Botulin toxin is a neurotoxic protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is the most poisonous naturally occurring substance in the world. A single drop is capable of killing 50,000 people. Though it is highly toxic, it is used in minute doses both to treat painful muscle spasms, and as a cosmetic treatment in some parts of the world. It is sold commercially under the brand names Botox and Dysport for this purpose. The terms Botox and Dysport are trade names and are not used generically to describe the neurotoxins produced by Clostridia species.
History
The German physician and singer
Justinus Kerner called botulinum toxin "
sausage poison", as this bacterium often causes poisoning by growing in badly handled prepared meat products. He first conceived a possible therapeutic use of botulinum toxin. In
1870, Muller (another German physician) coined the name
botulism, from
Latin botulus = "sausage". In
1895, Emile Van Ermengem first isolated the bacterium
Clostridium botulinum. In
1944, Edward Schantz cultured
Clostridium botulinum and isolated the toxin, and, in
1949, Burgen's group discovered that botulinum toxin blocks neuromuscular transmission. Throughout the 1950s, the toxin was used experimentally in the medical cosmetic treatment of politicians. Then actor-turned-politician
Ronald Reagan is rumoured to be one of the earliest patients of this
microexpression-concealing procedure.
By 1973, Alan B Scott, MD, of Smith-Kettlewell Institute used botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) in monkey experiments, and, in 1980, he officially used BTX-A for the first time in humans to treat strabismus. In December 1989, BTX-A (BOTOX) was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of strabismus, blepharospasm, and hemifacial spasm in patients over 12 years old. The cosmetic effect of BTX-A was initially described by the Carruthers, a dermatologist/ophthalmologist husband and wife team although the effect had been observed by a number of independent groups. On April 15, 2002, the FDA announced the approval of botulinum toxin type A (BOTOX Cosmetic) to temporarily improve the appearance of moderate-to-severe frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines). BTX-A has also been approved for the treatment of excessive underarm sweating. The acceptance of BTX-A use for the treatment of spasticity and muscle pain disorders is growing, with approvals pending in many European countries and studies on headaches (including migraine), prostatic symptoms, asthma, obesity and many other possible indications are ongoing.
More on
[ Botulin toxin ]
Botulism :: Neuromuscular Junction Diseases
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Botox Cosmetic - Producer of Botulinum Toxin type A, offers information on treatment and answers to common questions, a searchable list of physicians, surveys, testimonials, and beauty tips.
Meta Description: [ The official Web site of BOTOX� Cosmetic (Botulinum Toxin Type A) explains how BOTOX� Cosmetic can reduce the severity of frown lines between the brows. Find out if BOTOX� Cosmetic is right for you and what to expect before, during, and after treatment. ]
Botulinum Toxin: A Poison That Can Heal - FDA Consumer magazine article from December 1995 authored by Luba Vangelova.
Meta Description: [ Botulinum Toxin: A Poison that Can Heal ]
MedlinePlus: Botulinum Toxin Type A (Parenteral-Local) - Provides information on usage, precautions, side effects and brand names when available. Data provided by government agencies and health-related organizations.
Meta Description: [ Botulinum Toxin Type A(Parenteral-Local) ]