Ricin and abrin

• Autores: Sally Bradberry
• Localización: Medicine, ISSN-e 1357-3039, Vol. 44, Nº. 2, 2016, págs. 109-110
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Ricin is a type 2 ribosome-inactivating protein derived from the beans of the castor oil plant, Ricinus communis. It exerts toxicity by inhibiting protein synthesis. Many of the features seen in poisoning can be explained by ricin-induced endothelial cell damage, which leads to fluid and protein leakage and tissue oedema, causing so-called ‘vascular leak syndrome’. Inhalational exposure is the primary concern in terms of its use as a potential bioterrorism agent. Highly sensitive detection methods for ricin are available. Both vaccination (prophylaxis) and antitoxin (therapeutic) approaches against ricin intoxication are being developed. Abrin is a plant toxin obtained from the seeds of Abrus precatorius, which is closely related to ricin in terms of its structure and chemical properties.