Extract
Botulinum neurotoxins are among the most potent toxins found in nature, and
are produced by Clostridium botulinum, an anaerobic, gram-positive,
spore-forming rod-shaped
bacterium1. There
are seven known serotypes of botulinum neurotoxins (termed A, B, C1, D, E, F,
G) that cleave soluble N-ethyl-maleimide-sensitive factor attachment receptor
(SNARE) proteins, preventing effective release of neurotransmitters across
specialized synaptic junctions. Blocking SNARE protein function within
neuromuscular junctions produces flaccid paralysis, results in anhidrosis
within sweat glands, and increases nutritional blood flow in vascular beds. On
the basis of these findings, it was hypothesized that controlled injections of
botulinum neurotoxins could be used to treat neuromuscular disorders. The
benefits of botulinum neurotoxin injections in the treatment of various
neurological disorders have captured the attention of physicians from multiple
specialties and have contributed to the widespread use of botulinum
neurotoxins in modern
medicine2.