Penetration of an Organophosphorous Compound into Squid Axon and Its Effects on Metabolism and Function

The territary analogue of phospholine, namely, (C$_{2}$H$_{5}$O)$_{2}$P(O)SCH$_{2}$CH$_{2}$N(CH$_{3}$)$_{2}$, is a potent, irreversible inhibitor of cholinesterase which, when externally applied to the squid giant axon, readily penetrates in its inhibitory form into the axoplasm. However, even a 10$...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inScience (American Association for the Advancement of Science) Vol. 156; no. 3777; pp. 966 - 967
Main Authors Hoskin, F. C. G., Rosenberg, Philip
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published American Association for the Advancement of Science 19.05.1967
Subjects
Action potentials
Axons
Enzymes
Pain
Standard error
Venoms
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Summary:The territary analogue of phospholine, namely, (C$_{2}$H$_{5}$O)$_{2}$P(O)SCH$_{2}$CH$_{2}$N(CH$_{3}$)$_{2}$, is a potent, irreversible inhibitor of cholinesterase which, when externally applied to the squid giant axon, readily penetrates in its inhibitory form into the axoplasm. However, even a 10$^{-2}$ molar solution of this compound does not block axonal conduction unless the axon is first treated with a low concentration of venom from the cottonmouth moccasin. The question of the activity of acetylcholinesterase in these axons is considered, and the possibility of subcellular permeability barriers for individual components of the excitable membrane is discussed.
ISSN:0036-8075
1095-9203
DOI:10.1126/science.156.3777.966