NEUROTOXINS

Neurotoxin effectively means "nerve poison". Neurotoxins act directly on neurons

or nerve cells by interfering with membrane proteins and ion channels.

A neuron carries a signal as a miniature electric current. Ions carry charges, and
when they move across the cell membrane in a specific region of a neuron at a rapid rate
they change the electrical potential in that region. The rapid movement of ions migrates
along the neuron and propagates an electrical signal (action potential). When this signal
reaches the end of the neuron, it must trigger a response in the next neuron. In a few
cases, neurons are packed closely enough so that the charge associated with the moving
action potential directly excites the next neuron. In most cases, the first neuron releases
chemicals called neurotransmitters that diffuse across a small gap (synaptic cleft) and
interact with the next neuron, triggering its response. Many neurotoxins, work by
disrupting this communication process.

There are two common mechanisms by which nerve signaling is disrupted. The
cell that receives the signal does so when receptors within its membrane interact with the
neurotransmitters. Some neurotoxins act by blocking these receptors, making it
impossible for them to receive signals. When signaling stops, nerve function is impaired
or eliminated and, the neurotoxin has caused its damage.

There are special enzymes in the synaptic cleft that break down certain neuro
transmitters. Some neurotoxins block the actions of the hydrolytic enzymes, thereby
preventing the removal of acetylcholine, leading to continuous stimulation of the neurons
and, ultimately, cell death.

The effect of various neurtoxins on the brain's neurons depends primarily on the
dosage, but typically results in loss of muscle control, loss of mental abilities, loss of
feeling and, sometimes loss of consciousness. Low levels of ethanol, for instance, are
mildly neurotoxic and result only in drunkenness, not poisoning; but prolonged exposure
to it weakens and kills neurons.

Exogenous neurotoxins

Toxins ingested from the environment are described as exogenous and include
gases (such as carbon monoxide), metals (mercury),liquids (ethanol) and numerous
solids. Many neurotoxins are found in plant and animal matter found in nature; for
example the neurotoxin aesculin is found in the horse chestnut (Aesculus
hippocastanum), and the California buckeye tree. When exogenous toxins are ingested,
the effect on neurons is largely dependent on dosage.

Endogenous neurotoxins

Neurotoxicity also occurs from substances produced within the body, known as
endogenous neurotoxins. An example of an endogenous neurotoxin is the primary
 neurotransmitter glutamate, which, when levels reach too high, can result in
excitotoxicity and cause neuronal death by apoptosis.

Some of the common neurotoxins found in day-to-day life are:

Neurotoxin Found in
Albuterol Breathing medicine
Aflatoxins Peanuts
Captopril Blood pressure medicine
Codeine Phosphate Cough syrup
Digoxin Heart drug
Fluoxetine Prozac
Ethanol Alcohol

Neurotoxins are found in venoms of animals and reptiles for their defense, where
the animals inject their venoms and paralyze. The most common effect of the neurotoxins
used by organisms is rapid-setting paralysis, useful to snakes and other venomous
predators as it keeps the prey from running away.

Below are some neurotoxins and their action on the nervous system.

Name of the toxin Source Neuronal Action

Apamin Honey bee Blocks potassium channels
Anatoxin Algae Acetyl choline receptor agonist
Agitoxin Scorpian Blocks potassium channels
Capsaicin Cayenne Pepper Excites peripheral nerve
endings
Cobrotoxin Cobra Blocks nicotinic receptors
Phoneutriatoxin Banana spider Slows sodium channel
activation
Ciguatoxin Dinoflagellate Opens sodium channels
Botulinum toxin Bacteria Blocks acetyl choline release
Philathotoxin Predaceous Wasp Blocks glutamate receptors
Homobatrachotoxin Pitohui (bird) Activates sodium channels
rTamapin Indian Red Scorpion Blocks potassium channels
Tetrodotoxin (TTX) Pufferfish Blocks sodium channels

Neurotoxins from blue-green algae present in certain foods or water can

accumulate in proteins and might cause brain diseases like Alzheimer's after many years,
suggests a new study.

By
Anand.D
Source: Internet (I MSc)