Botulinum Toxin and Neuronal Regeneration after Traumatic Injury of Central and Peripheral Nervous System

Toxins, 2020 · DOI: 10.3390/toxins12070434 · Published: July 2, 2020

Simple Explanation

Botulinum toxins (BoNTs) are produced by Clostridium botulinum and work by blocking nerve signals. This blocking action has led to their use in treating muscle spasms and as a cosmetic treatment for wrinkles. BoNTs have also been found to be effective in treating neurological disorders and pain conditions. Recent studies suggest BoNTs may help with nerve regeneration after traumatic injuries to the peripheral and central nervous systems. This review explores how BoNTs, particularly serotypes A and B, can potentially aid nerve regeneration following traumatic nerve injuries.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Level 5, Review

Key Findings

1
BoNT/A has shown potential in promoting axonal regeneration after peripheral nerve injury (PNI), which was observed from experimental and clinical data.
2
In animal models of spinal cord injury (SCI), botulinum neurotoxins have shown promising outcomes, which will be discussed in the second part of this review.
3
Intraneural injections of BoNT/A increased the speed of axonal elongation and the number of regenerated myelin fibers after the complete crushing of the sciatic nerve.

Research Summary

This review summarizes recent experimental findings on the potential efficacy of BoNTs in favoring nerve regeneration after traumatic injury in the peripheral nervous system, such as the injury of peripheral nerves, like sciatic nerve, and in the central nervous system, such as spinal cord injury. Experimental evidences in favor of regenerative eﬀects of BoNTs on injured peripheral nerves came from studies on animal models which are useful to investigate the mechanisms related to axonal regeneration and tissue reinnervation. The botulinum toxin in a medical context relevant for therapeutic treatment of SCI has so far been considered for the treatment of urological complications related to spinal trauma at the lumbosacral level.

Practical Implications

Peripheral Nerve Injury Treatment

BoNT/A may enhance motor axon regeneration in nerve transfer surgery.

Spinal Cord Injury Therapy

BoNT/A has a never demonstrated before, in neuroprotection and promotion of spinal cord regeneration in a mouse model of SCI

Analgesic Applications

BoNT/B exerts analgesic effects on allodynia, similarly to BoNT/A, but does not exert beneficial action on functional recovery of the injured hind limb

Study Limitations

1
More research needed to understand the phenomena associated with nerve regeneration
2
Clinical translation requires more investigation into molecular events for spinal cord regeneration
3
Limited research on BoNT/B or other serotypes besides BoNT/A in peripheral nerve regeneration

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Pharmacology