reduction in bupivacaine affinity toward their inactivated state but show only approximately twofold affinity changes toward their resting state. These results demonstrate that residues mu1-S1276 and mu1-L1280 in D3-S6 are critical for both BTX and LA binding interactions. We propose that LAs interact readily with these residues from D3-S6 along with those from D1-S6 and D4-S6 in close proximity when the Na(+) channel is in its inactivated state. Implications of this state-dependent binding model for the S6 alignment are discussed.

Voltage-gated Na(+) channels are the primary targets of local anesthetics (LAs). Amino acid residues in domain 4, transmembrane segment 6 (D4-S6) form part of the LA binding site. LAs inhibit binding of the neurotoxin batrachotoxin (BTX). Parts of the BTX binding site are located in D1-S6 and D4-S6. The affinity of BTX-resistant Na(+) channels mutated in D1-S6 (mu1-N434K, mu1-N437K) toward several LAs is significantly decreased. We have studied how residue mu1-N434 influences LA binding. By using site-directed mutagenesis, we created mutations at mu1-N434 that vary the hydrophobicity, aromaticity, polarity, and charge and investigated their influence on state-dependent binding and stereoselectivity of bupivacaine. Wild-type and mutant channels were transiently expressed in human embryonic kidney 293t cells and investigated under whole-cell voltage-clamp. For resting channels, bupivacaine enantiomers showed a higher potency in all mutant channels compared with wild-type channels. These changes were not well correlated with the physical properties of the substituted residues. Stereoselectivity was small and almost unchanged. In inactivated channels, the potency of bupivacaine was increased in mutations containing a quadrupole of an aromatic group (mu1-N434F, mu1-N434W, mu1-N434Y), a polar group (mu1-N434C), or a negative charge (mu1-N434D) and was decreased in a mutation containing a positive charge (mu1-N434K). In mutation mu1-N434R, containing the positively charged arginine, the potency of S(-)-bupivacaine was selectively decreased, resulting in a stereoselectivity (stereopotency ratio) of 3. Similar results were observed with cocaine but not with RAC 109 enantiomers. We propose that in inactivated channels, residue mu1-N434 interacts directly with the positively charged moiety of LAs and that D1-S6 and D4-S6 form a domain-interface site for binding of BTX and LAs in close proximity.

To investigate the molecular mechanism of resistance to pyrethroids in the southern cattle tick, Boophilus microplus, we have obtained and sequenced a partial para-homologous sodium channel cDNA from susceptible and pyrethroid-resistant tick strains. A point mutation that results in an amino acid change from Phe to Ile was identified in the highly conserved domain IIIS6 of the homologous sodium channel from ticks that are highly resistant to pyrethroid acaricides. This mutation is at a location different from those reported in the same gene in pyrethroid-resistant insects.

The effect of grayanotoxin (GTX) on site-specific mutants of the alpha-subunit of rat skeletal muscle Na(+) channels (micro1) (micro1-I433K, micro1-N434K and micro1-L437K), which are resistant to batrachotoxin (BTX) (Wang and Wang (1998) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 95, 2653-2658) was studied using a whole-cell patch-clamp method. The GTX modification of the Na(+) channels was detected as a characteristic-sustained Na(+) current flow with repetitive pulses. We also studied the GTX action on mutants of the alpha-subunit of rat heart Na(+) channels (RH1) (RH1-V406K and RH1-L410K) which match with micro1-I433 and micro1-L437. All the mutants lost their sensitivity to GTX. This finding indicates that GTX may share a binding site with BTX in transmembrane segment I-S6 of two different Na(+) channel isoforms, micro1 and RH1.

Atracotoxins are novel peptide toxins from the venom of Australian funnel-web spiders that slow sodium current inactivation in a similar manner to scorpion alpha-toxins. To analyse their interaction with known sodium channel neurotoxin receptor sites we determined their effect on scorpion toxin, batrachotoxin and saxitoxin binding. Nanomolar concentrations of delta-atracotoxin-Hv1 and delta-atracotoxin-Ar1 completely inhibited the binding of the scorpion alpha-toxin AaH II to rat brain synaptosomes as well as the binding of LqhalphaIT, a scorpion alpha-toxin highly active on insects, to cockroach neuronal membranes. Moreover, delta-atracotoxin-Hv1 cooperatively enhanced batrachotoxin binding to rat brain synaptosomes in an analogous fashion to scorpion alpha-toxins. Thus the delta-atracotoxins represent a new class of toxins which bind to both mammalian and insect sodium channels at sites similar to, or partially overlapping with, the receptor binding sites of scorpion alpha-toxins.

The voltage-gated sodium channel is the site of action of more than six classes of neurotoxins and drugs that alter its function by interaction with distinct, allosterically coupled receptor sites. Batrachotoxin (BTX) is a steroidal alkaloid that binds to neurotoxin receptor site 2 and causes persistent activation. BTX binding is inhibited allosterically by local anesthetics. We have investigated the interaction of BTX with amino acid residues I1760, F1764, and Y1771, which form part of local anesthetic receptor site in transmembrane segment IVS6 of type IIA sodium channels. Alanine substitution for F1764 (mutant F1764A) reduces tritiated BTX-A-20-α-benzoate binding affinity, causing a 60-fold increase in K d . Alanine substitution for I1760, which is adjacent to F1764 in the predicted IVS6 transmembrane alpha helix, causes only a 4-fold increase in K d . In contrast, mutant Y1771A shows no change in BTX binding affinity. For wild-type and mutant Y1771A, BTX shifted the voltage for half-maximal activation ≈40 mV in the hyperpolarizing direction and increased the percentage of noninactivating sodium current to ≈60%. In contrast, these BTX effects were eliminated completely for the F1764A mutant and were reduced substantially for mutant I1760A. Our data suggest that the BTX receptor site shares overlapping but nonidentical molecular determinants with the local anesthetic receptor site in transmembrane segment IVS6 as well as having unique molecular determinants in transmembrane segment IS6, as demonstrated in previous work. Evidently, BTX conforms to a domain–interface allosteric model of ligand binding and action, as previously proposed for calcium agonist and antagonist drugs acting on l -type calcium channels.

delta-Atracotoxins from the venom of Australian funnel-web spiders are a unique group of peptide toxins that slow sodium current inactivation in a manner similar to scorpion alpha-toxins. To analyze their interaction with known sodium channel neurotoxin receptor sites, we studied their effect on [3H]batrachotoxin and 125I-Lqh II (where Lqh is alpha-toxin II from the venom of the scorpion Leiurus quinquestriatus hebraeus) binding and on alkaloid toxin-stimulated 22Na+ uptake in rat brain synaptosomes. delta-Atracotoxins significantly increased [3H]batrachotoxin binding yet decreased maximal batrachotoxin-activated 22Na+ uptake by 70-80%, the latter in marked contrast to the effect of scorpion alpha-toxins. Unlike the inhibition of batrachotoxin-activated 22Na+ uptake, delta-atracotoxins increased veratridine-stimulated 22Na+ uptake by converting veratridine from a partial to a full agonist, analogous to scorpion alpha-toxins. Hence, delta-atracotoxins are able to differentiate between the open state of the sodium channel stabilized by batrachotoxin and veratridine and suggest a distinct sub-conductance state stabilized by delta-atracotoxins. Despite these actions, low concentrations of delta-atracotoxins completely inhibited the binding of the scorpion alpha-toxin, 125I-Lqh II, indicating that they bind to similar, or partially overlapping, receptor sites. The apparent uncoupling between the increase in binding but inhibition of the effect of batrachotoxin induced by delta-atracotoxins suggests that the binding and action of certain alkaloid toxins may represent at least two distinguishable steps. These results further contribute to the understanding of the complex dynamic interactions between neurotoxin receptor site areas related to sodium channel gating.

In mammalian myelinated nerves, the internodal axon that is normally concealed by the myelin sheath expresses a rich repertoire of K channel subtypes thought to be important in modulating action potential propagation. The function of myelin-covered K channels at transition zones, however, has remained unexplored. Here we show that deleting the voltage-sensitive potassium channel Kv1.1 from mice confers a marked temperature-sensitivity to neuromuscular transmission in postnatal day 14 (P14)–P21 mice. Using immunofluorescence and electrophysiology, we examined contributions of four regions of the peripheral nervous system to the mutant phenotype: the nerve trunk, the myelinated segment preceding the terminal, the presynaptic terminal membrane itself, and the muscle. We conclude that the temperature-sensitive neuromuscular transmission is accounted for solely by a deficiency in Kv1.1 normally concealed in the myelinated segments just preceding the terminal. This paper demonstrates that under certain situations of physiological stress, the functional role of myelin-covered K channels is dramatically enhanced as the transition zone at the neuromuscular junction is approached.