Batrachotoxin is an extremely potent cardio- and neurotoxic steroidal alkaloid found in certain species of beetles, birds, and frogs. The name is from the Greek word βάτραχος, bátrachos, 'frog'. Structurally-related chemical compounds are often referred to collectively as batrachotoxins.

What is Batrachotoxin used for?

Toxin Uses

Batrachotoxin is an important research tool in pharmacology because of its action of holding voltage-gated sodium channels open as well as its specific effects at other ligand-binding sites. It was commonly used in ion channel and ligand research.

What does Batrachotoxin do to neurons?

Batrachotoxin kills by permanently blocking nerve signal transmission to the muscles. Batrachotoxin binds to and irreversibly opens the sodium channels of nerve cells and prevents them from closing. The neuron can no longer send signals and this results in paralysis.