Botulinum

Question 1

How does botulinum produce effects

Answer 1

Target neurones of the autonomic ns
Bind to high affinity peripheral cholinergic nerve terminals, enters cytoskeleton and cleave SNARE proteins blocking release of NT

Most neurotoxins - block presynaptic release of ACh at NMJ

Question 2

4 sites in the body botulinum attacks

Answer 2

NMJ
Autonomic ganglia
Post ganglionic parasympathetic nerve endings
Post ganglionic sympathetic nerve endings