The Pharmacology of Botulinum Toxin Type A

Abstract

The aim of this chapter is to structure current information clarifying the most disputable issues of botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A) pharmacology after systemic (botulism) impact and local medical application. Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) pharmacological features evaluated open ways to study factors affecting its biological activity: to extend/shorten its effect duration, to increase/decrease BoNT sensitivity in specific patient populations. The chapter presents unique molecular mechanisms underlying BoNT/A pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics: entering the body, distribution, receptor binding, translocation, mediator release suppression, zinc metabolism as well as factors affecting body sensitivity to BoNT at each of those stages. The specific biological effects of BoNT/A, which may underlie its analgesic, anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects, are described. Botulinum neurotoxin pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics features discussed herein represent significant clinical relevance since they determine botulinum treatment safety and effectiveness. And also they open ways to develop both BoNT-based therapies and anti-botulinic agents.