Botulinum Toxin Type A: From Toxin to Therapeutic Agent
摘要
The botulinum toxin (BTX) is one of the most lethal poisons known to the mankind. With ho toxic qualities, it has proved to be a remarkable therapeutic agent for thousands of victims with a poorly understood group of neurological conditions characterized by uncontrollable, excessive and frequently painful muscular contractions. BTX is a presynaptic neuromuscular blocking agent. BTX, when injected intramuscularly in minute quantities, can produce selective muscle weakness followed by symptomatic relief with improved functional disability. It has been proved to be effective in the management of the strabismus, blepharospasm, hemifacial spasm, cervical dystonia, spasmodic dysphonia and the jaw closing dystonia. It may also be useful for a long list of medical conditions. In studies on various animal species have shown no serious adverse local or systemic reactions following intramuscular administration of the BTX at therapeutic closes. However, its safe dosage, long-term effects, all the use for children and in pregnancy, need further studies.