Bufotalin

Bufotalin is a cardiac glycoside, a type of compound that has the ability to increase the output force of the heart and decrease its rate of contractions by acting on the cellular sodium-potassium ATPase pump. It is found in the skin and parotid venom glands of several species of toads and is similar in structure and effects to the better-known cardiac glycoside, digoxin.

Chemical Structure

Bufotalin is a steroid derivative, specifically a bufadienolide, with the chemical formula C₂₄H₃₄O₄. Its structure includes a six-membered lactone ring, unlike the five-membered lactone ring of cardenolides. This structural difference is responsible for some of the unique pharmacological properties of bufotalin and other bufadienolides.

Sources

Bufotalin is found in several species of toads, particularly those in the genus Bufo. The compound is present in the skin and parotid venom glands of these animals. It is one of the many toxic compounds that these toads produce as a defense mechanism against predators.

Pharmacology

Like other cardiac glycosides, bufotalin acts on the sodium-potassium ATPase pump in the membranes of heart cells. This action increases intracellular calcium concentrations, leading to increased force of heart muscle contractions. At the same time, bufotalin decreases the rate of heart contractions, giving the heart more time to fill with blood before each beat.

Clinical Use

While bufotalin has been studied for its potential use in treating heart failure and certain types of cancer, it is not currently approved for medical use in any country. Its close relative, digoxin, is widely used in the treatment of various heart conditions, including atrial fibrillation and heart failure.

Toxicity

Bufotalin is a potent toxin and can be lethal if ingested or absorbed through the skin in sufficient quantities. Symptoms of bufotalin poisoning are similar to those of other cardiac glycosides and can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, vision changes, confusion, and irregular heartbeats.

See Also

• Cardiac glycoside
• Digoxin
• Bufo

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