It is a presynaptic neurotoxin, specific to mammals.

In vertebrates, it binds with high affinity to presynaptic membranes. There, it stimulates neurotransmitter release from nerve endings and induces Ca²⁺ influx. It forms cation selective channels in bilayer and causes fusion of lipid membranes. The biological activity on nerve endings occurs at 10^-10-10^-9 M.

It can be stored at 4 °C in presence of sodium azide up to 0.5 mg/ml during one month without any loss of activity or protein aggregation.
A small amount of the lyophilized product cannot be dissolved.
Repeating thawings and freezings causes a partial loss of activity.

For research use only — not intended for food, diagnostic or therapeutic use