Resiniferatoxin

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Template:Chembox header| Resiniferatoxin
Resiniferatoxin
Systematic name Resiniferatoxin
Chemical formula C37H40O9
Molecular mass 628.71 g/mol
Density 1.35 ± 0.1 g/cm³
CAS number 57444-62-9
Template:Chembox header | Disclaimer and references

Resiniferatoxin (RTX) is a natural, high-potency ligand that activates the capsaicin receptor in a subpopulation of primary afferent sensory neurons involved in nociception (the transmission of physiological pain). RTX causes a novel ion channel in the plasma membrane to become permeable to cations, evoking a powerful analgesic effect. Research is being conducted at the National Institutes of Health to design a novel class of analgesics from the sap of resin spurge (Euphorbia resinifera), a cactus-like plant commonly found in Morocco that contains high concentrations of RTX.

See also

References

  • Christopher S. J. Walpole; et al. (1996). "Similarities and Differences in the Structure-Activity Relationships of Capsaicin and Resiniferatoxin Analogues". J. Med. Chem. 39: 2939–2952.

External links