A is the most widely studied. The toxin is synthesized during cell growth and is released during cell lysis. Outbreaks of botulism occur when people ingest foods contaminated with the neurotoxin.
Botulinum toxin is the most potent known biological toxin.
The toxin acts by interfering with presynaptic acetylcholine release at cholinergic nerve terminals. As a result, contraction of skeletal muscle fibers is prevented. Botulinum intoxicated muscle reacts almost identically to surgically denervated muscle. Muscle paralysis is dose-dependent and reversible. Dr. Scott is the first investigator to use injections of Botulinum-A toxin as a therapeutic agent in a clinical application.