The action of tetrodotoxin on the cockroach, Periplaneta americana: a toxicological and neurophysiological study

ABSTRACT. Some sublethal effects of tetrodotoxin (TTX) on the cockroach were investigated using chronically implanted extracellular electrodes. Prostration and subsequent paralysis were correlated with blockage of peripheral nerves, the CNS being apparently unaffected at the dose employed. Over several days following treatment many cockroaches showed a reversal of the symptoms and finally recovered fully. This coincided with recovery of the blocked nerves. It is suggested that TTX can be used to distinguish pharmacologically the peripheral and central actions of drugs and insecticides. Furthermore, TTX treatment could also be useful in the analysis of the subcellular nature of the sodium channels in nerve membrane.