Neurotoxin - Mechanisms of Activity

Mechanisms of Activity

As neurotoxins are compounds which adversely affect the nervous system, a number of mechanisms through which they function are through the inhibition of neuron cellular processes. These inhibited processes can range from membrane depolarization mechanisms to inter-neuron communication. By inhibiting the ability for neurons to perform their expected intracellular functions, or pass a signal to a neighboring cell, neurotoxins can induce systemic nervous system arrest as in the case of botulinum toxin, or even nervous tissue death. The time required for the onset of symptoms upon neurotoxin exposure can vary between different toxins, being on the order of hours for botulinum toxin and years for lead.

Neurotoxin classification Neurotoxins
Na channel inhibitors Tetrodotoxin
K channel inhibitors Tetraethylammonium
Cl channel inhibitors Chlorotoxin, curare
Ca channel inhibitors Conotoxin
Inhibitors of synaptic vesicle release Botulinum toxin, tetanus toxin
Receptor inhibitors Bungarotoxin
Blood brain barrier inhibitors Aluminium, mercury
Cytoskeleton interference Arsenic, ammonia
Ca-mediated cytotoxicity Lead
Multiple effects Ethanol
Endogenous neurotoxin sources Nitric oxide, glutamate

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