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Questions and Answers
What is the primary effect of epibatidine on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors?
What is the primary effect of epibatidine on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors?
- It acts as an agonist, activating the receptors' function (correct)
- It has a neutral effect, neither activating nor blocking the receptors' function
- It enhances the receptors' sensitivity to other toxins
- It acts as an antagonist, blocking the receptors' function
What is the primary limitation of using epibatidine as a pain reliever?
What is the primary limitation of using epibatidine as a pain reliever?
- It is not effective for certain types of pain
- It is only effective for a short duration
- Its toxicity is too high, making therapeutic use difficult (correct)
- It is not synthesized efficiently
What is the source of epibatidine?
What is the source of epibatidine?
- A type of poisonous plant
- The skin of the Ecuadorian poison dart frog (correct)
- A bacterium found in soil
- A species of venomous snake
How does the potency of epibatidine as a pain reliever compare to morphine?
How does the potency of epibatidine as a pain reliever compare to morphine?
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What has been developed to improve the therapeutic potential of epibatidine?
What has been developed to improve the therapeutic potential of epibatidine?
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Study Notes
Epibatidine
- Derived from the Ecuadorian poison dart frog (Epipedobates tricolor)
- Chemical nature: Chlorinated alkaloid secreted through the skin of the frog
Pharmacological Effects
- Acts as a nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) agonist
- Extremely potent, with even a small amount capable of paralyzing or killing an animal
Analgesic Properties
- 200 times more effective as a pain reliever compared to morphine
Therapeutic Limitations
- High toxicity hampers therapeutic use of epibatidine
Synthetic Analogs
- New analogs have been developed with improved therapeutic window and selectivity
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Description
Learn about epibatidine, a powerful toxin found in the Ecuadorian poison dart frog, its chemical nature, effects on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, and its potential as a pain reliever.
