Bufotenidine, also known as 5-hydroxy-''N'',''N'',''N''-trimethyltryptammonium (5-HTQ), is a
toxin
A toxin is a naturally occurring organic poison produced by metabolic activities of living cells or organisms. Toxins occur especially as a protein or conjugated protein. The term toxin was first used by organic chemist Ludwig Brieger (1849 ...
related to
bufotenin
Bufotenin (5-HO-DMT, bufotenine) is a tryptamine derivative - more specifically, a DMT derivative - related to the neurotransmitter serotonin. It is an alkaloid found in some species of toads (especially the skin), mushrooms and plants.
...
,
serotonin, and other
tryptamine
Tryptamine is an indolamine metabolite of the essential amino acid, tryptophan. The chemical structure is defined by an indole ─ a fused benzene and pyrrole ring, and a 2-aminoethyl group at the second carbon (third aromatic atom, with the f ...
s which is found in the
venom
Venom or zootoxin is a type of toxin produced by an animal that is actively delivered through a wound by means of a bite, sting, or similar action. The toxin is delivered through a specially evolved ''venom apparatus'', such as fangs or a st ...
of a variety of
toad
Toad is a common name for certain frogs, especially of the family Bufonidae, that are characterized by dry, leathery skin, short legs, and large bumps covering the parotoid glands.
A distinction between frogs and toads is not made in scient ...
s.
It acts as a selective
5-HT3 receptor agonist, and has been used in
scientific research
The scientific method is an empirical method for acquiring knowledge that has characterized the development of science since at least the 17th century (with notable practitioners in previous centuries; see the article history of scientific m ...
to study the function of the 5-HT
3 receptor, though this use has been limited by the fact that, as a
quaternary amine, it is unable to readily cross the
blood-brain-barrier.
See also
*
2-Methyl-5-HT
*
Chlorophenylbiguanide
References
5-HT3 agonists
Emetics
Tryptamines
Vertebrate toxins
Drugs with no legal status
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