Difference between revisions of "Botulinum toxin"
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| − | '''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. | + | '''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. |
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[[Category:Medicine]] | [[Category:Medicine]] | ||
[[Category:Poisons]] | [[Category:Poisons]] | ||
Revision as of 20:20, October 6, 2008
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.