Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Examining Monosynaptic Connections in Drosophila Using Tetrodotoxin Resistant Sodium Channels
Published on: February 14, 2018
Interaction between voltage-gated sodium channels and the neurotoxin, tetrodotoxin
Chong Hyun Lee1, Peter C Ruben
1School of Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.
Abstract:
Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a potent toxin that specifically binds to voltage gated sodium channels. TTX binding physically blocks the flow of sodium ions through the channel, thereby preventing action potential (AP) generation and propagation. TTX has different binding affinities for different sodium channel isoforms. These differences are imparted by amino acid substitutions. Such substitutions confer TTX resistance to a variety of species. Tetrodotoxin resistance, however, may come at a cost to performance caused by changes in the biophysical properties and/or ion selectivity of the TTX resistant sodium channels. We here review the properties of sodium channels and their interaction with TTX, and look at some special examples of TTX resistant channels wherein the benefit of toxin resistance may be offset by other behavioral costs.
More Related Videos
08:38Vibrodissociation of Neurons from Rodent Brain Slices to Study Synaptic Transmission and Image Presynaptic Terminals
Published on: May 25, 2011
11:04Unraveling the Role of Discrete Areas of the Rat Brain in the Regulation of Ovulation through Reversible Inactivation by Tetrodotoxin Microinjections
Published on: September 3, 2020
Related Concept Videos
Voltage-gated Ion Channels
Generally, all voltage-gated ion channels have a 'voltage-sensing domain' that spans the lipid bilayer. The charged residues in the sensor move in response to the membrane potential changes that open the channel allowing ions movement. There are several types of...
Voltage-gated Ion Channels
Generally, all voltage-gated ion channels have a 'voltage-sensing domain' that spans the lipid bilayer. The charged residues in the sensor move in response to the membrane potential changes that open the channel allowing ions movement. There are several types of...
Resting Membrane Potential
The Inside of a Neuron is More Negative
The membrane potential of a cell can be measured by inserting a microelectrode into a cell and comparing the charge to a reference electrode in the extracellular fluid. The...
The Resting Membrane Potential
Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism
Tetanus