| Functions |
Alpha-conotoxins act on postsynaptic membranes, they bind to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) and thus inhibit them. Is highly active against the neuromuscular receptor in frog, but not in mice. In contrast, it induces seizures when injected centrally in mice and rats. Blocks neuronal mammalian homomeric alpha-7 nAChRs with the highest apparent affinity and homomeric alpha-9 nAChRs with 8-fold lower affinity. Inhibits alpha-bungarotoxin binding. Has no effect on nAChRs composed of alpha-2/beta-2, alpha-3/beta-2, alpha-4/beta-2, alpha-2/beta-4, alpha-3/beta-4, or alpha-4/beta-4 subunits. Acts voltage- independently.
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