PARALYTIC EFFECT OF SPIDER TOXIN-RELATED COMPOUNDS ON GERMAN-COCKROACH, BLATTELLA-GERMANICA L

Joro spider toxin (JSTX-3) as well as its synthetic analog, 1-naphthylacetyl spermine and newly synthesized other 15 kinds of 1-naphthylacetic acid derivatives were examined for their paralytic effect on German cockroach, Blattella germanica L. Intrathoratical injection of these compounds caused reversible paralysis on cockroach. The potency of paralytic action was not influenced by the substitution of 2,4-dihydroxyphenylacetyl moiety of JSTX-3 for 1-naphthylacetyl moiety. The distance of amino group from such aromatic moiety and the flexibility of polycationic part appears to be influenced for facilitation of paralytic action. The relative potency of paralysis of these compounds showed almost the same tendency as that of blocking action of glutaminergic neurotransmission of the lobster leg.