Description
Aconitine is a toxin found in Aconitum that exhibits antipyretic, antihypertensive, analgesic, and antinociceptive activities. Aconitine binds neurotoxin binding site 2 of Na+ channels, forcing the channel to stay open longer, allowing continual depolarization, Na+ influx, and eventually paralysis. Aconitine acts as a positive inotrope, potentially inducing cardiac arrhythmia.
References
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Gutser UT, Friese J, Heubach JF, et al. Mode of antinociceptive and toxic action of alkaloids of Aconitum spec. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol. 1998 Jan;357(1):39-48. PMID: 9459571.
Okazaki M, Kimura I, Kimura M. Aconitine-induced increase and decrease of acetylcholine release in the mouse phrenic nerve-hemidiaphragm muscle preparation. Jpn J Pharmacol. 1994 Dec;66(4):421-6. PMID: 7723217.