The alpha-like toxin family of scorpion toxins occupies the receptor site 3 of voltage-gated sodium channels. Receptor site 3 is located between segments 3 and 4 of the alpha subunit of the voltage-gated sodium channel. Mechanically, alpha-like scorpion toxins prevent the normal gating movement of the sodium channel S4 segment by changing its conformational properties. This leads to delayed channel inactivation, which prolongs the depolarization phase of the action potential.
