botulinum neurotoxin

Botulinum neurotoxin is a potent protein neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It acts as an acetylcholine release inhibitor and neuromuscular blocking agent. The primary mechanism involves binding to presynaptic cholinergic nerve terminals and cleaving SNARE proteins (notably SNAP-25), which are essential for vesicle fusion and neurotransmitter (acetylcholine) release at the neuromuscular junction. This results in temporary flaccid paralysis of targeted muscles or inhibition of glandular secretion. Botulinum neurotoxins are used therapeutically for a wide range of conditions including chronic migraine, spasticity disorders (such as cervical dystonia), blepharospasm, strabismus, overactive bladder/incontinence due to neurologic disease or idiopathic causes, severe axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), and cosmetic reduction of facial wrinkles[1][2][3][4][5][6]. There are several serotypes; types A and B have clinical applications.

Brand names

BotoxDysportXeominMyoblocJeuveau

Other names

botulinum toxinBTXClostridium botulinum toxin