Botulinum toxin

group of eight neurotoxic proteins produced by Clostridium botulinum

Botulinum toxin, or botulinum neurotoxin (commonly called botox), is a very powerful neurotoxic protein created by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.[1] It stops the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine from axon endings at the neuromuscular junction.

The neurotoxin creates flaccid paralysis.[2] The toxin causes the disease botulism. The toxin is also used widely for medical and cosmetic reasons.

References

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  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.