Illustration of the toxic alkaloid d-tubocurarine, or DTC, and its nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. DTC is derived from the South American plant Chondrodendron tomentosum and is used by the indigenous peoples as an arrow poison. It has also been used in Western medicine as a muscle relaxant. The receptor for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine controls electrical signalling between nerve and muscle cells, resulting in muscle contraction. Binding of tubocurarine to the receptor prevents the binding of acetylcholine and therefore inhibits muscle contraction. | |
Licence : | Droits gérés |
Crédit: | Science Photo Library / FRANCISCO J. ENGUITA |
Taille de l’image : | 4781 px × 4697 px |
Model Release : | Non requis |
Property Release : | Non requis |
Restrictions : | - |