Botox :: Botulin toxin – Medical uses of botox
Botulin toxin or botox is the toxic compound produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is a protease that breaks down one of the fusion proteins (docking proteins that anchor the vesicle to the membrane) that allow neurons to release acetylcholine at a neuromuscular junction. By inhibiting acetylcholine release, the toxin interferes with nerve impulses and causes paralysis of muscles in botulism.