Neurotoxic substance

Neurotoxic substances comprise an extensive and diverse group of natural or synthetic agents, such as metals (lead, mercury), pesticides, solvents, toxins (botulinum, tetrodotoxin), and even certain endogenous neurotransmitters (at excess) that can damage the structure or function of the central and peripheral nervous systems. They exert their effects via numerous molecular mechanisms—blocking ion channels, interfering with neurotransmitter release or receptor function, inducing oxidative stress, and triggering neuronal death. Neurotoxic substances are not a single molecule, receptor, or canonical therapeutic target, but rather a functional classification based on their capacity to cause neurotoxicity. They are implicated in a wide array of disease roles, most notably neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders, and present major occupational and public health risks.

Other names

Neurotoxinneurotoxicantneurotoxic chemicalneurotoxicity-inducing agent

Ion channel blockade (e.g., sodium channel by tetrodotoxin); Receptor antagonism (e.g., acetylcholine receptor blockade by curare, α-neurotoxin); Disruption of neurotransmitter release (e.g., botulinum toxin blocks acetylcholine release); Promotion of excitotoxicity (e.g., excessive glutamate activation); Induction of oxidative stress; Induction of apoptosis via mitochondrial dysfunction; Covalent modification of neuronal proteins; Impairment of energy metabolism; Disruption of cytoskeleton