<unk>  is the name given to neurotoxins produced by<unk><unk> s with related structure and function.<unk> s can be divided in two functional groups that either specifically target the sodium channel or the potassium channel. A number of proteins belong to the sodium channel toxin family, including calitoxin and anthopleurin. The neurotoxins bind specifically to the sodium channel, thereby delaying its inactivation during signal transduction, resulting in strong stimulation of mammalian cardiac muscle contraction. Calitoxin 1 has been found in neuromuscular preparations of crustaceans, where it increases transmitter release, causing firing of the axons. Three disulfide bonds are present in this protein. This family also includes the antihypertensive and antiviral proteins BDS-I () and BDS-II () expressed by<unk> a viridis (previously<unk> a sulcata). BDS-I is organised into a triple-stranded antiparallel beta-sheet, with an additional small antiparallel beta-sheet at the N-terminus. Both peptides are known to specifically block the Kv3.4 potassium channel, and thus bring about a decrease in blood pressure. Moreover, they inhibit the cytopathic effects of mouse hepatitis virus strain MHV-A59 on mouse liver cells, by an unknown mechanism. The potassium channel toxin family include kaliseptine and kalicludines, and was also isolated from<unk> a viridis.
Sea anemone neurotoxin
Neurotoxin
Alpha-neurotoxin
Insect toxin
Chlorotoxin
Dinotoxin
Androctonus australis hector insect toxin
Kurtoxin