3113 Abrin-b Abrin is a plant toxin found in the Rosary pea (Abrus precatorius). The Rosary pea is common to many tropical areas throughout the world and is sometimes used as an herbal remedy. The seeds of the Rosary pea have been used to make beaded jewelry, which can lead to abrin poisoning if the seeds are chewed and swallowed. The outer shell of the seed protects the contents from the stomachs of most mammals. Abrin has some potential medical uses, such as in treatment to kill cancer cells. (L1224) 59114.05999999994 Clear solution. >10 mg/mL Ingestion (L1817) ; dermal (L1817) Abrin works by penetrating the cells of the body and inhibiting cell protein synthesis. By attaching to a carbohydrate chain on the cell surface, the abrin molecule anchors itself to the cell, is subsequently engulfed and enters the inner parts of the cell where it reacts with a ribosomal subunit and interferes with the normal protein synthesis process of the cell. Without these proteins, cells cannot survive. The severity of the effects of abrin poisoning vary on the means of exposure to the substance. (L1224) Free toxin may be removed by opsonization via the reticuloendothelial system (primarily the liver and kidneys) or it may be degraded through cellular internalization via the lysosomes. Lysosomes are membrane-enclosed organelles that contain an array of digestive enzymes, including several proteases. LD50: 20 ug/kg (Intraperitoneal, Mouse) (T228) LD50: 20 ug/kg (Intravenous, Mouse) (T228) No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC). Abrin is a plant toxin found in the Rosary pea (Abrus precatorius). The Rosary pea is common to many tropical areas throughout the world and is sometimes used as an herbal remedy. The seeds of the Rosary pea have been used to make beaded jewelry, which can lead to abrin poisoning if the seeds are chewed and swallowed. Abrin has some potential medical uses, such as in treatment to kill cancer cells. (L1224) Abrin inhibits cell protein synthesis, leading to cell death which causes harmful bodily effects and may result in death. (L1224) Abrin irritates the skin and eyes. Inhalation may cause respiratory distress, fever, cough, nausea, tightness in the chest, heavy sweating and pulmonary edema. Ingestion can result in vomiting, diarrhea, severe dehydration, low blood pressure, hallucinations, and seizures. In either case, death may result from respiratory failure or liver, speen, and/or kidney damage. (L1224) As there is no antidote for abrin, treatment consists of supportive medical care to minimize the effects of the poisoning. This may include respiratory assistance, intravenous fluids, medications to treat conditions such as seizure and low blood pressure, or administering activated charcoal. (L1224) 2009-07-23T18:26:03Z 2014-12-24T20:25:56Z Q06077 true Exogenous Liquid Abrin_B.jpg image/jpeg 125967 2014-10-14T18:14:05Z BSEQ0008521