リシン

化学的特性Various tests for the detection of Ricin are avail- able, including “Pro-Strips” from Avant Technologies, the BIO-911 test strip developed by Osborn Scientific Group, Lakeside AZ. This one-step test is reported to detect, within minutes, the presence of minute quantities of the toxin (less than 50 nanograms); the freeze-dried assay kit to detect crude Ricin called Ruggedized Advanced Pathogen Identification Device (Rapid), Rapid LT, and Razor instrument developed by Idaho Technologies, Inc. Ricin is detectable in urine, plasma, and environmental samples. Instant Chek Abrin/Ricin Detection Kit, Catalog Number: IC-RA-003-10 Kit Contents: 10 test units each test contains two tests (one Abrin and one Ricin) per unit, lyophilized reagent, reconstitution buffer, wash buffer, transfer pipettes, instruction booklet. Ey Laboratories, Inc, 107 N. Amphlett Blvd, San Mateo, CA. 94401 USA, Toll Free (North America)1-800-821-0044; Telephone: 1-650- 342-3296, Option 2 or 3 Fax. 11 (650) 342 2648. Also, in 2009, researchers at Yeshiva University’s Albert Einstein College of Medicine have developed an accurate test. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) can detect castor bean DNA in most Ricin preparations. See also “Water Detection,” below.

説明Ricin is a heterodimeric ribosomeinhibiting protein consisting of an A-chain (RTA), linked by a disulphide bond to the B-chain (RTB). The total molecular weight is 66 000 Da, with the A-chain contributing 32 kDa, and the B-chain 34 kDa. The A-chain is a globular protein composed of 267 amino acids containing eight alpha helices and eight beta sheets, with the toxin’s substrate binding site located within the cleft. The B-chain is the binding lectin composed of 262 amino acids, shaped like a barbell, and has a binding site specific for membrane sugars at each end (galactose and N-acetyl galactosamine).

使用Ricin is a toxin found in the seeds of the castor oil plant, Ricinnus communis. The plant is cultivated commercially for its oil, but is also widespread as a weed and used as an ornamental plant. Approximately 3–5% of the waste from castor oil production is ricin. The major uses of ricin are as a chemical warfare agent, as a tool in studies of cell surface properties, and experimentally in cancer research. Ricin-A conjugate has been used experimentally in AIDS research. Low concentrations of the powders (0.3%) are marketed as a mole killer. Its preferred use seems to be as an assassin’s weapon and there are documented cases of umbrellas being used as a means of injecting ricin into human targets. It has also been found at postal facilities and mailings to a US Senator’s office.