α-Bungarotoxin is a potent competitive antagonist at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). It acts as a selective α7 receptor blocker, inhibiting α7 currents with an IC50 of 1.6 nM while showing no effect on α3β4 currents at concentrations up to 3 μM. This toxin binds specifically and with high affinity to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, competing with natural ligands and acting as a powerful inhibitor of its function, resulting in functional blockade of AcChoRs at the neuromuscular junction.
- Competitive antagonist at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
- Selective α7 receptor blocker
- Inhibits α7 currents with an IC50 of 1.6 nM
- Binds specifically and with high affinity to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor
- Competes with natural ligand binding
- Potent competitive inhibitor of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor function