Theoretical Usage of Neurotoxins to Treat Neuromuscular Junction Disorders and Diseases

Abstract

Neuromuscular Junction Diseases and Disorders pose significant challenges to those who are affected by them. This paper aims to explore the therapeutic use of neurotoxins, Botulinum Neurotoxin (BoNT) and alpha-latrotoxin. We specifically look at acetylcholine and calcium ions and their interplay at neuromuscular junctions. The diseases/disorders that are studied are cholinergic crisis and Lambert Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome (LEMS). We conducted a thorough review of relevant medical and scientific literature. The information that was attained was used to support claims, draw conclusions, and establish a significant correlation between claims and data points. Our research revealed that Botulinum Neurotoxin(BoNT) may be able to treat patients suffering from a cholinergic crisis by regulating the diffusion of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft. It also revealed that alpha-latrotoxin may be used to reactivate acetylcholinesterase, by providing an influx of calcium ions. It also revealed that alpha-latrotoxin can help treat patients with LEMS by lengthening the duration of a phenomenon called post-activation facilitation. The final conclusion was that the evidence gathered during this research gives us theoretical means to treat neuromuscular junction diseases and disorders through the application of neurotoxins.