an activator of voltage-sensitive Na+ channels.

C₅₀H₇₂O₁₄ from the microorganism Ptychodiscus brevis.

• Molecular Weight : 897.11 Da.
  
  
• Melting Point : 291-293 °C. (decomp.)
  
  
• Solubility in : acetone, ethyl acetate, methanol, ethanol, water.
  
  
• Purity min. : 95 % (HPLC).
  
  
• Storage recommendations : Brevetoxins are unusually stable materials in the dry state under vacuum. It is recommended that PbTx–3 be stored at -20°C in its original unopened vial until use. Once opened, PbTx–3 should be dissolved in an appropriate solvent like acetone, acetonitrile, alcohol or ethyl acetate for preparation of stock solutions. Use of Dymethyl sufoxide (DMSO) is specifically discouraged because of its ability to carry toxic materials across membranes.
  PbTx–3 is stable in solvents, including water, where half-lives for active material range from 4-6 months. Stock solutions may be stored in a dry argon or nitrogen atmosphere in solution, or aliquots may be prepared from the stock solution and dispensed into individual vials for resealing under vacuum if desired. Unopened vials of Brevetoxin PbTx–3 are stable at freezer temperatures for a minimum of 6 months.
  Packaging:crystalline solid in sealed ampoule under vacuum.
  
  
• Reconstitution : Small quantities (ng) can be added to culture medium (e.g. ng PbTx/ml) for experiments. In methanol or ethanol solution, the compound is stable for over one year if stored at -18°C
  
  
• CAS Reg. No. : 85079-48-7
  
  
• Bibliography :
  
  1. Shimizu et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc.(1986) 108:514
  2. Trainer et al., ACS, Symposium series(1990) 418:166