Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Resiniferatoxin
Introduction
Resiniferatoxin (RTX) is a natural, high-potency ligand that activates the capsaicin receptor in a subpopulation of primary afferent sensory neurons involved in nociception (the transmission of physiological pain). RTX causes a novel ion channel in the plasma membrane to become permeable to cations, evoking a powerful analgesic effect. Research is being conducted at the National Institutes of Health to design a novel class of analgesics from the sap of resin spurge (Euphorbia resinifera), a cactus-like plant commonly found in Morocco that contains high concentrations of RTX.
References
References
- Christopher S. J. Walpole; et al. (1996). “Similarities and Differences in the Structure-Activity Relationships of Capsaicin and Resiniferatoxin Analogues”. J. Med. Chem. 39: 2939–2952.
External links
External links
- Fiery pepper may hold key to easing pain
- Template:PubChem
- resiniferatoxin at the US National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)