Neurotoxins Acting at Synaptic Sites: A Brief Review on Mechanisms and Clinical Applications

The document reviews the mechanisms and clinical applications of neurotoxins that act at synaptic sites. Neurotoxins can inhibit or promote the release of neurotransmitters, affecting physiological functions and biological processes. They are categorized into presynaptic and postsynaptic neurotoxins, each with different actions and effects. The document highlights the use of botulinum toxins (BoNTs) and tetanus neurotoxin (TeNT) in treating conditions like dystonic muscle contractions, chronic pain, neuroinflammation, depression, skin diseases, and alopecia. Other neurotoxins, such as α-latrotoxin and snake presynaptic neurotoxins, have potential applications in treating metabolic diseases and cancer. The document also discusses the potential therapeutic ability of α-neurotoxins for muscle-associated diseases and their potential anticancer effects. However, the mechanisms behind these therapeutic effects require further exploration.