Iberiotoxin

Also known as IbTX

Iberiotoxin is a scorpion venom peptide that acts as a highly selective blocker of large-conductance Ca2+-activated potassium (BK) channels.

Length: 37 amino acids
Half-life: Not well characterised
Mechanism: It is a highly selective and potent blocker of the large-conductance calcium-activated potassium (maxi-K, BK) channel.
Studied in: Used in electrophysiology and pharmacology to specifically inhibit BK channels, helping to elucidate their role in smooth muscle tone and neuronal activity.

About Iberiotoxin

Iberiotoxin is a 37-amino-acid peptide toxin isolated from the venom of the scorpion Buthus tamulus. It shares significant structural homology with charybdotoxin, including a motif of three disulfide bonds that stabilizes its globular structure. This conformation allows it to physically occlude the pore of its target ion channel.

The defining characteristic of Iberiotoxin for research is its exceptional selectivity for the large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channel. Unlike other related toxins, it has negligible affinity for voltage-gated (Kv) or small-conductance (SK) potassium channels, making it a precise tool for isolating and studying the physiological functions of BK channels in systems like vascular smooth muscle and central neurons.

Laboratory notes

Shows high selectivity for BK channels, with little effect on Kv or SK channels at typical working concentrations.
Binding to the channel is reversible upon washout in experimental preparations.
Store lyophilised peptide at -20°C; after reconstitution, aliquot and store at -20°C or colder to avoid freeze-thaw cycles.

Storage and reconstitution basics: storage guide.

Questions about Iberiotoxin

How does Iberiotoxin differ from Charybdotoxin?

While structurally similar, Iberiotoxin is significantly more selective for large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channels and does not potently block voltage-gated channels like Kv1.3.

What is the benefit of its selectivity?

Its high selectivity allows researchers to isolate the effects of BK channel blockade from those of other ion channels, providing clearer results in experiments on smooth muscle, neurons, and other excitable cells.

What solvent is recommended for reconstitution?

Reconstitution is typically performed using high-purity water or a suitable aqueous buffer. Adding a carrier protein like BSA can help prevent adsorption to vial surfaces at low concentrations.

Is Iberiotoxin for human use?

No. It is supplied strictly for in-vitro laboratory research and is not for human or animal consumption.

Related research peptides

All products are sold for laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption, not a medicine, not for diagnosing, treating or preventing any condition.