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Calcium Channel Blockers and Paralysis

Topic

  • Cell Biology
  • Cell Communication
  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Nervous & Endocrine Systems
  • Zoology

Resource Type

  • Videos
  • Animations

Level

High School — AP/IBCollege

Duration

00:02:31
Saved By
6 Users
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Description

This animation shows how the drug Prialt suppresses signals from the nervous system, which can paralyze certain organisms.

Prialt (also known as ziconotide) is a painkiller that inhibits pain transmission by blocking calcium channels. This prevents electrical signals from the nerves from being transmitted to other neurons. Prialt was originally derived from the venom of predatory cone snails, which use the venom to paralyze fish, their prey. As shown in the animation, Prialt paralyzes fish by blocking calcium channels at motor neuron synapses, preventing the release of neurotransmitters.

This animation is a clip from a 2009 Holiday Lecture Series, Exploring Biodiversity: The Search for New Medicines. Depending on students’ background, it may be helpful to pause the animation at various points to discuss different structures.

Key Terms

analgesic, cone snail, fish, ion channel, medicine, muscle, neuroscience, neurotransmitter, synapse, toxin

Terms of Use

Please see the Terms of Use for information on how this resource can be used.

Accessibility Level (WCAG compliance)

Video files meet criteria.

Version History

Date Published 02.04.09

Materials

Large (MOV) 19 MB
Large (WMV) 19 MB
Small (MOV) 10 MB
Small (WMV) 10 MB
Transcript (PDF) 12 KB

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