title: The Botulinum Toxin as a Therapeutic Agent: Molecular Structure and Mechanism of Action in Motor and Sensory Systems.
abstract: Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) produced by Clostridium botulinum is the most potent molecule known to mankind. Higher potency of BoNT is attributed to several factors, including structural and functional uniqueness, target specificity, and longevity. Although BoNT is an extremely toxic molecule, it is now increasingly used for the treatment of disorders related to muscle hyperactivity and glandular hyperactivity. Weakening of muscles due to peripheral action of BoNT produces a therapeutic effect. Depending on the target tissue, BoNT can block the cholinergic neuromuscular or cholinergic autonomic innervation of exocrine glands and smooth muscles. In recent observations of the analgesic properties of BoNT, the toxin modifies the sensory feedback loop to the central nervous system. Differential effects of BoNT in excitatory and inhibitory neurons provide a unique therapeutic tool. In this review the authors briefly summarize the structure and mechanism of actions of BoNT on motor and sensory neurons to explain its therapeutic effects and future potential.
authors: Botulinum Research Center, Institute of Advanced Sciences, Dartmouth, Massachusetts.
authors: Raj
authors: R
authors: Kumar
authors: Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Dartmouth, Massachusetts.
authors: Harkiran Preet
authors: HP
authors: Dhaliwal
authors: Botulinum Research Center, Institute of Advanced Sciences, Dartmouth, Massachusetts.
authors: Roshan Vijay
authors: RV
authors: Kukreja
authors: Botulinum Research Center, Institute of Advanced Sciences, Dartmouth, Massachusetts.
authors: Bal Ram
authors: BR
authors: Singh
mesh_terms: D065087:Acetylcholine Release Inhibitors / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D001905:Botulinum Toxins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D015394:Molecular Structure; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D017433:Protein Structure, Secondary; D011984:Sensory Receptor Cells / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D013569:Synapses / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D065087:Acetylcholine Release Inhibitors; D001905:Botulinum Toxins