strychninesensitive
Strychnine-sensitive refers to organisms or biological systems that exhibit a pronounced reaction to the presence of strychnine. Strychnine is a highly toxic alkaloid derived from the seeds of the Strychnos nux-vomica tree. Its primary mechanism of action in mammals involves acting as a competitive antagonist of glycine receptors, particularly in the spinal cord and brainstem. Glycine is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, and its receptors play a crucial role in regulating motor neuron excitability.
When strychnine binds to these receptors, it prevents glycine from binding, thereby removing its inhibitory effect.
Research into strychnine sensitivity has been vital for understanding neurotransmission, particularly the role of inhibitory pathways.