Abrin
highly toxic ribosome-inactivating protein
Abrin is an extremely toxic toxalbumin found in the seeds of the rosary pea (or jequirity pea), Abrus precatorius. It has a median lethal dose of 0.7 micrograms per kilogram of body mass when given to mice intravenously (approximately 3.86 times more toxic than ricin, being 2.7 micrograms per kilogram). The median toxic dose for humans ranges from 10 to 1000 micrograms per kilogram when ingested and is 3.3 micrograms per kilogram when inhaled.
Abrin is a ribosome inhibiting protein like ricin, a toxin which can be found in the seeds of the castor oil plant, and pulchellin, a toxin which can be found in the seeds of Abrus pulchellus. Abrin is classed as a "select agent" under U.S. law.
Occurrence
Abrin is naturally produced exclusively by the rosary pea and constitutes approximately 0.08% of the plant's brightly colored seeds. The release of the toxin is inhibited by the seed coat; thus, if the seed coat is damaged or destroyed (for instance, by chewing), the toxin may be released.
Physical properties
Abrin is a water-soluble lectin. Abrin in powdered form is yellowish-white. It is a stable substance.
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