An isolated, synthetic or recombinant X-conotoxin peptide having the
ability to inhibit neuronal amine transporter comprising the following
sequence of amino acids: Cys Cys Gly Tyr Lys Leu Cys Xaa5 Xaa6 Cys, SEQ
ID NO:3, where Xaa5 and Xaa6 are independently absent or represent any
amino acid residue except Cys; or a sequence in which Gly, Tyr, Lys or
Leu are subject to conservative amino acid substitution or side chain
modification with the proviso that the peptide is not MrIA, MrIB, Mar2,
CMrVIA, Bn1.5, Mr1.3 or Au1.4; or a salt, ester, amide, prodrug or
cyclised derivative thereof.