ZTX is a guanidine alkaloid. It's structurally related to
saxitoxin, but with some differences. ZTX has a guanidine core similar to saxitoxin. It contains an
isoxazolidine ring, a sulfonate group and a N-hydroxycarbamate group.[2]
Mechanism of action
ZTX is an extremely potent sodium channel blocker. It has been shown to block the
voltage-gated sodium channels at
picomolar concentrations. It is about 580 times more potent than saxitoxin.[2]
Toxicity
ZTX is an extremely potent neurotoxin. The
LD50 of ZTX in mice is 11 μg/kg.[3]
^Brown, George B.; Kim, Yong H.; Küntzel, Heiner; Mosher, Harry S.; Fuhrman, Geraldine J.; Fuhrman, Frederick A. (January 1977). "Chemistry and pharmacology of skin toxins from the frog Atelopus Zeteki (Atelopidtoxin: Zetekitoxin)". Toxicon. 15 (2): 115–128.
doi:
10.1016/0041-0101(77)90030-7.
PMID558664.