Tx1, from Phoneutria nigriventer spider venom, interacts with dihydropyridine sensitive-calcium channels in GH3 cells

The aim of this work was to use the binding assay of tritiated-dihydropyridine and radioiodinated Tx1, isolated from the Phoneutria nigriventer venom, in order to show the presence of Cav1 calcium channels on pituitary tumour cell (GH3). We showed that GH3 cells have specific sites for 125I-Tx1, which are sensitive to nifedipine (∼20%). Reverse competition assay with 3H-PN200-110 (40% inhibition) and electrophysiological data (50% inhibition) suggest that Cav1 calcium channels are target sites for this toxin. To summarize, Tx1 binds to specific sites on GH3 cells and this interaction results in Cav1 calcium channel blockade. 3H-PN200-110 and 125I-Tx1 binding assays proved to be useful tools to show the presence of calcium channels on GH3 cells. (author)