Black mamba venom toxins (Dendroaspis polylepis) (DP toxins)

Black mamba venom toxins (Dendroaspis polylepis) represent a complex pharmacological cocktail primarily composed of potent neurotoxic polypeptides. The most significant components include dendrotoxins, which selectively block voltage-gated potassium channels such as Kv1.1 and Kv1.2 [UniProt P01477], and fasciculins, which are powerful inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase [PMID: 8263644]. These toxins work synergistically to cause rapid neuromuscular blockade and systemic paralysis, often leading to fatal respiratory failure if untreated. Additionally, the venom contains mambalgins, which inhibit acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) and have gained interest as potential non-opioid analgesic leads [Nature 2012;490:552-555]. In clinical practice, these toxins are the therapeutic targets for polyvalent antivenoms, which utilize purified antibodies to neutralize the venom's activity. Beyond envenomation, individual toxins from this species serve as vital tools in neuroscience for mapping ion channel distribution and function.

Other names

Dendroaspis polylepis venomBlack mamba neurotoxinsDendrotoxinsFasciculinsMambalginsCalciseptine

Neutralization of venom polypeptides by specific IgG antibodies to prevent binding to physiological targets [WHO Snake Antivenom Guidelines]