Tetrodotoxin: Mechanism and Effects on Neurons and Muscles

During the presentation of the doctor’s notes in this case, Diaphoresis, Motor dysfunction, and Paresthesia were discussed. Diaphoresis involves profuse sweating to regulate body temperature through sweat gland secretion, while Motor dysfunction is an abnormality in the motor system leading to a lack of control over muscle movement or nerve function. Paresthesia is the sensation of tickling, tingling, pricking, or burning on the skin without lasting effects.

The most common sensation is known as "pins and needles". Cyanotic- This results in a bluish color of the skin due to decreased oxygen levels.

Hypoventilation- Happens when someone experiences respiratory depression, leading to inadequate ventilation for proper gas exchange. Gastric lavage- Involves emptying or washing out an individual's stomach by inserting a flexible tube through the throat to remove and clean the contents using a saline solution. Oxygen saturation- Reflects the level of oxygen in hemoglobin, or the proportion of hemoglobin binding sites in the blood that are occupied by oxygen.

The chemical composition of the Tetrodatoxin molecule is as follows: 11 carbon atoms, 17 hydrogen atoms, 3 nitrogen atoms, and 8 oxygen atoms.

Get quality help now
Writer Lyla
Writer Lyla
checked Verified writer

Proficient in: Chemistry

star star star star 5 (876)

“ Have been using her for a while and please believe when I tell you, she never fail. Thanks Writer Lyla you are indeed awesome ”

avatar avatar avatar
+84 relevant experts are online
Hire writer

The chemical bonds found in this molecule are covalent, where atoms share electrons to form their structure.

The case description examines tetrodotoxin, which inhibits voltage-gated sodium ion channels. It details that the sodium ion is an atom that has been oxidized, giving it a positive charge due to the loss of one electron. The nucleus of the sodium ion consists of 11 protons and it possesses 10 electrons in its orbitals.

The voltage-gated sodium ion channel is essential for controlling the entry of sodium ions into nerve cell membranes, which in turn regulates the generation and transmission of action potentials.

Get to Know The Price Estimate For Your Paper
Topic
Number of pages
Email Invalid email

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy. We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

"You must agree to out terms of services and privacy policy"
Write my paper

You won’t be charged yet!

This channel plays a critical role in enabling electrical activity within excitable cells.

Channels play a crucial role in allowing sodium ions to enter and exit cells, which is essential for creating an action potential. Inactivation of sodium channels is required during repolarization to deactivate them, leading to the activation of voltage-gated potassium channels that help return the cell to its resting state.

Explain the ion movement mechanism in these channels. Sodium ions pass through the channel via diffusion as a result of a higher concentration outside the cell and an interior negative charge, leading to potential energy generation. At the same time, potassium is pushed out of the cell by chemical forces, causing depolarization.

The resting potential in a nerve cell is maintained by an equilibrium of positive and negative charges across the membrane, which is regulated by closed potassium channels and the resetting of sodium and potassium channels. In order to initiate an action potential, a stimulus must reach a specific strength to open voltage-gated sodium channels at the threshold transmembrane potential.

When a neuron fires an action potential, the electrical potential rapidly depolarizes upon reaching the threshold. This causes the activation gates of sodium channels to open, enabling sodium to flow into the cytoplasm and altering the transmembrane potential from -60 to a positive value.

The action potential begins with the opening of sodium channels upon reaching the threshold, leading to an influx of sodium and depolarization. Once reaching +30 mV, voltage-gated sodium channels close as a result of sodium channel inactivation. Subsequently, potassium channels are activated, permitting potassium to exit and bring the transmembrane potential back to its resting state. The closure of sodium channels persists until the membrane repolarizes close to threshold levels.

Exposure of a neuron to tetrodotoxin results in the inhibition of sodium entry into the cell by binding to sodium ion channels. This action hinders depolarization, thereby preventing the initiation of an action potential critical for inter-neuronal communication.

Dr. Westwood experienced numbness after eating puffer fish due to tetrodotoxin, a substance that interferes with neurons transmitting sensory signals to the brain. This results in a sensation of numbness in the affected area as neuron signal transmission is impaired.

Paralysis happens when muscle function is lost. Even though tetrodotoxin mainly impacts neurons, Mr. Westwood still suffered from paralysis because tetrodotoxin attaches to sodium ions, which are essential for muscle cell action potential. Consequently, tetrodotoxin can also block muscle activity.

Tetrodotoxin is involved in causing low blood pressure and decreased breathing by preventing sodium ions from passing through sodium channels, which stops nerve cells from firing action potentials. These nerve cells control the action potential required for muscle movement when breathing in, as well as managing the heart's rhythm and force of contraction, resulting in reduced breathing.

The autonomic nervous system plays a key role in human physiology, consisting of two divisions: the sympathetic nervous system, which triggers fight or flight responses, and the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes rest and recovery. Both of these systems operate involuntarily.

During Dr. Westwood's case in the ED, Atropine was administered to him. This medication, categorized as an Anti-cholinergic, acts as an antagonist in the central nervous system by blocking certain cellular functions. Atropine attaches to the Muscarinic Receptor on the postsynaptic neuron, decreasing parasympathetic effects and enabling the sympathetic system to take control. Consequently, Atropine hinders the impact of vagal nerve activity on the heart, leading to changes in Dr. Westwood's vital signs after being given.

Updated: Feb 21, 2024
Cite this page

Tetrodotoxin: Mechanism and Effects on Neurons and Muscles. (2016, Apr 01). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/badfish-anatphys-neurotoxin-essay

Tetrodotoxin: Mechanism and Effects on Neurons and Muscles essay
Live chat  with support 24/7

👋 Hi! I’m your smart assistant Amy!

Don’t know where to start? Type your requirements and I’ll connect you to an academic expert within 3 minutes.

get help with your assignment