APAMIN Meaning and
Definition
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Apamin is a noun that refers to a peptide neurotoxin derived from the venom of bees, specifically the honeybee Apis mellifera. It is an eight-amino acid long peptide belonging to the family of neuroactive peptides known as the apamin-like peptides. With a molecular weight of approximately 2,000 Daltons, apamin is fairly small in size.
Apamin is known for its potent inhibition of small-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels (SK channels), which are widely expressed in the brain and contribute to the regulation of neuronal excitability. By blocking these channels, apamin disrupts the normal function of SK channels, leading to an increase in neuronal firing and subsequent release of neurotransmitters.
Due to its well-established neurotoxic properties, apamin has garnered attention from researchers in a variety of fields, particularly in the study of neural circuits and the mechanisms underlying synaptic plasticity. It has proven to be a valuable tool in both in vitro and in vivo experiments, allowing researchers to selectively manipulate the activity of SK channels and study their role in various physiological and pathological processes.
Furthermore, apamin has also been investigated for its potential therapeutic applications, such as in the treatment of neurological disorders characterized by malfunctioning SK channels. By specifically targeting and modulating these channels, researchers hope to develop drugs that can restore the normal balance of neuronal activity and alleviate symptoms associated with such disorders.
Common Misspellings for APAMIN
- zpamin
- wpamin
- qpamin
- aoamin
- a0amin
- apzmin
- apsmin
- apwmin
- apqmin
- apanin
- apakin
- apajin
- apamun
- apamjn
- apamkn
- apamon
- apam9n
- apam8n
- apamib
- apamim
Etymology of APAMIN
The word "apamin" is derived from the scientific name of a particular type of neurotoxin found in bee venom. It was first discovered and isolated by a Swiss pharmacist and chemist, F. Hoppe-Seyler, in 1876. The name "apamin" comes from the Greek word "ἀπῶ" (apó), meaning "away", and "μονή" (moné), meaning "dwell" or "stay". This name was given to the toxin because it was found to cause paralysis and make animals unable to move, hence removing their ability to dwell or stay in one place.
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