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PubMed · 1703229

Mast cell degranulating peptide: a multi-functional neurotoxin.

M R Ziai·S Russek·H C Wang·B Beer·A J Blume
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Abstract

This review discusses our present knowledge of the structure and activities of the mast cell degranulating peptide (MCDP). This peptide is a basic, 22 amino acid residue component of honey bee venom with striking immunological and pharmacological activities. MCDP is a potent anti-inflammatory agent, but at low concentrations it is a strong mediator of mast cell degranulation and histamine release. MCDP is also an epileptogenic neurotoxin, an avid blocker of the potassium channels and can cause a significant lowering of the blood pressure in rats. Some of the biological activities of MCDP appear to have distinct mechanisms and may represent a good illustration of the structure-function relationship.

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Amino Acid SequenceAnimalsBee VenomsHistamine ReleaseHumansMolecular Sequence DataNeurotoxinsPeptidesPotassium ChannelsStructure-Activity RelationshipJournal ArticleReview

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M R Ziai, S Russek, H C Wang, B Beer, A J Blume. 1990. Mast cell degranulating peptide: a multi-functional neurotoxin.. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-7158.1990.tb06595.x

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