Mapping nociception with venom-derived selectivity
Pain research hinges on understanding how peripheral and central pathways integrate ion channel signaling, inflammatory mediators, and synaptic plasticity. Venom Supplies provides venoms, peptide toxins, and recombinant ligands that target sodium channels, TRP receptors, calcium channels, and neuroimmune interfaces. Each reagent is accompanied by potency metrics, recommended assay conditions, and safety guidance, enabling data-driven analgesic discovery.
Central targets: sodium channels and synaptic control
NaV1.7 and NaV1.9
Inherited pain disorders underscore NaV1.7 and NaV1.9 as critical nociceptive nodes. Our Phoneutria NaV peptide cluster and μ-Conotoxin Analog deliver nanomolar inhibition, with documentation detailing state dependence and recovery kinetics. Utilize these toxins to validate genome editing or small-molecule programs aimed at channel blockade.
Synaptic suppression
Neuropathic pain involves aberrant neurotransmitter release in spinal circuits. ω-Conotoxin CVIF (PTX-MTX-001) and ω-Conotoxin MVIIA recombinant (PTX-RCT-004) suppress CaV2.2-mediated release, providing pharmacological controls for dorsal horn slice recordings or neurochemical assays.
Peripheral sensitization: TRP and inflammatory pathways
TRPV1 and TRPA1 modulation
The Theraphosa TRP modulator set offers potentiators and inhibitors for TRPV1/TRPA1, clarifying their roles in heat, itch, and chemical nociception. Combine with calcium imaging, single-fiber recordings, or behavioral assays (e.g., capsaicin-induced licking) to quantify sensory neuron responses.
Inflammatory mediators and enzymatic targets
Venom enzymes such as PLA2 catalytic domain and Bothrops metalloproteinase fraction model inflammatory cascades that exacerbate pain through lipid mediators and tissue damage. Controlled application helps evaluate anti-inflammatory compounds or antibody therapeutics.
Experimental workflows across models
- In vitro electrophysiology: Employ toxins as positive controls or mechanistic probes in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, trigeminal cultures, or iPSC-derived sensory neurons. Utilize high-resistance patch electrodes and maintain series resistance compensation to capture subtle kinetics.
- Ex vivo preparations: Apply CaV blockers to spinal cord slices to quantify synaptic depression or integrate TRP modulators in skin–nerve preparations to examine peripheral endings.
- In vivo validation: Use toxins for acute dosing to benchmark analgesic effect size in rodent models (hot plate, von Frey, formalin). Ensure ethical approvals and refer to SDS guidelines for dosing and neutralization.
Biomarker and translational considerations
- Transcriptional profiling: Combine toxin treatments with RNA-seq to identify compensatory gene changes that may influence analgesic durability.
- Biomarker discovery: Monitor released neuropeptides (CGRP, Substance P) under controlled toxin exposure to link channel modulation with biochemical readouts.
- Clinical translation: Document lot numbers, potency, and storage to support regulatory inquiries and reproducibility, aligning with our Quality & Compliance framework.
Internal linking for research continuity
- Explore additional reagents in the Spider Venoms and Marine Toxins categories.
- Connect with the Ion Channel Research page for screening integration strategies.
- Read the blog post How venom-derived toxins advance ion channel research for case studies on analgesic discovery.
Safety and ethical use
Pain research often integrates in vivo models; ensure compliance with institutional animal care and use committees (IACUCs). Toxins are supplied with SDS documents describing PPE, incident response, and decontamination. Venom Supplies coordinates cold-chain logistics and customs documentation via the Ordering & Shipping portal to maintain chain of custody and product integrity.
Venom Supplies partners with academic, biotech, and pharmaceutical teams to provide mechanistically rich reagents, ensuring pain research programs are grounded in precise, reproducible toxin pharmacology.