Intramuscular administration of botulinum toxin acts at the neuromuscular junction to cause muscle paralysis by inhibiting the release of acetylcholine from presynaptic motor neurons.
How does botulism affect muscle function?
Botulism is a serious illness that affects the nervous system. It occurs when poisonous substances called botulinum toxins produce skeletal muscle paralysis. This paralysis can affect the muscles that help you move and breathe.
How does botulinum toxin affect skeletal muscle?
Botulinum toxin works by blocking the release of acetylcholine from presynaptic motor neurons, and this chemical denervation causes a cascade of downstream events in the muscle thus causing muscle paralysis16.
Why does botulism cause flaccid paralysis?
The flaccid paralysis of botulism is the result of irreversible inhibition of acetylcholine (ACh) release at the presynaptic nerve terminal of the body's neuromuscular junctions (NMJs).
Does botulism cause paralysis?
organisms. Botulism (“BOT-choo-liz-um”) is a rare but serious illness caused by a toxin that attacks the body's nerves and causes difficulty breathing, muscle paralysis, and even death. This toxin is made by Clostridium botulinum and sometimes Clostridium butyricum and Clostridium baratii bacteria.
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