Picrotoxin, also known as cocculin, is a poisonous crystalline plant compound, first isolated by Pierre Boullay in 1812. The name "picrotoxin" is a combination of the Greek words "picros" (bitter) and "toxicon" (poison).

Found primarily in the fruit of the climbing plant Anamirta cocculus

Anamirta cocculus

Anamirta cocculus is a Southeast Asian and Indian climbing plant. Its fruit, Cocculus indicus, is the source of picrotoxin, a poisonous alkaloid with stimulant properties....

, it has a strong physiological action. It acts as a noncompetitive antagonist for the GABA_A receptor chloride channels. It is therefore a channel blocker rather than a receptor antagonist. As GABA itself is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, infusion of picrotoxin has stimulant and convulsant effects. As such, picrotoxin can be used to counter barbiturate

Barbiturate

Barbiturates are drugs that act as central nervous system depressants, and can therefore produce a wide spectrum of effects, from mild sedation to total anesthesia. They are also effective as anxiolytics, as hypnotics, and as anticonvulsants...

 poisoning, that can occur during general anesthesia or during a large intake outside of the hospital.

Chemical structure

Picrotoxin (C₃₀H₃₄O₁₃) is an equimolar mixture of two compounds, picrotoxinin (C₁₅H₁₆O₆) and picrotin (C₁₅H₁₈O₇).

Other uses

Picrotoxin is classified as an illegal performance-enhancing "Class 1 substance" by the American Quarterhorse Association. The recommended penalty for a first offense is a one-year suspension and a $10,000 fine.

External links

• Basic Neurochemistry: GABA Receptor Physiology and Pharmacology.