Actualités sur l’utilisation des toxines botuliques

Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin produced by the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Of the seven serotypes (A through G), A, B, and E have been implicated in the occurrence of botulinism. Only A and B are used for therapeutic purposes. Botulinum toxins bind irreversibly to the presynaptic receptors at the neuromuscular junction, thereby inhibiting acetylcholine release. Although this permanently inactivates the neuromuscular junction, collaterals grow and form new junctions within a few weeks or months, so that the effect of the injections is temporary.