The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience
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Studies of presynaptic events in synaptic transmission may be facilitated through the use of specific ligands for functional components of the transmitter release mechanism and through the use of genetics. For this purpose, neurotoxins that affect neuromuscular transmission in Drosophila have been identified and purified from Plectreurys spider venom (PLTX). ⋯ These toxins have been highly purified and are peptides of about 7 kDa in molecular weight. They specifically block transmitter release at nanomolar concentrations and may be useful in further biochemical studies.