Bufotenine is able to block rabies virus infection in BHK-21 cells.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Rabies is a fatal zoonotic neglected disease that occurs in more than 150 countries, and kills more than 55.000 people every year. It is caused by an enveloped single stranded RNA virus that affects the central nervous system, through an infection initiated by the muscular nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, according to many authors. Alkaloids, such as acetylcholine, are widespread molecules in nature. They are present in numerous biological fluids, including the skin secretion of many amphibians, in which they act (together with proteins, peptides and steroids) as protection agents against predators and/or microorganisms. Among those amphibians that are rich in alkaloids, there is the genus Rhinella.

Methods

Bufotenine was isolated from Rhinela jimi skin secretion

SUBMITTER: Vigerelli H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4203886 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature