Changes

Jump to navigation Jump to search
275 bytes added ,  20:20, October 6, 2008
no edit summary
Line 1: Line 1: −
'''Botulinum toxin''' is a poisonous neurotoxin [[protein]] which is produced by the [[bacterium]] ''Clostridium botulinum''. It is one of the most poisonous naturally-occurring substances, and can be fatal if ingested. Despite its high toxicity it is used in small amounts as a cosmetic treatment to reduce [[wrinkle]]s and is known as botox.  
+
'''Botulinum toxin''' is a poisonous neurotoxin [[protein]] which is produced by the [[bacterium]] ''Clostridium botulinum''. It is one of the most poisonous naturally-occurring substances, and can be fatal if ingested. It interferes with [[neuron]] transmission, which can keep muscles from contracting.  When used in small amounts it can be medically useful to treat uncontrollable muscle spasms in conditions such as torticollis and spasmodic dysphonia.  The most publicized use, however, is purely cosmetic: it can be used to smooth out facial wrinkles, and for this use it is often known by the trade name Botox.
 +
 
    
[[Category:Medicine]]
 
[[Category:Medicine]]
 
[[Category:Poisons]]
 
[[Category:Poisons]]
389

edits

Navigation menu