Botulinum toxin in neurological diseases

Abstract EN

Botulinum neurotoxin is produced by the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium botulinum.

It is the most poisonous biological substance known.

Very small amounts of botulinum toxin can lead to botulism, a descending paralysis with prominent bulbar symptoms and often affecting the autonomic nervous system.

Previously known only as a cause of a serious and often fatal paralysis acquired through ingestion of contaminated food, the toxin recently has been used for medicinal and cosmetic purpose.

The toxin causes paralysis by blocking the presynaptic release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction.

Botulinum toxin A was first approved by US Food and Drug Administration in the year 1989.

to treat two eye muscle disorders (blepharospasm and strabismus) and in the year 2000 to treat cervical dystonia, a neurological movement disorder causing severe neck and shoulder contractions.

The use of botulinum toxin has further expanded and now it is being used as a safe and effective way to treat several neuromuscular disorders and to reduce facial wrinkles without surgery.

Research is underway to use botulinum toxin for drug delivery, migraine.

Alzheimer and treatment of cancer.

Its effectiveness in the treatment of various neuromuscular diseases and its multi therapeutic uses has placed the toxin on top of new drug development list.