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 |
Read more about this topic: Neurotoxin
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