Botulinum toxin

Botulinum toxin, or botulinum neurotoxin (commonly called botox), is a very powerful neurotoxic protein created by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It stops the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine from axon endings at the neuromuscular junction.

The neurotoxin creates flaccid paralysis. The toxin causes the disease botulism. The toxin is also used widely for medical and cosmetic reasons.

References

  1. ↑ Montecucco C, Molgó J (June 2005). "Botulinal neurotoxins: revival of an old killer". Current Opinion in Pharmacology. 5 (3): 274–279. doi:10.1016/j.coph.2004.12.006. PMID 15907915.
  2. ↑ Figgitt DP, Noble S (2002). "Botulinum toxin B: a review of its therapeutic potential in the management of cervical dystonia". Drugs. 62 (4): 705–722. doi:10.2165/00003495-200262040-00011. PMID 11893235. S2CID 46981635.