Reference no: EM132408223

Many species of pufferfish, or fugu, harbor bacteria that produce a neurotoxin known as tetrodotoxin. The toxin tends to accumulate in the liver and gonads of the fish. Fugu is also a Japanese delicacy served by highly trained chefs. If not prepared correctly, portions of the toxic organs can be ingested and cause tetrodotoxin poisoning. The toxin works by blocking the voltage-gated Na⁺ channels of neurons.

a. Predict the symptoms of tetrodotoxin poisoning based on what you know about the functions of voltage-gated Na⁺ channels in neurons.

b. Predict the effect that tetrodotoxin would have on muscle fiber action potentials. Would it affect end-plate potentials at the motor end plate? Why or why not?

c. Lithium is a drug that reduces the permeability of the neuronal axolemma to Na⁺. Would this drug be beneficial or harmful for a person suffering from tetrodotoxin poisoning? Explain based on how it would affect neuronal action potentials.