Zetekitoxin AB

Zetekitoxin AB is a guanidine alkaloid found in the Panamanian golden frog Atelopus zeteki. It is an extremely potent neurotoxin.

Structure

ZTX is a guanidine alkaloid. It's structurally related to saxitoxin, but with some differences. ZTX contains an isoxazolidine ring, a sulfonate group and an N-hydroxycarbamate group.

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.

Toxicity

ZTX is an extremely potent neurotoxin. The of ZTX in mice is 11 μg/kg.