tetrodotoxins

Tetrodotoxin is a potent neurotoxin that can be found in various marine animals, most famously in the pufferfish (family Tetraodontidae). It is also present in some species of newts, octopuses, and certain crabs. The toxin acts by blocking voltage-gated sodium channels in nerve cell membranes, which are essential for the transmission of nerve impulses. This blockage prevents sodium ions from entering the neuron, disrupting the action potential and leading to paralysis. Symptoms of tetrodotoxin poisoning can include numbness, tingling, dizziness, and in severe cases, respiratory failure and death. There is no known antidote for tetrodotoxin poisoning, and treatment is primarily supportive, focusing on maintaining breathing and circulation. Despite its toxicity, tetrodotoxin is a subject of scientific interest due to its potent and specific mechanism of action, and research continues into its potential pharmacological applications and its role in the ecosystems where it is found. The high toxicity and the lack of a readily available antidote necessitate careful handling and consumption of animals known to contain tetrodotoxin.