The voltage-gated sodium channel is the site of action of more than six classes of neurotoxins and drugs that alter its function by interaction with distinct, allosterically coupled receptor sites. Batrachotoxin (BTX) is a steroidal alkaloid that binds to neurotoxin receptor site 2 and causes persistent activation. BTX binding is inhibited allosterically by local anesthetics. We have investigat...

Many poisonous organisms carry small-molecule toxins that alter voltage-gated sodium channel (NaV) function. Among these, batrachotoxin (BTX) from Pitohui poison birds and Phyllobates frogs stands out because of its lethality unusual effects on NaV How these toxin-bearing avoid autointoxication remains poorly understood. In frogs, a DIVS6 pore-forming helix N-to-T mutation has been proposed as ...

This is a concise review of the uses of botulinum toxins (BTXs) in dermatology and cosmetic procedures. It is a clinical rather than a basic science, pharmacological review. BTX had been initially used for selectively reducing and balancing periorbital muscle activity; thereby, reducing childhood strabismus and blepharospasm. This clinical research was initiated by Dr. Alan Scott over 40 years ...

Botulinum toxin (BTX) is widely used in different areas of medicine. Its major and most obvious effect consists in the block of acetylcholine-mediated nerve-to-muscle signaling transmission determining the unique efficacy of BTX used for treatment of neurological disorders related to muscle hypertonicity and spasticity. BTX-induced transient relaxation of the facial muscles used for elimination...

OBJECTIVE To assess the effect on freezing of gait (FOG) of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) injections in advanced Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. METHOD BTX-A 150 IU or normal saline was injected into each leg's calf muscles by a blinded investigator. FOG severity was assessed at set intervals (6-month follow-up). RESULTS Eleven age- and disease severity-matched PD patients with disablin...

BACKGROUND The injection of botulinum toxin (BTX) to reduce facial wrinkles is one of the most frequently performed plastic surgery procedures. The biocompatible hydrogels are injected with BTX for effective tissue augmentation. However, it is difficult to determine the interval of injection for effective tissue augmentation. METHOD BTX and hyaluronate (HA) hydrogels were labeled with zwitter...

To establish whether botulinum A toxin (BTX-A) acts on modifying reciprocal inhibition between forearm muscles in spasticity, 20 patients with post-stroke upper limb spasticity lasting for more than 1 year were studied. Clinical examination, physiotherapeutic evaluation, standardized video-tape assessment and electrophysiological testing (flexor carpi radialis muscle M and H responses with stud...

10.1586/14750708.3.5.591 © 2 Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) has recently emerged as an effective therapeutic option to control palmar hyperhidrosis. The main problem with this treatment is the intense pain felt by the patient during the penetration of the needle to inject BTX-A into the densely innervated skin of the palm. Injection of needle-free lidocaine, delivered through a needle-free devi...

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to compare the expression levels of p65 and S100 in the rat masseter muscle after the injection of different concentrations of botulinum toxin-A (BTX-A). METHODS We injected either 5 or 10 U of BTX-A into both masseter muscle of rats. As a control group, the same volume of saline was injected. After 14 days, the animals were sacrificed. Subsequently, a...

BACKGROUND There are numerous clinical and experimental studies reporting unfavourable effects of cigarette smoke on skin flaps. OBJECTIVE To investigate whether unfavourable effects of cigarette smoke on flap survival could be reduced by botulinum toxin type A. METHODS Twenty-eight male Wistar albino rats (15 months of age, mean weight 210 g [range 180 g to 230 g]) were included. They were...