Penitrem A

Penitrem A is an indole diterpene neurotoxic alkaloid produced by Penicillium, acts as a selective BK channel antagonist with antiproliferative and anti-invasive activities against multiple malignancies. Penitrem A increases the spontaneous release of endogenous glutamate, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and aspartate from cerebrocortical synaptosomes, and induces tremorgenic syndromes in animals[1][2].

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[1]Goda AA, et al. The Maxi-K (BK) Channel Antagonist Penitrem A as a Novel Breast Cancer-Targeted Therapeutic. Mar Drugs. 2018 May 11;16(5).|[2]Norris PJ, et al. Actions of tremorgenic fungal toxins on neurotransmitter release. J Neurochem. 1980 Jan;34(1):33-42.|[3]Jortner BS, et al. Effects of prolonged tremor due to penitrem A in mice. Drug Chem Toxicol. 1986;9(2):101-16. |[4]Breton P, et al. Brain neurotoxicity of Penitrem A: electrophysiological, behavioral and histopathological study. Toxicon. 1998 Apr;36(4):645-55. |[5]Moldes-Anaya A, et al. Neurotoxicity of Penicillium crustosum secondary metabolites: tremorgenic activity of orally administered penitrem A and thomitrem A and E in mice. Toxicon. 2012 Dec 15;60(8):1428-35.