Neurotoxin

A substance that damages or disrupts the nervous system, often by interfering with nerve-cell signaling. Neurotoxins can be produced by organisms or arise from synthetic chemicals.

Voltage-gated sodium channel: A membrane protein that opens in response to voltage changes, allowing sodium ions to cross cell membranes. Tetrodotoxin and saxitoxin disrupt nerve impulses by blocking these channels.
Botulinum toxin: A bacterial protein toxin that blocks acetylcholine release at neuromuscular junctions. It causes flaccid paralysis by preventing muscles from receiving motor commands.
Botulinum toxin therapy: The medical use of purified botulinum toxin to reduce muscle activity or treat selected disorders. Controlled local dosing turns a powerful neurotoxin into a treatment for spasticity and other conditions.
Dose–response relationship: The relationship between the amount of an exposure and the magnitude or probability of its effects. It helps distinguish harmful exposure levels from effects that occur only at higher doses.
Acetylcholinesterase: An enzyme that ends acetylcholine signaling by breaking the neurotransmitter down in synapses. Organophosphate neurotoxins cause acetylcholine to accumulate by inhibiting this enzyme.
Tetanus toxin: A bacterial protein toxin that blocks inhibitory neurotransmitter release in the central nervous system. Its disruption of inhibition produces the muscle rigidity and spasms of tetanus.
Antivenom: An antibody preparation used to neutralize toxins in venom after a bite or sting. Some venoms contain neurotoxins, making antivenom a time-sensitive countermeasure.
Developmental neurotoxicity: Adverse effects of chemical exposure on the developing nervous system. Exposure during sensitive developmental periods can have lasting effects unlike adult exposure.
Synaptic vesicle: A membrane-bound sac that stores neurotransmitters for release from a neuron. Botulinum toxin prevents neurotransmitter release by disrupting vesicle fusion.
Tetrodotoxin: A potent toxin that blocks voltage-gated sodium channels and occurs in pufferfish and other animals. It can cause paralysis by stopping action potentials in nerves and muscles.

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